Will Puckett lost a truck but gained a lifelong friend.
In November 2016, the Belhaven resident was leaving Surin of Thailand when he noticed his 2010 Ford F-150 had been stolen.
While waiting for the police to arrive, Will spoke to the restaurant’s manager, Nook Techarakpong, who took him inside and showed him the surveillance footage.
After speaking with police, Will wanted to wash his hands of the whole deal.
“I didn’t want to go back there. A buddy called me and said let’s go to Surin and have a beer, and Nook recognized me as the ‘stolen truck guy,’ ” he said.
“He gave us free drinks and sushi, and I started (going back) and bringing my friends, and we hit it off,” Will said. “I started hanging out with him after work.”
Fast forward more than a year later, Will, Nook and Peter Mills, a mutual friend, are planning a 12-day trip to Thailand.
The three will stay at Nook’s dad’s condo on the first night, and wing it from there.
“We have no plan. His (Nook’s) dad still lives in Bangkok. We’ll stay in the condo for one night, then we’ll go south and visit (several of) the islands,” he said.
After Will and Peter return home, Nook will stay behind for another week to visit his family. “It’s been 15 years since I’ve last seen anybody over there,” he said. “My dad’s over there, a lot of cousins, my mom’s side of the family. I have a big family – I can’t name them all.”
Nook and his mother, Sunanta, emigrated to United States in 2003, and took up residence in Birmingham. After high school, Nook attended Auburn University, where he studied civil engineering. He then went into business with his uncle, Surin.
Today, Surin Techarakpong owns 10 Thai restaurants, including Surin in Fondren, which is managed by Nook.
“I’ve been working for him all this time,” he said. “It’s all worked out pretty well.”
Everything also has worked out for Will, who actually is glad his truck was taken. He was looking to trade in the vehicle anyway.
And more importantly, his friendship with Nook has taken off.
“He’s met several people I play tennis with. He went (with me) to a friend’s wedding and we hung out at New Year’s,” he said. “He has legitimately become one of my best friends.”
(Photo) Peter Mills, Nook Techarakpong, Will Puckett
