Pan’s Thai Express: The One Behind the Love

By Colin Udall

Pandy (Right) pictured with her children Kat (Left) and Brian (Middle)

Sometimes it can be hard to keep track of all the new take-out chains opening in Owasso, so it’s not often when an entirely local restaurant captures Owasso’s heart, yet, it’s Phawida Boonbang, also known as Pandy, who is managing to do just that. 

Pandy runs and operates “Pan’s Thai Express,” located in the parking lot of Friendship Baptist Church in Owasso, and has done so for nearly a year. Pandy saw the opportunity to start her food truck as something beneficial for others

Pandy expresses her reasoning for starting up her business by saying “...nowhere [Owasso] can get Thai food, so I started to sell Thai and the community is happy because they can get Thai food”

It is clear that Pandy expresses a genuine sense of sincerity in what she does, but it does not take long to find out why. Owasso allowed her to bounce back up onto her feet when down on hard times.

“I got laid off from my job, but my other skill is cooking” Pandy stated as another introspection into her business beginning.

Pandy has two kids enrolled in Owasso High School, so it was very important for her to get this business going. She took a gamble on a locally owned business, but the idea was strong. Luckily, it’s working out and she is nothing but grateful for the Owasso community. “Pan’s Thai Express” has been in continuous operation for nearly a year and it has allowed Pandy’s family to stay afloat. 

In an expression of thankfulness, Pandy says, “ [I am] glad that I can serve Owasso. The customer’s come back to support us.” 

When the community was needed most, Owasso gave, and what they received in return was some serious Thai food. If you want to check out “Pan’s Thai Express” the yellow food truck outside Friendship Baptist Church will be happy to serve.

Pan’s Thai Express - Photo from Pandy