Any Pinoys/Filipinos living/working in Bangkok?

fwiw the visa situation for us is pretty smooth compared to some nationalities, you can get a non-b visa easily if your company sponsors it and the extension process at chaeng wattana is annoying but doable in a morning. one thing that surprised me is how many filipino restaurants and bakeries are scattered around, like there's a spot in prakanong that sells legit turon and pancit for like 50 baht. also the weather is way more bearable than manila, no joke the dry season from nov to feb is actually pleasant

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The Filipino community here is big enough that you'll run into folks at Mass at Holy Redeemer Church or at the Sunday markets in Lumpini Park. Rent in a decent condo along Sukhumvit will run you 12,000 to 18,000 baht for a studio, which gets you a pool and gym that you'd pay triple for in BGC. Work culture depends on your industry but most offices are pretty relaxed about overtime and the BTS makes commuting bearable if you live near a station.

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yeah the work permit process is actually more straightforward here than in other countries, your company handles most of it through the one stop service center on chamchuri square. living costs really depend on your lifestyle, like if you're into nightlife thonglor bars will drain your wallet fast but a night out at RCA is way cheaper than similar spots in makati. one thing nobody tells u is that thai banks are a pain for foreigners, you'll need a work permit to open an account and even then some branches will turn u away for no reason

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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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