Retirement 800k or Nothing ?

yeah you're mixing up two different rules a bit. The 800k needs to be in the bank 3 months before renewal and 3 months after, then it can drop to 400k for the rest of the year. So after your extension is stamped, you're free to pull the whole 800k out for a day or two to exchange it - just make sure you put at least 400k back in before the 3 month post-extension window closes.

tbh immigration doesn't check your account every day, they only care about the balance on the day you apply and during those seasoning periods. Go to SuperRich on Silom or use Kasikorn's exchange service, they'll give u a decent rate. Just keep the exchange receipt and your new bank book showing the THB deposit - that's your paper trail if anyone asks questions later.

one thing nobody mentioned - if your GBP account is in a Thai bank, you can do an internal transfer to a THB account without physically removing the cash. Ask your bank about a forex transfer between your own accounts, saves you the hassle of withdrawing and redepositing.

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Honestly, I think you're overthinking it a bit. You can pull the 800k out after you get your visa extension sorted, just make sure you have the 400k seasoning rule done for the next one. A lot of people here just cash out, exchange it at SuperRich or wherever, and then drop it back in once the new extension is stamped in your passport. Just don't let it hit zero for too long, keep at least 400k in there for the rest of the year and u should be fine for the next renewal.

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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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