Bangkok, Thailand, November 3, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok welcomes Marco Dongi as the new Head Bartender of the Bamboo Bar. His international career includes stints at Michelin-starred restaurants in Milan, rooftop bars in Australia, a luxury resort in Mauritius, and positions as Head Bartender at the Buddha Bar in Bodrum and Dubai. He also gained experience in London and Saudi Arabia. At the iconic Bangkok bar, he brings an approach centered on classic cocktails and warm, personal hospitality.

In his new role, Dongi will lead the bar team, further develop the cocktail program and manage daily service.

His achievements include top 10 placements at world-class competitions in Italy and Dubai, being named the sixth best Italian bartender under 30 in 2018, and being appointed a Coca-Cola brand ambassador in 2020.

“Awards and recognition are wonderful, but what’s really important to me is creating a place where people feel comfortable, have fun and want to come back,” says Dongi.

At Bamboo Bar, Dongi takes a modern approach based on classic cocktails. He uses local ingredients and flavors to give familiar drinks his own interpretation. He focuses on balance and approachability, employing techniques that refine the drink rather than simply impressing it.

“I will continue to explore the balance between classical foundations and modern creativity. I also believe that elegance arises from simplicity,” he says. “You don’t always need many ingredients or complicated techniques to create something unforgettable.”

The history of the Bamboo Bar played a significant role in his decision to join the business. From its beginnings in a small room in the hotel's writers' wing, it has grown into a Bangkok institution, renowned for live jazz, cocktails, and its distinctive ambiance. As Bangkok's first jazz bar, it occupies a special place in the city's musical and social life, welcoming guests from Thailand and around the world for generations.

Dongi was drawn to the bar's strong identity and reputation for genuine hospitality, as well as the opportunity to learn from the team. His top priority is getting to know the bar and his colleagues, contributing his international experience and Italian hospitality. He places as much importance on the music, atmosphere, and service as on the drinks themselves.

“What excites me most is the opportunity to preserve the legacy of Bamboo Bar while simultaneously evolving it, always keeping the guest experience at the forefront. The real challenge for me is to maintain the soul of the place while writing its next chapter,” says Dongi.

Upcoming events at Bamboo Bar include a masterclass, a panel discussion, and a guest appearance by Bastien Ciocca of Hope & Sesame on November 12, followed by a cocktail-pairing dinner in collaboration with Fenjiu on November 13. On December 1, former Bamboo Bar manager Jamie Rhind returns for a guest appearance.