How to get live CNN, HBO Max, etc in Bangkok? VPN? A local cable service?

honestly you can just get a Truevisions subscription if you want live CNN and HBO on the box, they have a package that includes both for like 800-900 baht a month. but if you're more of a streaming person, HBO Max works fine here with a local credit card, no VPN needed. CNN live is trickier though, you'll prob need a VPN for that since the app blocks Thai IPs. if you go the VPN route, just set it up on a Fire Stick or Apple TV, way easier than messing with the TV's built-in system

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Yeah if you've got a newer Samsung or LG TV you can just install the apps directly and use a VPN on your phone to share the connection. I use my iPhone's hotspot with a VPN on and cast to the TV, works fine for CNN and HBO Max without buying anything extra.

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fwiw if you already have a decent internet connection, ditch cable entirely and just use a streaming device. grab a Google TV or Roku from Power Buy or Banana IT, install a VPN app on that device itself. that way your whole TV experience is routed through the VPN, so CNN and HBO Max both work without any extra hassle. Truevisions is fine but their contracts lock you in for a year and the picture quality is just okay. the VPN route is like 300 baht a month tops and you can cancel anytime.

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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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