- Download our Moving to Thailand Guide (PDF)
Keeping in touch in Thailand won’t be difficult for expats, as the standard of the country’s communication infrastructure is generally solid. Most communication services are high in quality and available at affordable prices. However, some amenities may be limited to larger cities.
Mobile phones in Thailand
Before buying a SIM card for your mobile phone in Thailand, you’ll need to present your passport and complete a facial recognition scan to verify your identity. Staff at official outlets will handle the registration, which typically takes 10 to 30 minutes. Foreign nationals can register up to three SIM cards per mobile operator.
AIS, TrueMove H and DTAC are Thailand’s mobile network operators, although True Corporation and DTAC merged in 2023 to form a consolidated entity. The market is essentially a duopoly between AIS and the merged True-DTAC network. All offer both prepaid and postpaid options. Contract deals are usually better value than pay-as-you-go, but they provide less flexibility in terms of moving networks or closing an account early if you’re leaving Thailand.
AIS has the most extensive network nationwide, and it’s particularly strong in rural areas, islands and border regions. TrueMove H delivers the fastest 5G speeds in major cities like Bangkok, which is ideal for bandwidth-heavy work.
eSIM technology is an increasingly popular alternative. You can activate service digitally without handling a physical SIM card or visiting a shop. The registration requirements still apply, but most eSIM providers handle verification through their apps rather than requiring an in-person visit.
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Internet in Thailand
For most expats, having reliable internet in Thailand is a priority, whether for work or to keep in touch with family and friends back in their home country.
There are several major providers. Since the merger of AIS Fibre and 3BB, the country’s largest ISP is now AIS-3BB Fibre3. True Online is a major private competitor, and NT TOT is a state-owned alternative that has good coverage in rural areas.
Fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) is the standard in cities. Typical packages range from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps. Thailand ranks among Southeast Asia’s leaders for broadband speeds, with a national average of around 230 Mbps.
Most home internet packages require a minimum one-year contract. There are also usually monthly plans, but at premium rates. For short-term stays, there are 5G home internet options that use mobile network technology.
WiFi hotspots are regularly available in most malls, restaurants, and hotels. Free connections in public places should generally be avoided to prevent issues such as hacking or data theft. Free WiFi connections from restaurants and hotels are often safe, but the connection speeds do vary.
Internet censorship
Internet censorship in Thailand extends beyond ‘obscene content’ into political speech. Websites critical of the monarchy or government may be blocked. The lèse majesté law and the Computer Crime Act grant the authorities sweeping powers to censor content, which means you’ll encounter tens of thousands of blocked URLs. Arrests have been made for online commentary deemed critical of the royal family or government, so it’s best for expats to steer clear of local politics while they’re staying in the kingdom.
Major communication platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and LINE, are accessible in Thailand. LINE has become particularly dominant for local messaging. VPN usage is not explicitly prohibited.
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Postal services in Thailand
The Thai postal system is efficient and reliable, if a little slow. Thailand Post runs around 1,300 official post offices, supplemented by nearly 3,800 licensed postal outlets in smaller shops.
Domestic mail typically takes several days to a week within Thailand. International deliveries via standard airmail can take anywhere from one to three weeks. For time-sensitive international shipments, courier services including DHL, FedEx and UPS offer faster, trackable alternatives. Thailand Post offers tracking services for registered mail and EMS (Express Mail Service). Some users report efficient delivery, and others note occasional delays or package-handling issues.
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English-language media in Thailand
English-language media in Thailand include The Nation, which ceased print publication in 2019 and now operates solely online, and the Bangkok Post. There are also digital-first outlets, such as Khaosod English, The Thaiger and Thai Enquirer.
Media in Thailand have to operate within strict legal frameworks which limit what can be published about the monarchy and certain political topics. Censorship pressures are particularly felt by radio and television broadcasting. To find less self-censorship on sensitive local topics, you may need to look at international news outlets and digital-first English publications.
There is limited English-language television programming on the local Thai channels. Many expats rely on international news channels and streaming platforms for entertainment and news.