What is that spicy thai spice at the restraunts?

Question

im talking about that granular type spice found in restraunts that is really spicy, not the chili paste the other one

Answer 1

Ask the waiter or waitress on your next visit.

Answer 2

paprika?

pepper?

chili powder?

Answer 3

Is it used as a dry spice or sauce? It could be a rich peanut sauce, though I know the Thai restaurant here just lists one of them  as "brown sauce"

Answer 4

It depends on the particular Thai restaurant but is either coarsely ground crushed red pepper flakes or coarsely ground dried red chilies, I love the stuff!