INS releases popular
Thai restaurateur

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By Rod Antone
Star-Bulletin

The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service has released Chai Chaowasaree, owner of the popular Singha Thai Cuisine and Chai's Island Bistro.

Chaowasaree, also known as Vichai Sae Tung, has been held at the Oahu Community Correctional Center since Feb. 13 after trouble with the Immigration Service intensified last year.

Chaowasaree's immigration problems started in 1991 when immigration officials questioned his marriage, saying it was false.

More recently, the Immigration Service almost did not let Chaowasaree back into the country last year after he left to visit his ill father in Bangkok.

Last week, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision, staying Chaowasaree's deportation until the federal court can review his case. In the meantime, the Honolulu office of the Immigration stated yesterday that "Mr. Tung qualifies for release from custody at this time due to the determination that he is not a threat to the community nor a particular flight risk."

Chaowasaree's two restaurants employee about 70 people. Since his incarceration Chaowasaree's sister has been running both businesses on his behalf.