Is it okay, to cold approach strangers at all?

honestly the table tennis thing is fine, just wait for the game to end and say "can I play?" with a smile. most Thai students are actually pretty shy about their English but they'll switch to a mix of Thai and English if you're patient with them.

a better trick is to go through the university clubs or the international student office, they usually have buddy programs that pair locals with exchange students. that way you skip the awkward cold approach entirely and get someone who's literally signed up to hang out with you.

if you do approach random people, avoid groups that are all girls, that reads as creepy no matter what. single person or mixed group is safer. also learn a few Thai phrases even if you butcher them, they'll love that you tried, like "khun chue arai" for what's your name.

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It's totally fine to cold approach here, but the way you do it matters more than the fact you're doing it. Thai students are usually polite and warm, but they can be shy about English, so a smile and a slow, simple "Sawasdee khrap, I'm [name], from [country]" goes a long way. Sitting next to someone at a table tennis table or in the canteen is normal, just ask "Can I sit here?" with a nod, and if they seem engaged, ask about their major or the sport they're playing.

One thing I've noticed is that joining group activities, like a club or the gym at Chula or TU, feels more natural than a random solo approach. The language barrier isn't about ability, it's about confidence, so if you keep it light and laugh off mistakes, they'll relax too. Don't overthink the "weird" part, just be casual and don't push for a contact right away, let it happen if they offer.

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tbh the buddy program thing is your best bet, but if you're set on cold approaching, pick your spots smart. the canteen during lunch rush is chaos, nobody wants a stranger sliding in. better to hit the quieter corners of the library or the outdoor tables near the faculty buildings, people are way more relaxed there.

also, don't sleep on the gym or the running track. thai students are super into fitness, and spotting someone or just nodding as you pass can turn into conversation naturally. the key is to not force it, if they're wearing headphones or scrolling their phone, leave them alone.

one thing nobody mentioned, the language thing works both ways. even if their english is decent, they might be nervous about making mistakes in front of a foreigner. so try throwing in a few thai words, even if you mess up the tones, it breaks the ice way faster than perfect english. "khun maa jaak nai" for "where are you from" is an easy one, and they'll probably laugh and switch to english anyway.

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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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