I'm headed to Bangkok soon and I wasn't planning on purchasing a return ticket since I usually don't but heard it could be required? Should I buy a return ticket just in case?

i'd play it safe if i were you, they're getting stricter at suvarnabhumi lately. one workaround is booking a bus ticket from mo chit to somewhere like nong khai on 12go.asia for like 200 baht, it's legit onward travel and you can just not show up. also check if ur airline has a 24-hour cancellation policy, some do and u can book a refundable flight then cancel right after u get thru immigration

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yeah it's actually a thing here. thai airlines check at check-in too, not just immigration. i'd just get a refundable ticket on expedia or book a bus to aranyaprathet for like 40 baht online, that counts as onward travel. saves u the stress at suvarnabhumi where they sometimes actually scan for it

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honestly, you prob don't need one if you're just passing through but immigration can ask at the counter. I've seen them turn people away at Don Mueang for not having an onward ticket, it's rare but happens. just buy a cheap flexible one from a budget airline to somewhere like Chiang Mai or even a bus ticket out, then cancel it after you land. costs like 500 baht and saves the headache

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Krua Dok Mai Kao is solid but I've always found their som tam a bit tame on the pla ra. If you want the real funky version, try the shophouse spots along Soi Udomsuk 26, near the night market end. They pound it fresh with fermented fish that'll clear your sinuses, and it's like 60 baht. Different style from the On Nut places, more Lao-leaning.

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for som tam specifically i'd say the Isaan spots in Chatuchak are underrated, weekdays only though since the weekend crowd ruins the vibe. there's a stall near gate 2 that does tam pa with fermented bamboo shoots, super sour and funky, not something you see much in On Nut. if you're already heading north for Or Tor Kor anyway its worth the detour.

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honestly the som tam at Krua Dok Mai Kao is good but what got me hooked is their nam prik pla raa dip with the raw veggies, that funk hits way harder than the papaya does. think most people sleep on it cuz they just order the som tam and gai yang. also pro tip, go before noon on weekdays, after that teh pla ra gets milder cuz they batch it for the lunch rush

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