Stelliers Asia 2026 Names 10 Thai Hoteliers Among Winners, Launches Maison Stelliers

Stelliers, the organisation behind the Asia hospitality industry's professional awards rankings, announced the winners of the Stelliers Asia 2026 awards at a ceremony held on Friday 25 September 2026 at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. The event also marked the launch of a new community called Maison Stelliers, designed to connect hospitality professionals across the region throughout the year rather than only during the annual awards season. The event was supported by NORDAQ and was attended by a large number of hotel executives, finalists and hospitality industry partners from across Asia.

Maison Stelliers Launched to Connect Hoteliers Year-Round

In addition to presenting the annual awards, Stelliers also launched the Maison Stelliers community, open to hospitality professionals at every level, from those starting out in their careers to senior executives. The community is intended to provide a space for discussion and the exchange of ideas, for discovering new opportunities, and for supporting growth across organisations and borders.

Stéphane de Montgros, co-founder of Stelliers, said the aim of Maison Stelliers is to ensure that everyone working in hospitality feels seen and valued for the work they do every day, and is supported in stepping into leadership roles in their careers.

10 Thai Hoteliers Win Regional Awards

This year's winners were selected by a panel of industry experts based on their professional achievements, leadership skills, and the impact they have had on their organisations, guests and local communities. There were 25 award categories in total, and 10 of the winners were from Thailand:

• Somporn Kiabutr, Butler of the Year, from Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
• Boonchuay Kiatbidakul, Engineering Team of the Year, from Marriott Chiang Mai
• Natthanon Araya, Finance Team of the Year, from Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town and Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa Nai Yang Beach
• Anusit Wisedkarn, Food and Beverage Team of the Year, from Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
• Duangkamol Kongsuwan, Front Office Team of the Year, from Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort
• Phisan Kanjanavanit, Sustainable Hotel Team of the Year, from Capella Bangkok
• Phacharaphan Raksapakdee, Food Hygiene and Safety Team of the Year, from Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
• Chanyanuch Yodsuwan, Mixologist of the Year, from Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River
• Pongsathorn Chularat, Security Team of the Year, from Capella Bangkok
• Pornchai Sawatsri, Unsung Hero of the Year, from The Peninsula Bangkok

Among the most notable winners was Pornchai Sawatsri, known as Captain Paul, who has served as the boat captain for The Peninsula Bangkok's guest shuttle boats, ferrying guests across the Chao Phraya River between the hotel and various piers around Bangkok, for more than 25 years. The warmth and care he shows on every trip has left a lasting impression on guests who return again and again, earning him the Unsung Hero of the Year award.

This is of interest to hospitality professionals looking for examples of success among their peers, as well as to hotel executives and event organisers in the service sector who follow standards and the recognition of talent across the Asia region.