How trustable are people generally in Bangkok?

I've lived here six years and the social trust thing is real but nuanced. Thai people are generally non-confrontational so if someone's going to screw you over, it'll be through omission or passive avoidance, not active betrayal. The girls you've dated probably won't pull anything sketchy because that would shame their family if word got around their social circle.

The bigger risk is other foreigners honestly. I've had more issues with expats borrowing money and disappearing than with any Thai person I actually knew. Keep an eye on the farang who's always got a great business opportunity or needs a co-signer for something.

One thing nobody mentions is that Thai people are terrible at saying no directly. So if a friend keeps dodging meeting up or gives vague answers, they're politely distancing themselves, not plotting anything. Just take the hint and move on.

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bangkok's kinda different from vietnam in that way imo. the scams here are more transactional like tuk-tuks overcharging or gem store bait-and-switch, not the kind where someone befriends you to rob you later. i've left my phone and wallet on a table at sukhumvit soi 11 bars while running to the atm and it was still there when i got back

that said, don't get sloppy. like if you're staying at a hostel in khao san and tell randoms your full schedule, that's just asking for trouble anywhere. but with people you've actually hung out with and dated before, you're probably fine. thais are generally trusting in return if you've been decent to them

the main thing i watch for is people who push you to go to a second location for drinks or a "special club" that's clearly empty. that's scam city. but normal social life with people you know? you can relax more than you think

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yeah it's way more chill than vietnam in that specific way. the social fabric here means people are more concerned with face and reputation than quick cash grabs. like if you're dating someone from a decent family in bangkok, they'd lose face way more than they'd gain from scamming you

the real sketchy stuff happens in tourist zones or with people you just met on the street. i've had thai friends literally chase me down to return a phone i forgot at a restaurant on thonglor. not saying it's perfect but the vibe is genuinely different

one thing though: don't lend money to anyone you've known less than a year, thai or not. that's where boundaries get blurry and resentment builds. but just hanging out and being open about your plans? you're fine with the people you actually know

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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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