Seaside Restaurant Closure Prompted by Health Concerns

Published: Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 2:49 am

Seaside Restaurant Shuts Down Following Owner's Conviction

A popular Thai restaurant has permanently closed its doors after its owner, Kenneth May, was convicted of indecent acts involving minors. The closure follows a period of community outrage and protests sparked by the revelation of May's actions.

May, who operated Silk Thai for 14 years, was found guilty of two counts of committing an indecent act in public. The charges stemmed from incidents between January 2023 and August 2024, where May showed explicit images to young girls. These included showing an 11-year-old girl a nude photo of himself and presenting a 13-year-old girl with a photo of his genitals. May pleaded guilty to the lesser charges shortly before his trial.

The court heard that May had previously served time in prison in New Zealand for similar offenses before migrating to Australia. Following the publication of court details, community members organized protests, emphasizing the need for child safety and awareness. The restaurant's closure was confirmed with a notice on Google and a message on its website and Facebook page, thanking patrons for their support over the years.

May was sentenced to a 12-month community-based order, including mandatory supervision and rehabilitation programs. The judge acknowledged May's previous criminal history and emphasized the importance of addressing the underlying issues contributing to his behavior.

BNN's Perspective:

This case highlights the critical need for vigilance and community action in protecting children. While the judge's sentence aims to rehabilitate, the community's response underscores the lasting impact of such offenses. It is essential to balance the need for justice with the importance of supporting victims and ensuring the safety of all children.

Keywords: restaurant closure, indecent acts, child safety, Kenneth May, Silk Thai, conviction, community protests, minors, explicit images, community-based order, rehabilitation, predatory behavior, child exploitation, public safety

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