Famous Curry Shop Offers Free Meals for King Bhumibol Anniversary
The owner of a famous curry rice shop in Surat Thani offered free meals to the public on October 13 to honor the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Seventy‑year‑old Itsarak Sakdapithak, who has run the shop for over 40 years, said the act is a merit‑making tribute he has performed for six years straight. The menu featured the shop’s usual selection of more than 30 dishes, available from morning until 3 p.m. or until the food ran out.
All the curry rice was eaten up! The owner of a well‑known curry rice shop opened his pots for free meals to the public as a merit‑making act for the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s death anniversary. On October 13, 2026, at Phii Luang Curry Rice Shop in Samphet Thong Market, Mueang District, Surat Thani Province, 70‑year‑old Itsarak Sakdapithak said he has operated the shop for more than 42 years and is deeply devoted to the monarchy. He explained that on this day, marking the king’s passing, he wishes to perform good deeds as a tribute, recalling the monarch’s kindness. Consequently, he has been offering the shop’s regular curry rice free of charge to customers and locals, a practice now in its sixth year that he intends to continue as long as he is able. This year he also received help from fellow traders and the market owner. The menu remains the shop’s everyday offering of over 30 items — soups, stir‑fries, curries and fried dishes — available without restriction from morning until 3 p.m. or until the food is gone. He and his family are committed to keeping the tradition going as long as possible.
