DMHT Partners with Restart Academy to Train Former Inmates as Professional Bartenders

Diageo Moët Hennessy (Thailand) Limited (DMHT), a leading global premium alcoholic beverage company, has partnered with Restart Academy, a specialised vocational training institution for formerly incarcerated people operating under Thailand Institute of Justice (Public Organization), to provide professional bartending skills training through the Diageo Bar Academy. This strategic initiative is designed to equip formerly incarcerated people with essential professional capabilities, empowering them to rebuild their lives and reintegrate successfully into society. The training underscores DMHT's commitment to fostering service excellence, promoting inclusivity, expanding the industry's talent pool, and elevating professional standards in Thailand’s tourism and hospitality sector. This collaboration aligns seamlessly with Restart Academy's core mission of supporting former offenders in achieving sustainable social reintegration.

Shutchada Chandrangsu, Corporate Relations Director at Diageo Moët Hennessy (Thailand), stated: “At DMHT, we are deeply committed to fostering diversity and creating opportunities for all members of society–one of the fundamental pillars of our sustainability plan, 'SOCIETY 2030: SPIRIT OF PROGRESS'. Our collaboration with Restart Academy goes beyond corporate responsibility; it directly addresses the growing demand for skilled professionals in Thailand's tourism and hospitality industry. We have carefully tailored our globally recognised Diageo Bar Academy curriculum to meet the specific needs of the participants, integrating key principles of responsible drinking and responsible serving. We hope this training programme will serve as a crucial stepping stone, equipping participants with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to leverage their beverage-mixing expertise, expand their career opportunities, and advance their professional development. Ultimately, this will lead to stable incomes and long-term self-sufficiency for both themselves and their families.”

Thanachai Sundaravej Senior Manager, Social Partnership and Public Engagement at the Thailand Institute of Justice (Public Organization), added: “At Restart Academy, we firmly believe in human potential and recognise the importance of providing sustainable second chances for formerly incarcerated people–an essential step in reducing recidivism rates and fostering a safer, more inclusive society. Our mission extends beyond vocational training; we focus on holistic professional, mental, and social skills development within a supportive learning environment. This collaboration with DMHT marks an important milestone for us, as it introduces bartending skills into our vocational training portfolio for the first time. While we have extensive expertise in culinary and catering services, expanding into beverage service training perfectly aligns with DMHT's commitment to developing professional skills in this sector.  We are delighted with this partnership, as we see this programme as more than just skills training–it represents hope, a second chance, and a pathway for formerly incarcerated people to reintegrate into society with stable careers and financial independence, ultimately preventing recidivism and contributing to positive societal change.”

The bartending skills training, conducted by the Diageo Bar Academy in collaboration with Restart Academy, covered a comprehensive range of topics, including fundamental knowledge of various alcoholic beverages, production processes, mixing and garnishing techniques, and professional, responsible customer service. The training took place at the Thailand Institute of Justice.