Chef and owner Nattapon "Ranma" Thitathan has taken over the former Two Hands Corn Dog space in San Marcos. If all goes according to plan, the newest location could be open by the end of August. The new San Marcos shop will follow a similar format to its Pacific Beach and Clairemont Mesa counterparts - compact and takeout-oriented, with limited seating, a streamlined ordering system, and occasional rotating specials such as green curry sauces or fried garlic add-ons.
The expansion marks The Pad Thai Stand's fourth location in San Diego County. Since launching as a tent at the Oceanside Sunset Market in 2017, the brand has built a cult following for its unique approach to pad Thai. Each location offers four regional variations of the dish - Boran, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Chai Ya - each highlighting the nuances of Thai culinary tradition with house-made tamarind sauces, customizable spice levels, and a range of proteins and vegetarian options.
Thitathan's passion for Pad Thai dates back to his roots in Thailand, where he learned the many styles of the dish that are rarely seen on U.S. menus. With more than two decades of experience in the food and hospitality world, including operating a traditional Thai restaurant in Oceanside beginning in 2008, Thitathan created The Pad Thai Stand with a mission to introduce San Diegans to the true diversity of Thailand’s most recognizable street food.
The Pad Thai Stand is expected to open in late summer at 997 W. San Marcos Boulevard in San Diego's North County city of San Marcos. For more information, visit padthaistand.com.
Originally published on August 6, 2025. Information first reported by Joey Reams of What Now.
The expansion marks The Pad Thai Stand's fourth location in San Diego County. Since launching as a tent at the Oceanside Sunset Market in 2017, the brand has built a cult following for its unique approach to pad Thai. Each location offers four regional variations of the dish - Boran, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Chai Ya - each highlighting the nuances of Thai culinary tradition with house-made tamarind sauces, customizable spice levels, and a range of proteins and vegetarian options.
Thitathan's passion for Pad Thai dates back to his roots in Thailand, where he learned the many styles of the dish that are rarely seen on U.S. menus. With more than two decades of experience in the food and hospitality world, including operating a traditional Thai restaurant in Oceanside beginning in 2008, Thitathan created The Pad Thai Stand with a mission to introduce San Diegans to the true diversity of Thailand’s most recognizable street food.
The Pad Thai Stand is expected to open in late summer at 997 W. San Marcos Boulevard in San Diego's North County city of San Marcos. For more information, visit padthaistand.com.