A popular Thai restaurant in Seattle is back open after its owner says someone set their building on fireโon purpose. Bangrak Market in the Belltown neighborhood shared surveillance video online of the incident. โIt is disheartening to think that someone would try to destroy the vibrant, welcoming space we have built together,โ the owner shared.
โBut hereโs the most important part: you cannot burn down a community. In the wake of this destructive act, your outpouring of support has been a beacon of light.โ The incident happened on the morning of November 2. No one was hurt. Owner Ott Pinbang had just left the restaurant about 30 minutes before he received a call the structure was on fire. โIt is sad. You know, itโs like, why?โ he said. โI mean, we created a family-friendly spot, we donโt have beef anybody.โ
The fire was set by pushing burning cardboard below the beams, dangerously close to a gas line, according to Pinbang. While insurance will help cover the damage, including helping replace the restaurantโs roof, the restaurant still had to close for two days and staff were not paid. The idea that the restaurant could be targeted is unsettling.
