Bangkok Five restaurant closes its doors

Like the sidewalks of Thailand, Bangkok 5 in Rancho Mirage has offered inspired Thai cuisine that is fresh and authentic — serving the Coachella Valley for nearly 22 years.

The owner, Lucky Teachanarong, says it’s time to sell his family-owned restaurant and not for financial reasons. Teachanarong said that after 37 years in the restaurant business, he wants to retire and move back to Thailand.

“I cannot be at two places at once, so I have to make a choice. I think doing it for 37 years, it might be the right time to go,” said Teachanarong.

With its clay-colored walls, lit with weathered rice paper and wood lanterns, Bangkok Five is known for it’s simple elegance. The Teachanarong family tells KPSP, they take pride knowing their restaurant has made a lasting impression as one of the most highly recommended restaurants in the valley. That’s not all: Loyal customers say that visiting with Lucky, his wife Jan, and kids Lisa and Kevin completes the dining experience.

“It’s going to be a huge void. We’ll miss coming here but we’ll still be family with them,” said Dee Wambaugh, of Rancho Mirage.

Come March, the new owners of the building will make only a few renovations to create an entirely new restaurant called Catalan. Instead of Thai food, we can expect to get a taste of Mediterranean cuisine.

Teachanarong said it’s tough to say goodbye to the place in which his kids grew up, but he’s lucky to have created lasting friendships within the valley.

“I’m really lucky, they don’t call me ‘Lucky’ for nothing,” said Teachanarong.

Lucky said he and his wife are thinking a smaller Thai restaurant may one day be in the works here in the desert. However, for now, they’re closing their doors.