WEST KELOWNA – The Thai Fusion Restaurant in West Kelowna has dealt with a string of targeted attacks since 2015 but an arson has taken things to a much more serious level.
The previous five incidents involved window smashing and spray paint vandalism.
“We can’t say conclusively they’re all related to each other but there’s an indication they’re escalating in nature and that’s concerning,” says RCMP spokesperson Jesse O’Donaghey.
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The restaurant’s fire alarm went off just before 2 a.m. Wednesday after someone broke into the building and tried to burn it down, apparently using a Molotov cocktail incendiary device.
“It’s tough, I don’t know who it is, I don’t have time to go piss people off,” says restaurant owner Luke Sumpantarat. “My wife and I work here more than full time. It’s just unfortunate.”
The sprinkler system limited fire damage to the area of two dining booths but there’s also smoke and water damage and the restaurant is closed for some days.
Sumpantarat concedes it appears someone is out to get him but says he doesn’t know why.
“For me it doesn’t seem as much personal as it it business because I don’t have any enemies personally.”
Sumpantarat vows he won’t be driven out of business.
“Can’t get rid of me that easily.”