As you may expect from my screen name, I'm pretty happy about the prospect of a Thai restaurant opening up.  It'll open next week right outside the main gate (the place that used to be a filipino restaurant, which only lasted a few months.)  I hope the Thai place is more successful.

I have no idea why the filipino restaurant didn't last.  The food was good and it was a pleasant environment.  The Thai restaurant isn't exactly a new enterprise; the owners are shifting operations from Hiroshima where they have operated for years but rent is too high. They will def have cheaper rent down here, but also much smaller clientele population.  Help keep them in business! Eat more Thai food!  :-)

Now, if this little burg would get a Starbucks...

they have market on track  in thailand   (i love this show! )

That's hilarious. I'd seen that train in a recent movie but I didn't realize it was real. I thought it was something Hollywood made up, but sometimes truth is stranger than fiction.

Yay!!!!! Thai food is one of my favorites! I hope this restaurant will stay in business & still be there when we come this next summer. My family will give it lots of business.

Oops, ThaiGuy. I just remembered you're in Iwakuni, so I guess that's where the new restaurant is going to be located. How far is that from Yokosuka? I'm sure there are Thai restaurants where we'll be anyway. I'm glad for you you're getting one there, though! Yippee! LOL.

I'm in Iwakuni now and I guess we are going to the "Chicken Shack" for dinner. Not sure if thats the real name but heard the food is good. I don't think i'll have time to try out the Thai place. Maybe next time!

Yes, Chicken Shack is awesome. Make sure you allow time to wander through the gardens in back either before or after dinner. I'm surprised by how many people don't bother to do this. They are always decorated with seasonal type displays, and the lighting at night is awesome. You will get some good pictures.

The real name of the place is Irori Sanzaku. Japanese will not know what you're talking about if you say "Chicken Shack." Have fun!

That video is epic. It had me laughing for a second.

I can't wait to take advantage of all the good food in Nippon again. It's been too long.

lol... if your wife is anything like mine why would you want to eat Thai at a restaurant???

I cannot get a day away from eating Thai.

Hin, the restaurant is still here & seems to be doing well.  People seem to enjoy the food (it is pretty authentic) although I've seen complaints about the price and/or portion size.

As far as buying Thai ingredients, check out my post here:

http://www.japanbases.com/forums/aft/7703.aspx

I haven't seen the Thai curry pastes or lemongrass in the commissary, but they do have everything else on your list.  If you have seen them in Okinawa then maybe they can also order them in Iwakuni.  It's worth looking into.

Thanks for the info! --H