These days, North Seattle is abounding with new Thai restaurants.

Thai Pearl

Thai Pearl opened at 12319 Roosevelt Way NE in January. Owner Ben Chaveeungkab, a Sand Point resident, and his partner, Tony Sengkyo, took over the space from a Vietnamese restaurant known as Pho Thanh.

Chaveeungkab owned a Thai restaurant in West Seattle several years ago, but he sold his shares in the business when he moved back to Thailand. He returned to Seattle in 1996 and took a job at Washington Mutual. However, Chaveeungkab realized he didn't like office work and wanted to get back into the restaurant game. He has remodeled Thai Pearl's kitchen and dining room, and said that so far, business is good.

Nan Fah Thai

Nan Fah Thai opened at 7845 Lake City Way NE in Maple Leaf on March 25. Previously, that building housed the China Harbin restaurant. Nan Fah Thai owners Tanit Makaraphirom and Kong Chanthavone both have extensive experience in the Thai restaurant business and have worked at Seattle restaurants such as Tup Tim Thai on Lower Queen Anne and the Siam chain.

Makaraphirom said he will offer Thai cuisine favorites but also hopes to add special Northern Thai menu items not seen often in Seattle.

Chang Thai

Signs at 12343 Lake City Way indicate the another new Thai restaurant, called Chang Thai, is coming. However, as of the Jet City Maven's press time, the owner could not be reached for comment.

The space has been previously rented by Harencia's Mexican Restaurant which competed with other nearby Mexican restaurants and operated for only about eight months.

Judging from the wonderful aromas eminating from the new Thai restaurant, it should do quite well.