What is the insect situation like in Bangkok these days?

honestly you were a kid so yeah things probably felt way worse than they actually were. mosquitoes are still around especially near parks or standing water but most restaurants in the city have decent fans or AC now so it's not that bad. the little electric zapper tables are still a thing at some street food spots but they're more for show half the time. if you're staying in a decent hotel or condo the rooms are sealed up pretty well and you won't see much inside. for spiders tbh in the city you'll see the occasional house gecko on a wall way more often than any spider worth worrying about. just bring some DEET for evenings and you'll be fine

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You're remembering right about the table traps and bites, but it's not as intense now. Most restaurants in areas like Sukhumvit or Silom have air conditioning or strong ceiling fans, so mosquitoes aren't circling your legs the whole meal. The little zapper tables still pop up at some street stalls along Soi Convent or near the river, but they're more for ambiance than necessity.

For spiders, Bangkok's not really the place to worry. You'll see the occasional house gecko on a wall or a tiny jumping spider on a balcony railing, but nothing like the big ones you might imagine. If you're out at dusk near Lumphini Park or a canal, you'll get a few mosquitoes, so just pick up a repellent with DEET from a 7-Eleven once you land.

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eh it's fine now honestly. most newer condos and hotels are sealed up tight so you won't see anything inside. the outdoor mosquito traps still exist at some places but way less common than a decade ago. just grab some repellent from 7 Eleven when you land and you're good

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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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