Monkey Bar – Leading expats bar in Korat

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Written by Sebastien H. Brousseau in 2022. (Aftermath will be another article!)

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastianbrousseau/

Monkey bar is probably the most popular expats place in Korat. It’s located in front of the old « Sri Pattana Hotel » (now closed) on Suranaree road. Stuart (English) and Wayne (American) will welcome you with good music and excellent food.

Monkey Bar is one of the only place with a pool table in the city. They have improved drastically the food which is consistent, good value and excellent. You can have Indian curries, pizza, burgers, but also Thai food, English breakfast and they do a special roast (English style) on Sunday. They have live music, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.

Pool Table at Monkey Bar

I personally like their fish and chips (also the one at Fat Boy Tavern) their Ka Prow Pizza and my Canadian background love their chicken parmesan. It reminds me what I ate younger in Montreal.

So if you want to speak English, meet other expats, play pool, have a nice western meal, watch sports on TV, or have a live bank on weekends, the Monkey Bar is for you. Another popular expats place is the River Sports Bar but that one is in Joho, maybe 10km from the city.

The Monkey Bar is located where « Check Inn » was before. Under a place with snooker table. You will find it here: https://goo.gl/maps/MaMy4CjWsPAi3WUh7

Don’t drink and drive. Use the services of Pee Moo, a tuk tuk driver that is always parked at the Monkey Bar.

Bar, cold beer
Pizza Ka Prow
Sunday Roast
Burgers at Monkey Bar

About This Place

Fat Boy Tavern – Western and Thai Pizza Bar. Located at 1688/19 Mitraphap Road, Fat Boy Tavern has established itself as Korat premium pizza destination with authentic Italian-style thin-crust pizzas. Popular spot for locals and expatriates in the region.

Have questions about living or working in Thailand? Contact Sebastien Brousseau – French-speaking lawyer based in Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima).

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Super Japanese Buffet in Korat – Takeshi Gold

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About a 2 years ago, Takeshi gold opened beside Fat Boy Tavern. I went with the staff for Christmas 2021 and I was really impressed : That is quality and not the traditional buffet.

We picked the most expensive one (not sure, I think it was 699 baht) and it’s all you can eat for about 1.5 or 2 hours. You picked the dishes on the menu and they have really everything, sushi, sashimi, crab, fish, salads, soups, tempura, name it. Fresh and delicious. 

Here’s their Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/Takeshigoldkorat/

Do not miss the fresh crab…

#Koratrestaurants #Japaneserestaurant #takeshigold

fresh sashimi
huge prawns
Always humble… and real gold!!!
tempura
delicious sushi rolls88

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Mein Licht – Mexican fusion in Korat

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Mein Licht – Mexican fusion in Korat

German name, hidden in old barracks from the army, serving mexican fusion food, that place is strange…

But they serve nachos, burritos, quesadilla at very cheap price. It is not totally authentic Mexican food: you might have ketchup or mayonnaise but it’s very defend for the price. A meal will cost you around 150 baht maximum.

It’s not easy to find, so follow the link on Google Map : https://goo.gl/maps/rDnV5Hxxn1yPNgCf9

They also have a Facebook page and deliver by grab : https://www.facebook.com/meinlichtmexican

I had burritos and nachos and beside the sauces, it was quite nice for the price. It changes as they are not many places with Mexican food in Korat. Yes, Daya’s café is better and River Sports Bar too. But this place is in the center of the city and at 50% discount!

From outside.
I believe it was burritos, not sure. Nachos? It’s been many months…
other part of the menu
an adorable cat is part of the furniture.
from outside, no air con but a fan,
part of the menu
pat of the menu
They gave me complimentary ice cream!

#Koratrestaurant #mexicanfood #Nakhon Ratchasima

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I started a YouTube channel called @CryptoTrips

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(written around December 2022) by Sebastien H. Brousseau.

Trekking in Nepal. That’s what I wanted to do when I first left Thailand in October 2022. Maybe I lived too long in Isaan. I felt like I needed some fresh air. I spent 3 months in Nepal and I really enjoyed the country, especially Pokhara.

I will make some videos to share with you my experience as expats in other places of the world.

here’s my channel explanation about my Trekking in Mardi Himal. This is located in front of the Fish Tai Mountain and you can see the Annapurna, super big, at high camp. I will never forget that few days;.

and here’s the first episode about trekking in Nepal. Another video EP0, explain the concept I want to do.

Enjoy. #Annapurna #MardiHimal #MardiHimaltrek, #TrekkinginNepal, #Cryptotrips

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8 restaurants in Khao Yai and where to find them.

