The Role of the Food and Beverage Management Association of Thailand In Advancing Bartender Competitions from the National Stage to ASEAN and Global Levels

The Food and Beverage Management Association of Thailand (FBMAT) has long played a vital role in promoting, developing, and elevating professional standards within Thailand’s food and beverage industry. Among its key initiatives, the advancement of the bartending profession has been recognized as a strategic priority, as bartending requires not only technical expertise but also creativity, international knowledge, service excellence, and cultural understanding.

The Association’s involvement in bartender competitions dates back to the period when the organization operated as the Food and Beverage Management Club. At that time, the primary objective was to create a professional platform where bartenders could demonstrate their skills, exchange knowledge, and raise industry standards in a tangible and sustainable manner. To achieve this, the Club collaborated closely with Kavin Intertrade Co., Ltd., the organizer of TRAFS – Thailand Retail, Food & Hospitality Services, one of Thailand’s leading hospitality trade shows, traditionally held at BITEC Bangna on an annual basis.

These competitions consistently attracted highly skilled bartenders from across the country, fostering professional exchange, innovation, and continuous improvement, while significantly contributing to the overall development of Thailand’s bartending standards.

Establishment of the Association and Structural Advancement

In mid-2017, the author was entrusted with the position of President of the Food and Beverage Management Club. At the same time, the President Advisor requested the formal establishment of the organization as an association, with the objective of creating a clear, stable, and sustainable governance structure for the long-term development of food and beverage professionals in Thailand.

The Food and Beverage Management Association of Thailand was formally established in October 2017. Since then, the Association has continuously organized bartender competitions on an annual basis, in collaboration with Siam Dragon Co., Ltd., ensuring a more systematic, professional, and standardized approach to competition management.

Bartender Competition 2025 (B.E. 2568): Expanding Opportunities for Vocational Students

The year 2025 (B.E. 2568) marked a significant milestone for the Association, as FBMAT took on the role of official organizer of the bartender competition. The event was held at BITEC Bangna, and in the same year, the Association was honored to receive a Royal Privy Council Trophy, awarded as the highest distinction to recognize excellence and professionalism among the competitors.

The competition was also hosted at Pantip Pratunam, representing a major expansion of scope, as the Association officially opened participation to vocational students nationwide, including both Vocational Certificate (Por Wor Chor) and Higher Vocational Certificate (Por Wor Sor) levels. This initiative aimed to provide early professional exposure and motivation for students pursuing careers in food and beverage services.

The success of the competition was made possible through strong collaboration among multiple stakeholders, particularly Sarapad Chang College, with special appreciation extended to Ms. Benjawan Pokpong, Director, for her vital support in publicizing and disseminating information to vocational institutions throughout the country. As a result, the competition held in August 2025 achieved outstanding success in terms of participation, quality of performances, and positive industry response.

Later that same year, the Association organized another bartender competition at Muang Thong Arena, as part of the ASEAN Shop Exhibition, which attracted significant interest from regional professionals and industry leaders. This event further reinforced Thailand’s potential in developing bartending professionals capable of competing at the ASEAN level.

The Association’s Vision for Sustainable Professional Development

FBMAT firmly believes that competitions are not an end in themselves, but rather a starting point for long-term professional growth. The Association therefore places strong emphasis on continuous learning through structured training programs, seminars, and workshops covering food and beverage operations, beverage innovation, service excellence, and management skills.

To ensure broad access to professional development opportunities, FBMAT regularly communicates its activities and educational programs through its Facebook page, official website, and Line Official Account, enabling members, professionals, and interested individuals to stay informed and actively participate.

Conclusion

Over the years, the Food and Beverage Management Association of Thailand has served as a central professional body dedicated to advancing the nation’s food and beverage workforce. Bartender competitions organized and supported by the Association are not merely contests of skill, but strategic platforms for professional development, inspiration, and career progression.

Through these initiatives, FBMAT continues to build a strong foundation for Thai food and beverage professionals, empowering them to advance confidently onto the ASEAN and global stages while contributing to the sustainable growth of the industry.

Official Attribution

Published by
Food and Beverage Management Association of Thailand

Author
Charlie Tangbholbhisuthi

Position
President, Food and Beverage Management Association of Thailand