Average monthly expenses in Bangkok?

30k to 40k is doable but you'll be watching your spending. A decent studio in a place like On Nut or Ari will run you 8k to 12k, then food from street stalls is like 40-60 baht per meal so maybe 5-6k a month if you eat local. Utilities and internet prob another 1.5k, and bts skytrain adds up fast if you commute daily, like 3-4k easy. honestly the biggest variable is your social life and if you drink, cause a night out with a few beers at a normal bar can blow 1k in a few hours. I'd say 30k is tight but fine for a simple life, 40k gives you breathing room for a few indulgences or a nicer place.

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A big factor people don't mention is the condo's water and electric rates. Some buildings in Bangkok charge you 8-10 baht per unit for electricity when the government rate is around 4 baht. That can add 1,000 baht or more to your bill during the hot season when you're running the AC all night. I'd say look for a place that charges government rate or at least ask before signing. Also, if you can handle the heat for a few stops on the BTS, living one or two stations past the popular areas like Ekkamai or Thong Lo can cut your rent by a few thousand. Udom Suk or Bang Chak are good examples, still connected but way cheaper.

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yeah 30-40k works but depends a lot on where u wanna live. if u stay near a bts station in the center rent jumps fast, but if ur fine with a condo further out or an older building u can save a ton. also utility bills can be a scam if

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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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