Best social activities to make new friends in Bangkok?

fencing at the thai fencing & sports club on sathorn could work for you. it's a very structured activity with clear rules and sequences, so you don't have to worry about what to say between bouts. the beginner classes are small, maybe 6-8 people, and everyone's focused on the drills, not making small talk. plus you get a solid workout, and the gear is provided for the first few sessions

there's also a weekly thai boxing gym in on nut that runs non-contact pad work sessions, not the fighting kind. it's mostly people in their 30s and 40s who just want to sweat. you pair up with someone for the round and you're too out of breath to talk much anyway. the instructor walks around and corrects your form, so it's guided enough that you never feel lost

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disc golf at the bangkapi course is pretty chill, it's free and you just walk around throwing discs at baskets. there's a small but active group that plays sunday mornings, mostly thai but a few expats, and everyone's pretty patient with beginners. you can borrow discs from the club, no need to buy anything upfront. it's physical but low pressure, and the game itself gives you something to focus on besides conversation

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have u tried the jogging groups that meet at lumphini park in the mornings? there's a few that are very chill, mostly just people running or walking together at their own pace, no pressure to chat the whole time. i know the "bangkok hash house harriers" is a thing but that's more drinking and loud, so skip that. the park ones are usually older crowd, late 30s is normal, and you can just show up, run, leave if u want.

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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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