Popular Bangkok restaurant with viral Thai hunks plans to expand to KL, sparks backlash from netizens

Popular Bangkok restaurant Sathaneemeehoi recently announced plans to open a new outlet in Kuala Lumpur.

The news came shortly after the restaurant announced it would be closing its flagship outlet at Hua Mum Market in Bangkok on Jul. 31.

The restaurant is known for its hunky waiters dressed and performing in lingerie while serving Thai food.

Plans for expansion in Malaysia

In a Facebook post on Jul. 5, owners Dee and Wow shared plans for expansions in Malaysia, with Kuala Lumpur as their first stop.

They wrote:

"Thank you for all the support that everyone have given. We have a bigger plan in mind and for now Bangkok location will be put on hold until we sort for a good location. Apart from this, good news is we will be looking for a location in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia!"

Backlash from netizens

Following the announcement, the idea of opening a "dancing restaurant" in Malaysia sparked some backlash online, with concerns over whether the concept was appropriate given local norms.

In response, the owners issued another statement on Jul. 7 to clarify that the Kuala Lumpur outlet will not feature its signature dancing concept.

Instead, their priority is to continue serving up authentic Thai cuisine at the restaurant.

They wrote:

"We really like Malaysia a lot but we do not intend to operate a 'dancing restaurant' in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The concept of dancing is bringing joy to our customers in Bangkok, Thailand, but rest assured this will not happen in Kuala Lumpur. We respect Malaysia’s culture now and will always love how Malaysia is. Please rest assured we will not do anything to harm us or Malaysia."

The restaurant, which opened nine years ago, cited the end of their lease agreement as the reason for the closure of their Hua Mum Market restaurant.

It previously opened an outlet in Singapore at Tanglin Road in May 2024.

Related Articles

Top images via Dee and Wow on Facebook