Where can I find foreigners in Bangkok?

You'll have better luck hitting the Khao San Road area in the evening, especially around the backpacker hostels like Lamphu House or the bars on Soi Rambuttri. Most people there are travelers passing through and might be up for something different. For a slightly older crowd, try the bars near Sukhumvit Soi 11 like Above Eleven or the speakeasy spots on Soi 23, but be ready for more resistance since those folks are often on work trips or short holidays.

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honestly just post up at the Thong Lo BTS exit around 6pm, especially near W District or the Commons. lots of expats grabbing after-work drinks and they're usually down to chat. also check the coworking spaces like Hive or Glowfish on Silom, people are less rushed there and more open to random convos.

khao san is fine for backpackers but if you want people who actually live here and might stick around for your event, hit the Ari area on a weekday evening. the crowd at Lay Lao or the bars along Soi Ari is mostly younger expats and digital nomads who are bored and looking for plans

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ngl the speed dating angle is smart but you're gonna get better results at the expat-heavy sports bars on a thursday night. the Pickled Liver on soi 11 or the Dubliner on silom road pull in a consistent crowd of single guys watching premier league games, and they're usually in a social mood after a few beers. just avoid the weekend when it gets too rowdy and everyone's in groups

also don't sleep on the ferry piers along the Chao Phraya river around 5pm. the Sathorn pier especially has a ton of teachers and office workers waiting for the boat, they're stuck there for 10-15 mins and way easier to talk to than people rushing through a bts station

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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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