what's with the selective bag checking at stations?

You've basically spotted the reality of it. The BTS and MRT security staff are looking for the quickest, most obvious threat they can spot, which is usually a plastic bag or a shopping tote that could easily hide something. A backpack strapped to someone's back is a lot more hassle to check, and they'd have to stop the whole queue to do a proper search. It's not a perfect system, it's just the path of least resistance for the guards who have to check hundreds of people an hour at places like Siam or Asok.

arrow_drop_up 11 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

honestly it's prob just about speed more than anything else. the guards at places like chit lom or siam have like 3 seconds per person during rush hour, and a backpack means asking you to take it off, unzip it, maybe dig through your laptop or gym stuff. a plastic bag they can just peek into while you're walking past. i've seen them skip people with clear tote bags too, so it's really just about what's visible and easy.

arrow_drop_up 2 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

yeah it's basically the lazy scan method tbh they figure backpacks are too much effort to unzip and dig through so they just go for the easy targets with visible handles

arrow_drop_up 0 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

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.

arrow_drop_up 5 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

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.

arrow_drop_up 4 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

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

arrow_drop_up 2 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply