Pornchai Boonchoolertrat Obituary

Boonchoolertrat, Pornchai "Matt"

Chicago restaurateur, Pornchai "Matt" Boonchoolertrat, passed away unexpectedly on the morning December 25, 2023, of heart failure.

Matt was born in Bangkok, Thailand on October 31, 1974, to Surapong and Chinapha Boonchoolertrat. He graduated from Assumption College Thonburi in 1992 and attended the University of Thailand Chamber of Commerce for two years following. In 1994 Matt, with his younger sister in tow, traveled to the United States to study English. Landing in West Palm Beach, Florida, as guests of their American sponsors they studied, explored, and discovered the meaning of the American Dream.

In 1997, Matt and his sister, Pornnapha "Mam", relocated to Chicago, IL to pursue that dream in the restaurant capital of the United States. A dream they came by honestly, from a family long engaged in operating several restaurants in Bangkok. Inspired by his father and aunt (who own and operate one of Bangkok's oldest and most famous restaurants, Lhau Lhau), Matt immediately went to work meticulously studying the operations and practices of numerous, notable Chicago Thai restaurants. He cooked and served at Panang, Pacific Rim, Joy's, and the iconic Roseded (which catered primarily to Chicago's Thai community).

September 2002, Matt, in partnership with his sister, accomplished his dream and opened YES THAI Restaurant in Chicago's Ravenswood neighborhood. Upon its opening, YES THAI generated significant publicity, enjoyed a wide following, and became an immediate success. Today, twenty-one years later, YES THAI has become a pillar of its' community and a neighborhood favorite.

Under the Statue of Liberty, on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, Matt presented Scott Graham with a platinum wedding band to adorn his left ring finger while simultaneously proposing they engage in a lifelong, mutual commitment. Matt's proposal was gleefully, tearfully accepted and on that day, June 5, 2003. Without religious covenant or civil licensure (which were unavailable to same sex couples at that time), Matt and Scott exchanged vows and declared themselves wedlocked.

Matt loved traveling, cooking, outings, hiking, sailing, snorkeling, swimming, skating, and pretty much anything that ended in 'ing'. He would try anything at least once and always embraced a new adventure. His main hobby, however, was his family. The oldest of four siblings, most of his time was dedicated to his family's activities, needs and wellbeing - especially his mother's, they were best friends. Most of his travels, adventures and "ings" included his family. For many years, he assumed guardianship of his two youngest siblings, who were twenty and eighteen years younger than him, respectively. Parenting and guiding his siblings from elementary school through senior high school. It defined Matt's mid-twenties to early thirties. He was both a father and a brother until his mother was able to successfully emigrate to the United States and reunite the family. Matt was a giver and a provider, always acting on another's behalf, seldom on his own. He bore huge responsibilities with ease and pursued big goals without fear or trepidation.

Matt maintained a large contingent of childhood friends throughout his life; regularly connected with his extended family; attended to the individual needs of his employees; routinely engaged with a network of industry colleagues and fellow restaurant owners; and developed and nurtured an extremely loyal customer base in support his business. He was an extraordinary individual who bore great responsibilities from a young age, learned to juggle many balls, accomplish his goals, commit time to his family, engage his friendships, and enjoy tremendous happiness and pleasure from life.

Matt was a devout follower and practitioner of his native Buddhist philosophies and a prolific philanthropist who generously gave to various Thai temples locally and in Thailand. He regularly attended and worshiped at Wat Pa Temple - Chicago. At home, every day, he meditated and prayed daily to Buddha for the wellbeing of our world, its people, and his family.

"May all be free from sorrow and the causes of sorrow; May all never be separated from the sacred happiness which is sorrowless; And may all live in equanimity, without too much attachment and too much aversion, and live believing in the equality of all that lives."

His actions always mirrored his words. He was not jealous or possessive, he was confident and secure within himself. He listened first and spoke softly second. He was tender, kind, and polite. He did not smoke, drink alcohol, nor criticize those who did. He was genuine and sincere. He was funny and had an extremely contagious laugh. He loved attention but did not seek it. He was an alpha and a beta. He was pure of heart and nearly sinless.

Matt is preceded in death by his grandparents and father, Surapong. He is survived by his partner for life, Scott; mother, Chinapha; sisters Pornnapha "Mam" and Thanaporn "Thana"; Brother, Phattharin "Mo"; and many extended family members.

Services including the following:

• 7th Day, Sunday, January 1st, 2PM - Offering to Monks and Lay Down of Funeral Robe, Davis Funeral Home Las Vegas, NV.

• Thursday, January 11th, 11AM - Viewing, Funeral and Cremation, Davis Funeral Home, Las Vegas, NV.

• Monday, January 29th, 6PM - Celebration of Life, Angelo's Wine Bar, Chicago IL

• 49th Day, Monday, February 12th, 9AM - Rebirth Ceremony, Wat Pa Temple, Burbank, IL

• Thursday, Sunday, February 18th, 11AM - Interment of Ashes, Hat Dong Tang Peir, Sattahip, Thailand

• 100th Day, Tuesday, April 2nd, 11AM, End of Mourning and Celebration of Successful Passing, Wat Pa Temple, Burbank, IL

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