For what kind of foreigner is it actually worth it to get a degree in Bangkok in their middle age or later?

yeah you're not wrong for most people but there's one scenario where it actually makes sense. if you're planning to retire here long term and want to switch to a local work permit under your own company, having a thai degree from an accredited university makes the work permit process way smoother. the labor department gives you a higher quota for foreign to thai staff ratios if you hold a degree from a thai institution.

also some of the executive programs at sasin or nida are basically networking clubs for thai business owners and senior civil servants. if you're in consulting or b2b services that's worth way more than the coursework itself. those relationships take years to build on your own.

but for a random bachelor's in business admin at some private university? skip it. that money is better spent on a good thai tutor and a condo near the bts.

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ngl you're probably right for most people but it depends what you want out of it. if you're just chasing a career boost, a thai degree won't help much outside thailand and even here most employers care way more about experience and language ability.

but if you're already established and want to study something specific like thai traditional medicine, buddhist studies, or even a serious muay thai trainer certification, some of those programs at chula or mahidol have real depth. the social network you build with local classmates can also open doors that no amount of self-study in thai will get you.

also some guys i know did a master's in international development at thammasat just for the visa and the routine, and honestly they loved it. kept them from going stir crazy in bangkok's expat bubble. so not entirely useless, just niche.

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honestly if you're not trying to switch careers or get a work visa a degree is prob a waste of money here. the real value is the connections and the structure, not the piece of paper. some people just need a reason to get out of bed and study something instead of drinking on k

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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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