A Crown Hill favorite has secured its future in the neighborhood: Thai Siam, the family-run Thai restaurant that first opened in 1987, has purchased the building it has called home for nearly four decades.
Owner Vhanthip “Nancy” Bhokayasupatt was able to buy the property after exercising her Right of First Refusal, matching a pending sale and closing on the purchase in late July. According to the Seattle DJC, Bhokayasupatt purchased the building for $1.4 million, though it was originally listed for about $2.4 million. It had been on the market for more than a year.
Thai Siam briefly closed its doors on April 30 during the transition, but reopened on May 14 to the relief of customers.
Community members rallied to support the restaurant through the process. Longtime patron Amy Poisson launched a GoFundMe campaign, which raised $25,300 to help Bhokayasupatt secure the sale.
Thai Siam is known not only for its food but also for its community service. Over the years, the restaurant has hosted free Christmas dinners and annual benefit buffets, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for local charities.
In an earlier interview with My Ballard, Bhokayasupatt reflected on the restaurant’s role in the community: “If we help the community to be better, then we will be better—and also the nation would be better too.”
Photo: Thai Siam