Was this your first time in the competition?
No, it’s my second. Last year I didn’t even pass the first round.

Why do you think you failed in last year’s contest?
Because I didn’t truly know what “flair” was. I was a bit upset, but it was my own fault for not studying enough. I did more homework this time. I prepared for two months, paying more attention to the soundtrack and on pouring drinks and juggling bottles.

Why do you think you won this time?
Calmness, maybe. I was calmer in the performance than the others. Personality, too.

What are the cocktails you made in the contest?
Bacardi Gossip and Barcadi Whisper. They are scented and sweet and sour—good for the ladies.

Is it different, making cocktails in Amanpuri and in Bangkok?
Of course. Amanpuri is a simple, quiet resort for businessmen who don’t want hustle and bustle. It’s more serene, so cocktails are mostly frozen ones. Bangkok cocktails should be more colorful.

Have you ever been to Italy? How do you feel about going there?
Never. I am very excited to go to the international stage. I have no pressure. I will go to gain more experience and learn new things so I can come back to improve
my own skill.

How did you prepare for the international competition?
I needed to prepare a lot more. There, I know nobody so no one can help me. I will have to do everything myself.

What is your career goal?
It may be opening a bartending school and teaching a new generation of bartenders. I have experience, knowledge and skill, so I want to pass on all my knowledge.

Why do you think cocktails aren’t very popular among Thai people?
I think they don’t understand what a cocktail is. It’s not just soda, whisky and bottoms up! It’s an art. It’s not just drinking to get drunk. Drinking cocktails, you have to enjoy the smell and the feel of it, in a romantic way.