Mobile network operators
Thailand has three main mobile operators, all offering comparable coverage and pricing:
- AIS: largest operator, best coverage nationwide including rural areas [1]. 5G available in major cities.
- TrueMove H: second-largest, good urban coverage, competitive data plans. Merged with dtac's parent company in 2022 but operations remain separate as of 2026 [2].
- dtac: strong in Bangkok and tourist areas, slightly lower rural coverage [3].
All three offer prepaid (SIM card, top-up) and postpaid (monthly contract) accounts for foreigners.
SIM cards for foreigners
- Tourist SIM (prepaid): available at airport arrivals and 7-Eleven. Typical packages: 8-15 days unlimited data (300-1,000 THB). You need a passport for registration (NBTC regulation) [4].
- Standard prepaid SIM: buy at any operator shop with passport. Top-up via 7-Eleven, mobile banking, or operator app. Data packages from 200 THB/month for 20 GB.
- Postpaid SIM (monthly contract): requires passport + long-stay visa + proof of address (rental contract). Some operators accept a work permit in lieu of the visa check. Monthly plans from 300-1,500 THB for 20-100 GB of data.
- eSIM: available from all three operators for prepaid and postpaid. Buy online for tourist SIMs before arrival. Postpaid eSIM requires a visit to an operator shop for identity verification.
- Number portability: available. Keep your number when switching operators.
Broadband internet
- AIS Fibre: 500 Mbps-1 Gbps for 500-800 THB/month (14-22 EUR). Available in most condos and houses in urban areas.
- TrueOnline Fibre: 300 Mbps-1 Gbps for 400-700 THB/month. Extensive coverage in Bangkok and major cities.
- 3BB Fibre: 300 Mbps-1 Gbps for 400-600 THB/month. Good coverage, often the fastest installation time.
- TOT Fibre (now NT): government subsidiary. Slower speeds but widest rural coverage.
Installation: typically 3-7 days after application. Free installation for 12-month contracts. Fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) is standard in urban areas. Monthly payment via direct debit or operator app.
Coverage
- 4G/LTE: excellent coverage in all cities, major towns, and most tourist areas. Rural coverage variable but generally usable.
- 5G: available in central Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, and major shopping areas. Expanding but not yet nationwide. Both AIS and True have the widest 5G coverage.
- WiFi 6: available on AIS and True fibre for compatible routers.
- Speed test averages (2026): mobile download 30-100 Mbps, upload 10-30 Mbps. Fibre: 200-900 Mbps depending on plan and time of day.
Cost comparison
- Prepaid mobile data: cheapest at 200-400 THB/month for 15-30 GB. 800-1,500 THB/month for "unlimited" (usually throttled after a cap).
- Postpaid mobile data: 400-1,200 THB/month including voice minutes. Family plans available.
- Broadband: 400-800 THB/month for 500 Mbps-1 Gbps. Often bundled with mobile plan for a discount.
- Cafe WiFi: free in most cafes and shopping centres but throttled and not suitable for video calls.
Practical tips
- 7-Eleven top-up: top up all prepaid SIMs at 7-Eleven by showing your phone number. Cash only.
- Dual SIM: Thai phones come unlocked. Most residents use a Thai SIM for daily data and keep their home SIM for banking OTPs.
- VPN: Thailand has no general internet censorship, but it occasionally blocks some sites (gambling, some political content). Use a VPN for accessing geo-restricted home-country services (banking, streaming).
- Airport SIMs: available at all terminals. AIS, True, and dtac have counters at arrivals (BKK and CNX). Tourist SIM + 15 days unlimited data: 300-500 THB.
- WiFi calling: available on all three operators. Useful for making and receiving calls over WiFi in areas with weak cellular signal.
Emergency connectivity
- Free WiFi: available at all major shopping centres, most cafes, and airports.
- True and AIS hotspots: subscribers of either operator get access to nationwide WiFi hotspots.
- Thailand Internet Gateway: all internet traffic passes through the government gateway. Northern Thailand has some of the fastest internet speeds in SE Asia due to the undersea cables landing in Rayong and Chonburi.
This page is indicative. Confirm current packages directly with the operator.