Houston restaurant owner goes to Thailand to help after earthquake

Thailand – A Houston restaurant owner and her husband traveled to Bangkok, Thailand after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit their hometown.

Chef Benchawan Japthong Painter and her husband Graham own the Thai restaurant Street to Kitchen located in Houston.

The restaurant is described as “unapologetically authentic Thai food.”

The couple tells KPRC they went to Thailand to check on their family and friends.

“Our friends and family are ok,” said Painter. “Many buildings around the city have clear damage.”

The earthquake has left more than 3,000 people dead and more than 4,500 others injured.

The U.S. government has pledged $2 million in emergency aid.

“We used to live in Myanmar, so we are devastated about people there,” said Painter.

The couple said they have been helping donate supplies to fire responders at collapsed building sites.

The quake occurred last Friday, with an epicenter near Mandalay.