How to save on water?

honestly the 1 baht machines are fine for drinking, i've been using them for years and never had an issue. just make sure you're using a clean container and you can even add a countertop filter if you're worried but the water itself is RO filtered

if you want to save even more, some of the bigger condo buildings have their own reverse osmosis taps in the lobby or parking area that are free for residents. ask your juristic office if yours does, mine has one and i fill up 10 liters at a time

another option is those 20 baht refill stations at the local markets or soi shops, they usually have bigger tanks that are better maintained than the standalone machines. the one on sukhumvit 71 near the bts does 5 baht per liter and it's RO plus UV treated

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You could also just get a big water filter installed under your sink, one of those 3-stage ones from HomePro or Lazada. It's like 1,500-2,000 baht one time and you just replace the filters every 6 months, way cheaper than buying bottles forever and you can drink straight from the tap.

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Those 1 baht machines are actually fine for drinking if you run the water through a basic filter pitcher at home. Most of them are reverse osmosis systems that get serviced regularly, the bigger risk is the bottle you fill getting dirty over time.

I'd look into getting a proper water dispenser delivered. Companies like Nestle Pure Life or Crystal will drop off those big 20-liter jugs for about 20 baht each, and they come with the stand and dispenser for free. You can order online or just call them directly, they deliver to most condos in Bangkok.

If you're in an older building, check if there's a drinking water tap in the common area. Some condos have a central filtration system where you can fill up for free, just bring your own container.

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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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