Chef Whan Srintip Ruangraigomen

Head Chef of as i am by chef ton

“Authenticity in Thai cuisine has no shortcuts. Respect begins with the ingredients”

Chef Whan Srintip Ruangraigomen’s culinary journey is a masterclass in discipline, evolution, and the pursuit of authentic flavor. Her foundation was built at Suan Dusit University, Thailand’s premier culinary school, where she balanced her degree with a role as a Teacher Assistant, a precursor to her future as a leader.

In 2017, Whan joined the kitchen of the renowned Bo.lan. For two and a half years, she immersed herself in the rigors of Thai fine dining. It was here she learned the “no shortcuts” philosophy, mastering the art of crafting traditional Thai ingredients entirely from scratch. Seeking to broaden her technical horizon, she moved to Gaa in 2019. Immersed in a multicultural environment (60% international staff), she refined her European techniques and emerged as a confident communicator.

“I left David Thompson’s kitchen not just as a cook, but as a student of gastronomy ready to find my own direction.”

Whan’s perspective on Thai cuisine reached new heights at Aksorn, under the mentorship of David Thompson. She regards Thompson as her greatest influence, credited with teaching her the scientific precision and “heart” behind Thai gastronomy. Under his guidance, she moved beyond recipes to master the troubleshooting of complex flavour profiles.

Driven by a desire for career growth, Whan’s path led her to Chef Ton. Connected through Chef Nhat of Sood Penang, Whan recognised an opportunity to master the PR and management skills that define world-class restaurateurs.

In April 2025, Chef Whan took a bold leap, moving from Bangkok to Malaysia to become the Head Chef of as i am by chef ton, which officially opened in February 2026. Transitioning to a new country has been her greatest challenge yet. While she admits she wasn’t “born a leader,” she is proving her mettle by navigating cultural nuances and managing a diverse team with grace. Her mission is clear: to bring uncompromising, authentic Thai soul to the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

“I wasn’t born a leader, but I am becoming one through the challenges in
as i am by chef ton“