Information about this topic is abundant online, so we advise travelers upfront: check the publication date of any article or comment. Thailand has undergone significant changes in mobile communications and mobile internet over recent years. These changes aren't simply about expanded coverage or 4G and 5G availability — they involve fundamental matters like SIM card registration. Therefore, verify any information not dated from the current year.
Thailand has 3 major operators, each offering special SIM cards for tourists:
Operators show minimal differences in coverage, though nuances exist. In cities and popular resort areas, you'll receive stable 4G and 5G signals from any operator. In remote regions and on certain islands, differences become noticeable. AIS maintains the broadest rural coverage, while TrueMove H and DTAC are developing their networks but currently provide weaker signals in outlying areas.
5G technology is being actively developed by all operators but remains primarily available in major cities and tourist centers.
Purchase a local SIM card at Family Mart and 7-Eleven (7/11) retail chains. You'll encounter these stores at the airport upon arrival and frequently thereafter. Tell the consultant "SIM card" and specify: SIM, micro-SIM, or iPhone (or simply show your phone to the operator).
Extensive online information suggests Thai SIM cards don't work with all phones due to frequency mismatches, requiring international SIM cards instead. This applies only to older phones. Modern devices work perfectly with local SIM cards.
The most affordable card costs approximately 50 baht ($1.50). Top it up immediately with another 50 baht ($1.50) minimum, as one minute of calling averages 1 baht (~$0.03). For example, AIS's most economical 50-baht SIM card includes 2 GB of internet plus 1 GB for YouTube viewing.
SIM cards with pre-activated internet cost 300-600 baht (~$8.90-$17.70). Pricing depends on the included GB package and usage period. If internet runs out earlier, you can top up your SIM card and receive an additional 15 or 30 GB.
A modern alternative to physical SIM cards is the virtual eSIM — a chip built into your smartphone that activates remotely. Purchase and install a package online before departure, and upon arrival in Thailand, simply enable mobile data.
eSIM is offered by Thai operators and international services, though international options typically cost more. Purchase virtual SIM cards online through the operators' websites mentioned above. After purchase, you'll receive a QR code for activation via email; internet becomes available immediately upon arrival.
Several options exist:
Recommending specific plans is difficult here; everything is individual. General recommendations apply across all operators:
These parameters remain constant over time. Plans themselves change continuously; information becomes outdated quickly. To select an appropriate option, you need current information available only on your chosen operator's website (TRUE, AIS, DTAC). Websites offer English versions and translate well through browsers if needed.
Read the fine print in your SIM card instructions and don't be surprised that all expenses include a 7% surcharge. This is a tax the consultant will likely "forget" to mention.
Operators can activate mobile internet when you purchase your SIM card. However, you can activate it yourself. Complete instructions are included with each SIM card.
Typically, all settings are pre-configured in the SIM card and internet appears automatically once the package is activated. Occasionally, issues arise. Usually, manually entering a new APN access point resolves this and the network appears:
Change nothing else; simply tap the created APN to make it active. If unsuccessful, visit the nearest sales point and consult with operators.
Monitor your mobile internet package expiration carefully. No SMS notification warns "your balance is below 10 baht." However, when your package expires, you'll unknowingly switch to per-megabyte rates. Shortly after, you'll be surprised to see "0" on your balance.
In major cities and resort zones—practically everywhere. In hotels, cafes, shopping centers, clubs. Numerous drawbacks exist, naturally:
At hotels, purchase passwords at reception; at bars, from the bartender.
In restaurants, ask staff about Wi-Fi, though the password will likely be written on ashtrays or salt shakers. Use it freely! Such internet speeds allow email checking and social media browsing.