Yeah I think you're right, unless you often visit those places it's more common to just see their names only when you pass by their train stations or see them on the train maps, so the "mb" spellings stand out more.
> "phat khaprao" or "phat krapow", which one is correct Thai?
> In Thai, the correct spelling is "phat kaphrao" (ผัดกะเพรา). This dish, known for its delicious combination of stir-fried meat (often chicken, pork, or seafood) with holy basil, garlic, and chili, is a staple in Thai cuisine.
Might of course be an often-heard variant name of a popular dish.