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8 Restaurants in Khao Yai: Where to Eat Near the National Park

Khao Yai — Thailand’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site — is one of the country’s most spectacular natural destinations. What many visitors don’t realize is that the area around the park has also developed an impressive dining scene, ranging from vineyard restaurants to excellent Thai street food and everything in between.

Khao Yai is easily visited from Korat (about 1-1.5 hours drive to the park entrance) or from Bangkok (about 3 hours). Here are eight places worth knowing about when you visit.

1. Palio Khao Yai

The most Instagram-famous destination in the area, Palio is an Italian-themed shopping and dining village in the hills near Pak Chong. Cobblestone streets, Tuscan-style architecture, wine bars, and restaurants — it is entirely artificial but undeniably charming. The food is hit-and-miss (some excellent, some tourist-trap), but the atmosphere is memorable and it is worth a walk regardless.

2. PB Valley Khao Yai Winery

Thailand produces wine, and PB Valley Winery in Khao Yai is one of the better producers. The vineyard setting is beautiful — rolling hills with mountain backdrops — and the restaurant serves food designed to pair with the wine. Not world-class wine by any standard, but perfectly enjoyable in this setting, particularly at sunset on the terrace.

3. GranMonte Vineyard

Another excellent vineyard, GranMonte is a family-run operation that has produced some of Thailand’s most awarded wines. The estate restaurant offers a tasting menu with wine pairing in a genuinely beautiful vineyard setting. Book in advance.

4. Rabiang Pa Restaurant

For traditional Thai food in a beautiful outdoor setting, Rabiang Pa delivers. Wooden pavilions surrounded by tropical trees, with a menu of classic Thai dishes executed properly. A good choice for Thai food lovers who want an atmospheric setting to match the food.

5. Chok Chai Steakhouse

The Chok Chai Farm near Khao Yai is one of Thailand’s largest cattle farms, and their steakhouse operates on the premises. The beef is local and consistently good. If you are craving steak in the Thai countryside, this is the place.

6. Street Food in Pak Chong

Pak Chong is the gateway town to Khao Yai National Park, and its night market and street food scene are excellent. After a day in the jungle, sitting at a plastic table eating grilled meats, fresh papaya salad, and sticky rice from a roadside stall is one of the area’s great pleasures — and costs a fraction of the winery restaurants.

7. Kim’s Kitchen

A well-regarded international restaurant near the park area, offering a mix of Western and Asian dishes. Popular with both Thai families on weekend outings and expats from Korat. Consistent quality and good service.

8. Jungle Camping Barbecue

For a different experience, some operators in the Khao Yai area organize barbecue dinners in the jungle setting — sometimes with night safari included. The food is simple but the setting — dining in the national park forest at night with elephants potentially wandering nearby — is extraordinary.

Getting to Khao Yai from Korat

From Korat, Khao Yai National Park is about 90 minutes drive heading west. The most practical option is a private car — public transport to the park is limited. For more on the wider Isaan region: Isaan Guide.

Conclusion

The Khao Yai area has evolved from a purely nature destination into one of Thailand’s most interesting food and wine regions. Whether you want world-class vineyard dining or simple Thai street food, the area delivers. Plan a full day or weekend to do the park and the restaurants justice.

About This Place

Korat Thai Cafe – Authentic Thai Dining Heritage. Korat Thai represents authentic Thai restaurant traditions, with establishments operating for extended periods in communities with significant history. Popular spot for locals and expatriates in the region.

Have questions about living or working in Thailand? Contact Sebastien Brousseau – French-speaking lawyer based in Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima).

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The best Japanese restaurant in Korat?

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The Best Japanese Restaurant in Korat?

Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima) might not be the first city that comes to mind for Japanese cuisine — but this Isaan city has a surprisingly vibrant dining scene, and Japanese food has found a dedicated following among both the local Thai population and the city’s expatriate community.

Thailand’s affinity for Japanese food runs deep. Japanese restaurant chains are ubiquitous in Bangkok and the major tourist centers, but finding genuinely good Japanese food in the provinces requires knowing where to look. After years of eating around Korat, I have developed a clear picture of where the Japanese food is worth your time.

What Makes Good Japanese Food in a Thai Context

Japanese cuisine has been embraced enthusiastically in Thailand, but the quality varies enormously. At the lower end, « Japanese » restaurants serve Thai-adapted versions of sushi and teriyaki that bear little resemblance to their originals. At the better end, you find chefs who have trained in Japanese techniques, source decent quality fish and produce, and produce food that stands on its own merits.

The key metrics for Japanese food in Korat:

  • Rice quality: Japanese cuisine depends on proper short-grain Japanese rice. Restaurants using Thai jasmine rice for sushi are immediately disqualified from serious consideration.
  • Fish freshness: Korat is landlocked and far from the coast. The best Japanese restaurants source their fish properly — sometimes from Bangkok suppliers who can guarantee freshness.
  • Broth depth: Ramen broth should take many hours to develop. Quick-boiled broth is immediately identifiable and disappointing.
  • Knife skills: Sashimi and nigiri require genuine knife technique. Unevenly cut fish is a giveaway of amateur preparation.

Japanese Food Styles Available in Korat

The Japanese food available in Korat runs the full range:

  • Sushi and sashimi bars: Several dedicated sushi restaurants operate in Korat, ranging from budget conveyor-belt style to proper omakase-adjacent experiences.
  • Ramen: Ramen has exploded in popularity across Thailand. Korat has multiple dedicated ramen shops — quality varies significantly.
  • Shabu shabu and sukiyaki: All-you-can-eat hot pot restaurants are enormously popular in Thailand. Several operate in Korat.
  • Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ): Grilled meat in Japanese style, less common but available.
  • Bento and set meals: Many Japanese-style restaurants offer set lunches with miso soup, rice, a main dish, and sides — excellent value for money.

My Recommendations

Rather than name a single « best » — which changes with chef turnover and ownership — the criteria I use: a restaurant where the staff clearly care about authenticity, where the rice is proper Japanese short-grain, where the fish is fresh, and where the food has the clean, precise flavors that define Japanese cuisine at its best.

The Korat Terminal 21 shopping mall and the Central Festival area have Japanese restaurants that have maintained consistent quality over time. For a more local experience, smaller neighborhood Japanese restaurants away from the malls often offer better value if less consistency.

Japanese Food Culture in Korat

Japanese restaurant culture has been absorbed enthusiastically into Korat’s dining scene. You will find Thai families celebrating birthdays with sushi platters, young couples on dates at ramen shops, and office workers grabbing bento sets for lunch. The popularity is genuine and creates the market pressure that drives quality improvement over time.

For more Korat dining options, explore the other restaurant reviews on this site — from Thai street food to international cuisine, the city’s food scene is one of its underrated pleasures.

Conclusion

Korat has more than adequate Japanese dining options for a city of its size and character. The best options are those where the kitchen takes the cooking seriously — proper ingredients, correct technique, clean flavors. In my experience, these restaurants do exist in Korat, and they are worth finding.

About This Place

Japanese Dining Excellence in Korat. Korat boasts numerous quality Japanese restaurants reflecting the significant Japanese expat community, ranging from ramen shops to sushi restaurants. Popular spot for locals and expatriates in the region.

Have questions about living or working in Thailand? Contact Sebastien Brousseau – French-speaking lawyer based in Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima).

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Ramen restaurant at Condo Link

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This place is super good. They served the best gyoza (small but tasty) that I had in Korat. I think it’s open for lunch and dinner only. They might close between 2pm and 5pm. It is EXCELLENT.

It is called Ebisu Ramen and can be found on Google here: https://goo.gl/maps/q4hybjZwEWttg9hq5

Saba noodles, it is cold noodles.
Gyoza
Outside, front of Fat Boy Tavern
Saba
Tom Yam Ramen

About This Place

Japanese Ramen Dining in Korat. Korat has increasing Japanese dining options reflecting the significant Japanese expat community. Several quality Japanese restaurants serve authentic ramen in the city. Popular spot for locals and expatriates in the region.

Have questions about living or working in Thailand? Contact Sebastien Brousseau – French-speaking lawyer based in Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima).

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Criminal Bar / Far Away

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Criminal Bar

There is a small soi in Korat with 2 popular bars. It’s like opposite of Happy Land, on the other site. One is called « Criminal » (facebook : https://www.facebook.com/Criminal-x-%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A1%E0%B9%82%E0%B8%88%E0%B8%A3-2339403529672361)

and the other one is called « Far Away X Korat »

(Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/FarAwayKorat/)

On day time, « Criminal » is a café called « 1 Nice Coffee Slow Bar ». It has been opened for 2-3 years to what I understand. Criminal Bar opens at 6pm.

This last bar, Far Away Playground Korat is quite popular these days and we suggest to arrive before 9 pm. These two bars are just about 100 meters from each other in a small soi, not very far from Mum’s Bar.

