Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

Four Seasons Tenure

• Since 2011
• First Four Seasons Assignment: Current

Employment History

• The Empress Hotel in Chiang Mai

Education

• Agriculture Faculty, Naresuan University

Birthplace

• Phrae, Thailand

Languages Spoken

• Thai, English

Born and raised in the province of Phrae, Suwattana’s passion for Thai culture and gastronomic traditions started at an early age. Working at his mother’s café after school, he learned the art of traditional Northern Thai cooking at a grassroots level. It was no surprise that he decided to pursue a career in culinary arts, and joined a government-based vocational program at the Department of Skill Development.

His professional career began with an internship at the Thai Airways Restaurant at Chiang Mai International Airport, preparing classic Thai recipes for travellers and locals alike. With a desire to work in the hospitality industry, he joined Empress Hotel in Chiang Mai as a cook before joining the experienced culinary team at Four Seasons Chiang Mai in March 2011 as an apprentice.

Having performed exceptionally under the guidance of the Resort’s Thai Master Chef, he grew through the ranks and was eventually promoted to Assistant Thai Chef Instructor of the Rim Tai Kitchen Cooking Academy in 2014. An expert in conducting culinary training, demonstrations and market tours, Chef Tor – as he is fondly nicknamed – is well-loved by guests and peers alike for his lively, interactive sessions. Always smiling and with a quick wit, the lessons at Rim Tai Kitchen Cooking Academy are highlighted by his hands-on approach to learning the basics of Thai cuisine. “Fill the cooking class with fun and joy,” is his mantra, “that will bring the soul to the food!”

As the Thai Chef Instructor / Chef de Partie, Chef Tor has curated a robust program of culinary lessons including plant-based Thai menu concepts. “Most people can’t imagine Thai cuisine without the key ingredients – sugar, fish sauce, shrimps, etc,” he smiles. “The menu at our Cooking Academy gives guests an opportunity to go beyond the ordinary and take home a souvenir that can also support their journey of well-being.”

Besides his passion for all things culinary, Chef Tor enjoys is off days visiting new places and café hopping. With perfect weather for most parts of the year to motorcycle around the region, he enjoys exploring the hills and the countryside. “I find my inspiration here,” he shares, “Chiang Mai is so diverse – with farms, seasonal produce and great chefs experimenting with different cuisine. No better place to be a chef than here!”