If you cannot find kaffir lime, use an equal combination of lemon and lime peel.
If you cannot find galangal, use an extra teaspoon of ginger and a small squeeze of lime.
Use gloves to chop the dried and fresh chiles!
To keep the paste vegetarian, omit the shrimp paste and use fermented beancurd or salt instead.
If you can find fresh coriander root, use that, otherwise fresh ginger is good.