Outside at Far Away
Criminal Bar
Criminal Bar
Crimnal bar
Cafe on day time
criminal bar
criminal bar
Far Away menu outside
criminal bar

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Online payments in Thailand

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Online Payments in Thailand: A Practical Guide for Expats

Thailand has made rapid progress in digital finance over the past decade. From the widespread adoption of PromptPay to the dominance of mobile banking apps and QR code payments, the country has moved quickly toward a cashless society — at least for domestic transactions. For expatriates, navigating Thailand’s payment ecosystem requires understanding both the dominant systems and their limitations for foreign nationals.

PromptPay: Thailand’s Instant Payment System

PromptPay is the backbone of Thailand’s digital payment infrastructure. Launched by the Bank of Thailand in 2017 under the National e-Payment initiative, PromptPay enables:

  • Instant bank-to-bank transfers, 24/7, including weekends and holidays.
  • Zero fee transfers up to 5,000 THB; very low fees for larger amounts.
  • Payment by scanning a QR code — widely used in markets, restaurants, and small shops.
  • Government tax refunds, subsidy payments, and social welfare disbursements.

To use PromptPay, you register your Thai bank account with either your national ID number, passport number, or mobile number. A 13-digit PromptPay ID (like a national ID) or a 10-digit mobile number then becomes your payment address.

Mobile Banking Apps

All major Thai banks offer sophisticated mobile apps. The most widely used include:

  • Krungthai NEXT (Krungthai Bank) — popular with government services and PromptPay payments.
  • K PLUS (Kasikorn Bank / KBank) — widely regarded as the most feature-rich banking app.
  • SCB EASY (Siam Commercial Bank) — full-featured with good English support.
  • Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking — strong international features including overseas transfers.

Most of these apps work in both Thai and English. For new expats, setting up a Thai bank account is a priority — see below.

QR Code Payments

QR code payments are ubiquitous in Thailand. Most merchants — from major supermarkets to street food stalls — accept payment by scanning a QR code using any Thai banking app. This system uses the PromptPay infrastructure and is typically free to the consumer and carries a minimal merchant fee.

Credit and Debit Cards

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at major retailers, hotels, and restaurants in cities. Smaller establishments, markets, and rural areas remain predominantly cash-based. American Express has limited acceptance. Foreign-issued cards work in Thailand but typically attract foreign transaction fees from your home bank.

International Transfers

Receiving money from abroad in Thailand can be done through:

  • SWIFT bank transfers: All major Thai banks accept international SWIFT transfers. Allow 2-5 business days and expect fees from both sending and receiving banks.
  • Wise (formerly TransferWise): Popular among expats for lower fees and better exchange rates than traditional bank transfers.
  • Western Union / MoneyGram: Available but generally more expensive for large sums.

Thailand’s foreign exchange regulations require that incoming transfers for amounts over approximately 50,000 USD be reported to the Bank of Thailand. Documentation of the purpose may be required for large transfers.

Opening a Bank Account as a Foreigner

Expats in Thailand should open a Thai bank account as early as possible. Requirements typically include:

  • Passport.
  • Thai visa with sufficient validity (requirements vary by bank — some require a non-immigrant visa, others accept tourist visas).
  • Some banks require proof of Thai address (a utility bill or lease agreement).
  • Work permit (for some banks and account types).

Kasikorn Bank (KBank) and Bangkok Bank are generally considered the most expat-friendly for account opening requirements. Some branches in tourist areas and expat communities are set up to assist foreign customers in English.

Tax and Legal Considerations for Business Payments

For businesses and self-employed individuals, digital payments create a transaction trail that Thai tax authorities can access. The Revenue Department has been modernizing its systems and cross-referencing payment data with tax filings. Businesses receiving regular payments through Thai bank accounts should ensure their tax registrations and filings are in order.

For more on Thai taxation: Personal Income Tax in Thailand.

Conclusion

Thailand’s digital payment ecosystem is efficient, modern, and convenient — once you have a Thai bank account and understand the main tools. PromptPay and mobile banking apps make day-to-day transactions easy and inexpensive. For international transfers, compare options carefully to minimize fees. And for business activities, ensure your payment systems are compliant with Thai tax and regulatory requirements.

Need Legal Advice in Thailand?

Sebastien H. Brousseau is a French-speaking lawyer based in Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima), Thailand, with extensive experience helping expatriates and foreign nationals navigate Thai law. Contact us for a confidential consultation.

Website: sebastienbrousseau.com  |  ThaiLawOnline.com

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