Fresh from being voted Asia’s Best Female Chef and winning a Michelin star, chef Bongkoch “Bee” Satongun has announced she’s leaving Paste at Gaysorn, the restaurant she created with husband Jason Bailey.

Chef Bee made the shock announcement in a public Facebook post today:

The post reads, "After alot (sic) of deep consideration I will be moving on from Paste at Gayson as I have another dream that requires a very different energy and enviroment to be able to execute it in. I'm currently looking for another Head Chef to replace me. If you think you have got what it takes please email your resume and introduction to: [email protected]"

The announcement brings to a screeching halt what had been a miraculous 12 months for the Thai revivalist kitchen, which gained a Michelin star in the inaugural Thailand Michelin guide and a top 10 finish in Top Tables 2018, to go with chef Bee's Asia's Best Female Chef 2018 award.

We attempted to reach chef Bee for further comment, but she and Bailey both appear to be overseas.

Her departure follows that of Paste's sommelier, Greg Plowes, who declined to comment on the latest development. 

We did however have a chance to speak with Bee earlier this year following her Asia's 50 Best win, when she seemed upbeat about what had been a rough road to success for the restaurant.

"When we first opened [Paste] in Sukhumvit Soi 49, we were empty for almost three months," Bee told us. "We would turn on some music and still nobody would come, but we just kept going." 

The restaurant found new steam in 2015 with backing from Gaysorn Group, moving into a glamorous new space inside the luxury mall. 

A representative from Gaysorn Plaza could also not be reached for comment.