same same
but very different
URBAN REFINED THAI CUISINE
Who's May?
Born the youngest of seven children in a farming family from Baan Som Sanuk, a small village along the Mekong River in northeastern Thailand, May’s story is one of grit, passion, and resilience. At just 19 years old, she left her village and moved to Bangkok, selling clothes in wholesale markets to support her younger brother’s education. Her path soon shifted toward hospitality, where she climbed the corporate ladder over a decade.
Despite her professional success, May felt disconnected from the corporate world’s rigid standards, which often stripped food and service of their soul and personality. Seeking a deeper connection, she made a bold choice in 2014 to leave her corporate career behind and start fresh. She bought a humble street stall in Pattaya and began serving refined Thai street food in a clean and inviting environment. Her authentic flavors and heartfelt service quickly drew crowds, with customers sometimes queuing for over an hour just to taste her dishes.
The overwhelming success of her street stall allowed May to open a full restaurant under the MAYs Thai Dine™ brand. Over the years, the brand expanded internationally, opening branches in Bali and Saigon in 2017 and 2018 respectively, and later in Bangkok in 2019. Plans to open additional locations in Mexico and South Korea were crushed by the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Unfazed by setbacks, May relaunched her Pattaya flagship in 2022 and entered the Sri Lankan food scene in 2024. In August 2025, MAYs Hiriketiya opened as the first official MAYs Thai Dine™ restaurant in Sri Lanka.
Today, MAYs Thai Dine™ is more than just a restaurant — it’s a story of love, passion, and perseverance. Each dish tells a tale rooted in May’s humble beginnings and her unwavering commitment to serve food made with heart.
From Farm to Table
At MAYs, we believe great food starts with great ingredients. That’s why we carefully source from trusted local suppliers, ensuring the freshest produce, meats, and seafood for our kitchen. By supporting local farmers and markets, we reduce our carbon footprint while maintaining the highest standards of quality and flavor — a true farm-to-table experience in every dish we serve.