Pakpoom Jitprapai was awarded National Order of Merit (Gold) in recognition of his distinguished services to Bhutan.

Pakpoom Jitprapai, also known as Chef Patrick, is an esteemed professional with a diverse background in the culinary arts and training. He has been working in Bhutan as the lead of the Culinary Arts Training Program since September 2021. His commitment to culinary education is evident through his role in training over 1,200 de-suups, many of whom have gone on to start their own businesses.