Fondly referred to as “Boss,” the 2025 World Cup Tasters Champion shares his ideas on changing into the primary Thai competitor to ever win a World Espresso Championship.
BY ISABELLE MANI
BARISTA MAGAZINE ONLINE
Images courtesy of the Specialty Espresso Affiliation
When Chatchalerm Lertanekwattana, identified throughout the Thai espresso group as “Boss,” was named the 2025 World Cup Tasters Champion this previous June at World of Espresso in Geneva, Switzerland, it was greater than a private triumph—he had simply turn into the primary Thai competitor ever to win a World Espresso Championship (WCC).
Born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand, by a Thai-Chinese language household with 4 older brothers, Chatchalerm describes himself as having been an “common” scholar at an all-boys college, with “rebellious and mischievous moments.” In his teenagers, he doesn’t recall being concerned about any specific career. “All I did in my spare time was play video video games,” he jokes.
After graduating from highschool, a brief stint working together with his household confirmed that no matter his profession path was, that wasn’t it. However in 2019, all the things modified when a buddy’s espresso competitors publish popped up on Chatchalerm’s Fb feed.
“I requested him instantly which cafés I may get a job at as a barista,” he says. From there, it didn’t take lengthy for him to understand that working with espresso may flip right into a profession that will let him dive deeper into his inherent love for exploring flavors and tastes.
“I’ve at all times liked enjoying little guessing video games once I eat or drink one thing, even earlier than I bought into espresso. I’d strive to determine the elements simply by the scent and style, and it was loads of enjoyable,” Chatchalerm says. “I nonetheless get that very same thrill each time I sip a brand new espresso.”
Going Again to His Roots
We spoke to Chatchalerm twice for this story: first, after his win, and once more after a whirlwind of public appearances and the 2025 Thailand Espresso Fest. The second time, he spoke much less as “Boss” and extra as Chatchalerm, sharing the story of how his identification, household, and cultural roots formed his craft. My impression was that point again residence allowed him to metabolize issues a bit bit extra; that, or possibly my questions allowed him to speak about his sensory connection to his household for the primary time.
When Chatchalerm’s title was introduced in Geneva, his ideas went straight to his household. “I’m certain you are able to do this,” his mom had informed him whereas hugging him goodbye earlier than his flight to Switzerland—what he shares was the primary hug that he may bear in mind getting from her since he was a toddler, which felt like an much more necessary win.
“My household doesn’t speak a lot or share emotions brazenly, however they at all times help me,” he says. “Once they came upon I might signify the nation on the world stage, my mother messaged me, ‘Nicely executed, my youngster.’ I cried.”
Chatchalerm additionally credit his mom’s cooking for catalyzing his ardour for sensory experiences. “My earliest reminiscences are of her meals. Her expertise is exclusive,” Chatchalerm recounts, sharing that he inherited each his mom’s adventurous nature and love for spicy flavors.
“I bear in mind one time I cried as a result of the meals was so spicy, however I stored consuming it anyway as a result of it was scrumptious,” he laughs. “I particularly liked som tam (papaya salad) with fermented fish sauce, which had a really robust aroma, and spicy and intense style.”
The Sensory “Boss”
For somebody who describes himself as “not naturally good at talking,” Chatchalerm has a sure quiet confidence to him—an air of ambition. In his self-written bio for the WCC web site, he even joked, “It will be a lot appreciated if the emcee wouldn’t ask me too tough questions on stage.”
However regardless of his nerves, Chatchalerm was decided to do properly. Because the Sensory Analysis Lead on the Central World department of Roots Espresso in Bangkok, he had been coaching for competitions for 3 years.
Set on profitable, he constructed a disciplined routine: six days per week of palate coaching, sensory drills, and psychological workout routines. “Style is the muse, however reminiscence and focus are what carry you thru the competitors,” he informed Barista Journal.
He additionally cites former Cup Taster champions Kyoungha “Charlie” Chu (2021), from South Korea, and Martin Wölfl (2024), from Austria, as a few of his largest inspirations.
A Take a look at Thai Specialty Espresso
Coming from a rustic the place specialty espresso has solely not too long ago turn into mainstream, Chatchalerm says that profitable carries what he describes as “an enormous sense of accountability.” Over the previous decade, innovation and a rising urge for food for specialty espresso have elevated each the standard and status of specialty-produced Thai espresso and the nation’s native espresso scene. In 2024 alone, the nation’s espresso market grew 8.33%, with the specialty section increasing by round 25% yearly over the previous 5 years.
“Thailand is a tropical nation, so chilly espresso could be very well-liked right here. Everybody loves Es Yen (which means ‘iced espresso’ in Thai),” Chatchalerm says. However the Es Yen isn’t simply espresso over ice; it’s a mix of espresso, condensed milk, evaporated milk, and contemporary milk, leading to a wealthy, candy, and creamy beverage.
As for specialty espresso, preferences all through Thailand are various. Whereas conventional pure and washed processes are nonetheless broadly appreciated, there’s a rising curiosity in experimental processing strategies. “Moreover, black espresso and milk-based drinks with out added sugar are rising in popularity. There’s additionally an rising development towards health-conscious choices, with matcha gaining vital consideration,” Chatchalerm provides.
Celebrating a Shared Id
General, Chatchalerm shares that he hopes to showcase Thailand’s specialty espresso scene as distinctive, whereas additionally connecting it to a wider Asia-Pacific identification—and he believes this shared identification will help strengthen particular person areas.
On the latest World Espresso Championships in Geneva, three out of the 4 champions had been from coffee-producing international locations in Asia. Other than Chatchalerm, Chen Zhuohao from China received in Latte Artwork, and Georgius “Odi” Audrey Teja from Indonesia took residence the title for Espresso in Good Spirits (CIGS).
“I believe the momentum is shifting towards the East,” says Mikael Jasin, the 2024 Espresso in Good Spirits Champion and coach of this 12 months’s CIGS winner, Odi. “And it’s been like that for some time.”
“All of us share a standard spirit of care, humility, and keenness in the best way we strategy espresso,” Chatchalerm provides.
In terms of the longer term, Chatchalerm says he’s not chasing one other title simply but, however as an alternative needs to give attention to leveraging his win to contribute to the expansion of the business—by way of mentoring younger rivals, working sensory workshops throughout Southeast Asia, and deepening the area’s place within the international espresso dialog.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Isabelle Mani (she/her) is a author, journalist, and communicator specializing within the worldwide espresso business. Since 2017, she has targeted on writing articles and options for varied worldwide espresso information shops. Isabelle has traveled to coffee-producing international locations similar to Colombia, Kenya, Rwanda, China, and Brazil to check and analysis espresso. She holds coaching certifications from the Specialty Espresso Affiliation (SCA) and the Espresso High quality Institute (Arabica Q Grading).
Subscribe and Extra!
As at all times, you possibly can learn Barista Journal in paper by subscribing or ordering a problem.
Learn the August + September 2025 Problem totally free with our digital version.
Free of charge entry to greater than 5 years’ value of points, go to our digital version archives right here.
