Evidence pointed to Liampetchakul as having started the fire in April

Tipps Thai Cuisine has closed.

by Gail field

Tipps Thai Cuisine restaurant has officially closed its doors after serving Thai food to Ventura locals and visitors since 1983.  Owner Chang Liampetchakul and his family have made this decision.

Chang has been known throughout Ventura as a kind and generous person, often providing trays of food to families in need.

In February, Liampetchakul was hospitalized after suffering a stroke, but returned later to work at the restaurant.

On April 17, a fire erupted in the two story building on Main St. which housed Tipps on the ground floor and a meeting place for the Odd Fellows on the top floor.

Ventura Fire and Ventura Police investigated and found evidence that pointed to Liampetchakul as having started the fire.  He was arrested on May 10 and booked into the Ventura County jail for arson.  The case is set for a hearing in Superior Court on June 7.

A motive has not been determined, according to Sergeant Matt Cain of the Ventura Police Department.

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