Staying in Bangkok for atleast 6 months (possibly longer). Medical insurance?

You'll want to look at getting a proper inpatient/outpatient plan from one of the Thai insurers like Pacific Cross or LMG. Travel insurance won't cut it for a 6 month stay, they cap trips at 30-90 days usually and won't cover pre-existing stuff.

The ER story sounds about right. Bumrungrad or Samitivej will charge you premium prices, but government hospitals like Bangkok General or even the private ones outside the city center are much cheaper. If you're living here long term, consider a plan with a 40,000 baht deductible to keep premiums reasonable.

For your regional travel, most standard expat plans cover emergency visits in neighboring countries, just confirm the policy wording says "worldwide excluding USA" or "Southeast Asia coverage." You'll be fine bouncing around Vietnam and Malaysia with the same policy.

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yeah Pacific Cross is the go-to for most people here, but if you're planning on hopping around Vietnam and Malaysia just make sure your policy covers regional travel. some plans only cover you in Thailand so double check that clause. also worth looking into a "visa insurance" package from some brokers since you're on the DVT visa, they bundle it with the extension paperwork sometimes.

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honestly just get Pacific Cross or Luma, theyre pretty standard for expats here. travel insurance wont cover u for 6 months straight, it has limits.

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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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