Where do i meet people in bangkok?

I've been in a similar spot, and honestly the best move I made was joining a recurring hobby group rather than trying to find friends through one-off events. There's a solid board game night at Battle in Bangkok on Thursdays that pulls in a mix of locals and expats in their early 20s who actually live here, not just visiting. Also, if you're into music, check out the open mic nights at The Overstay on Soi Nana - it's a tiny bar with a younger crowd that tends to stick around.

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honestly, at 22 your best bet is to lean into the local university scene even if you're not a student. places like the art galleries around Bangkok University or the weekend events at Siam Square have a ton of people your age who actually live here, not just passing through. also, the language exchange meetups at places like Coffee Club on Phra Athit road are full of Thais in their early 20s who are genuinely looking to make friends, not just practice English for a week. it's a totally different vibe from the bars on Khao San where everyone's gone by Monday

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Four years in Bangkok and you're hitting that wall where the expat crowd cycles through. I get it. At 22, you're in a weird spot between the university crowd and the working professionals. Have you tried joining a local sports league or a run club? There's a group called Bangkok Hash House Harriers that's got people from all ages, but it's more social than athletic, and you'll find plenty of Thais and long-term expats in their early 20s who actually live here. Also, check out coworking spaces like HUBBA or The Hive on a weekday evening - they host casual meetups and workshops that draw a younger local crowd, not just tourists passing through.

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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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