From Business Idea to Busy Restaurant 

Fans of Thai cuisine in Port Talbot have been enjoying a brand-new addition to the town’s food scene with the opening of Thai Corner Street Food. 

Located on Victoria Road, the restaurant has enjoyed a successful first few months since opening its doors in April. 

Director Mark Courtney had long been a fan of chef Wongduan Khamphila’s cooking at her previous Port Talbot premises. Recognising that the former location no longer met the needs of the business, he decided to invest in creating a new home where more people could enjoy her authentic Thai cuisine. 

He said: “I turned 55 and had a bit of pension money that I wanted to spend now rather than later.  

“I’ve known Wongduan Khamphilia for numerous years and had been eating at her establishment in town for the last couple of years, but the place was falling apart up there. So that’s what gave me the idea to try to fetch her food onto the main street.” 

As he worked to get the restaurant up and running, Mark received support from PRIME Cymru Volunteer Mentor Nick Carruthers. 

Mark said: “I’ve had a load of help along the way from PRIME Cymru. Nick has been fantastic to me. He’s helped me with the business plans, grants, and just the journey along really. He gave me plenty of encouragement and guidance.” 

Nick has been delighted to see Mark’s vision become a reality and is pleased to see the positive response from the local community. 

He said: “I’m just delighted he’s opened up this facility in Port Talbot, which is well overdue, and his footfall at the moment is really good. And he’s providing a great service to the community.”  

To find out more about Thai Corner Street Food, visit their website. 

If you are aged 50+, live in Wales, and would like support to secure employment or set up a business, please contact PRIME Cymru on 01550 721813 or email enquiries@primecymru.co.uk.