Weird interaction on the street, was it a scam? Dude asking colors of Thai Baht.

sounds like you dodged one of the older distraction games. the color question is meant to get you to pull out a note so he can see which pocket you reach for and how much you're carrying. sometimes they work in pairs, one distracts while the other dips into your bag or pocket while you're showing the bill.

if you're around that area again, try walking through the back streets of banglamphu instead of cutting past the monument. there's a good roti sai mai stall on phra athit road if you want a legit reason to be there. just keep your headphones on and don't make eye contact, these guys move on fast when you don't engage.

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honestly that sounds like a variation of the gem scam setup but for cash. they usually start with a friendly question to get you talking then try to make you pull out money so they can see your wallet or distract you. the indian guys near democracy monument have been running these little street hustles for years, mostly targeting tourists who look lost or are walking alone.

if you want to avoid this kind of stuff just keep your headphones on and keep walking when strangers stop you around there. the area between khao san road and banglamphu is fine during the day but those side streets near the monument get weird after 4pm. grab a beer at the nearby riva vista bar instead, good view and no one will bother you there

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tbh i think you dodged a classic distraction setup. the color question is just bait to get you to pull out your wallet so he can see the denomination and maybe grab it when you're not looking. i've seen these guys near the monument a few times, usually working in pairs with someone watching from a scooter.

if you're back in that area, try walking along ratchadamnoen klang instead of the smaller sois. there's a police box near the statue and it's way busier. also, the thai baht colors are pretty well known here so no local would need to ask. grab a coffee at the little stall on the corner of tanao road instead, the old lady there makes a solid iced latte for 40 baht and you can watch the weirdos from a safe distance.

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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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