Our Story
David Chong’s family emigrated from Thailand where the family founded numerous enterprises including restaurants. David Chong was a CAT Aquatic Marine Master Technician for over 35 years. His work consisted of the ability to fix complex engine systems for all major yacht owners and commercial fishing vessels. He since then has developed connections with some of the Bay areas top fish houses to supply the freshest, highest quality seafood to his Thai Samurai and Thai Prime restaurant.
In 2004, David went back to Thailand and married his childhood friend Vongduan Chong and brought her and her daughter Krista (Nui) Swetwatna Chong back to the United States. Vongduan also had extensive experience in the restaurant business. She owned and managed a successful restaurant and TV dinner operation in Thailand before moving to the states. Vongduan’s love for cooking and her experience in managing and operating a restaurant business culminated in her and David opening up Thai Samurai in New Port Richey/Trinity, FL in 2010. Despite the Great Financial Crisis raging at the time, Thai Samurai quickly earned the local’s adoration for Vongduan’s fresh, authentic, bold sauces and the beautiful presentation of her dishes.
Thai Samurai and Thai Prime restaurants are both family-owned and operated by the Chong Family. The Fordham Family was invited by the Chong’s to invest in Thai Prime and assist with the business side of the restaurant. The Chong family wanted to elevate the image of Thai Samurai to a more upscale, trendy restaurant (Thai Prime) that serves upscale Thai, Thai seafood, and sushi cuisine.
The Fordham’s have been and remain the Chong family’s biggest fans having eaten dinner at Thai Samurai for 8 years before consummating the business partnership to open Thai Prime. This is the fourth restaurant investment by the Fordham family and by far the largest capital commitment to date which underlies the family’s belief in the Chong’s family food, honesty, and dedication to providing their customers with great food and service.
Thai Prime is truly a family affair with Krista (Nui) Swetwatna Chong, Edward Chong, Michael Chong, and Chalermvut (Tony) Apanukul all working together as a team for the past 8 years. Our restaurants’s mission to provide our customers with unprecedented fresh, high quality, locally sourced seafood combined with authentic homemade family secret sauces from Thailand. Come experience excellent service while you enjoy healthy, fresh Thai food and sushi in a warm and inviting at atmosphere.