BANGKOK REPUBLIK

THAI CUISINE & LOUNGE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Brittany Wetherbee, Director of Marketing

and Brand Communications
Bangkok Republik
401-559-7576
brittanywetherbee@gmail.com

A TOUCH OF THAI SPICES RI

From Laos to Local

Johnston, Rhode Island – August 2018 – Humble roots, hard work and family ties – Grandpa
Kong and his daughter Lina have lived by all three since the beginning. Their story begins in a
small village in Laos, where Grandpa Kong – the inspiration behind Bangkok Republik’s
renowned, “Grandpa’s Medicine,” – raised his family. Through various jobs to support their
family, Grandpa Kong and Lina never lost sight of their passion for cooking and dream to own
their own restaurant. Though they were dedicated, the family remained poor and struggled to
survive. Their dreams were never hindered, and they remained optimistic for the future.

Never realizing what the future would hold, upon meeting “Master Po,” a 20-year veteran
restauranteur in the Northeast, Lina and Grandpa Kong’s life would take a dramatic turn for the
best. Master Po had been visiting Laos, when at a local market place he overhead Lina and her
father gathering up ingredients for the day’s meal. Master Po was so inspired by the family duo
that he struck up a conversation with them. Being his hospitable self, Grandpa Kong invited
Master Po to dinner at the family’s home.

Over delicious homemade Thai food and great conversation that evening, a connection was
sparked. Po felt an overwhelming sense of family and passion that night, which led him to the
desire to collaborate with the family’s dream of opening a restaurant, in America. What fate
brought together would be the beginning of an unimaginable journey for Grandpa Kong and
Lina. One night of family ties led to the birth of Green Basil, the family’s first Thai restaurant,
located in North Providence. Continued hard work, dedication, and a never-dying dream, Lina
was able to open her own restaurant with her husband, Anothay Xaykosy, which led to the
creation of Bangkok Republik Thai Cuisine & Lounge.
Through this continuous journey, Grandpa Kong knew Lina was special from the start. With her
loyalty to her family, endearing personality and eagerness to learn, Lina stood out. “She has
always had a passion for life and ability to dream like no other,” explains Grandpa Kong, about
his daughter, Lina. A real-life Cinderella story, from humble beginnings to restauranteur, Lina is
making her dreams become reality as a woman business owner. “No dream is too big... it doesn’t
matter where you start. I am where I am today because of my passion.” says Lina.

(Lina Phaengdara, pictured below, with Mayor Allan Fung)

“No dream is too big... it doesn’t matter where you start.

I am where I am today because of my passion.”

Bangkok Republik Thai Cuisine & Lounge is a casual restaurant and lounge, located in Johnston,
RI, which specializes in exquisite Thai & Southeast Asian cuisine. Their traditional dining,
accompanied with a crafted libations menu and warmly appointed venue, makes for a pleasurable
dining experience. The food at Bangkok Republik is carefully prepared and always made fresh
by the lovely Lina; a true taste of authentic Thai food you cannot find anywhere else in Rhode
Island. Even if you are in the mood for an appetizer of chicken satay, or an entree of local Pad
Thai, Bangkok Republik does not disappoint when it comes to mouth-watering taste and value.
Whether you are with your family, friends, or even a co-worker, Bangkok Republik is the Thai
restaurant and lounge for you.

If you would like more information about Bangkok Republik, please call us at
(401) 272-7888, or email bangkokrepublik@gmail.com.

Public Relations or business inquiries please direct to Brittany Wetherbee, Director of Marketing
and Brand Communications, at 401-559-7576 or brittanywetherbee@gmail.com.