Thailand Internet And Wifi: What You Need To Know

Are you planning a trip to Thailand and want to stay connected?

If so, then you’ll need to consider how you will access the internet while in Thailand.

WiFi is widely available throughout the country, but there are some things that travelers should know before they go.

In this guide, we’ll discuss what you need to know about using WiFi and the Internet in Thailand so that your travels can be as stress-free as possible.

We’ll cover topics such as the availability of public hotspots, data plans available, and tips on staying secure when being online.

With this information, you can rest assured that staying connected during your trip won’t be an issue!

So without further ado, let’s look at what you need to know about the Internet and WiFi in Thailand.

WiFi Availability In Thailand

When it comes to WiFi availability, Thailand is well-covered.

Public hotspots are available in many places (hotels, restaurants, malls, cafés, airports), and data plans can be purchased nearly everywhere.

If you’re looking for a place to get online, find a restaurant or a café, or head to the mall.

WiFi in Thailand is usually free, which makes the whole thing easier! Although, you might need to purchase a coffee or food in order to get the password.

Internet Reliability In Thailand

When it comes to internet reliability, Thailand is generally good. Although, if you’re heading to a Thai island or somewhere remote, you can have occasional issues with connection speeds.

For example, if you’re heading to Koh Lanta, you should know that they have been doing some road work in the past months, and this is impacting electricity and the Internet.

If you’re planning to do any work or streaming while in Thailand, then it’s best to stick to the larger cities such as Chiang Mai, Bangkok, or Phuket.

Data Plans In Thailand

If you plan to use the internet while in Thailand, then it’s a good idea to purchase a local data plan.

If you’re okay with using free WiFi here and there, there’s no need to buy a data plan. But if you want reliable, high-speed internet access, then it’s worth considering.

When it comes to buying a data plan in Thailand, you have a few options:

• Purchasing a SIM card in a local store or at the airport (when available)
• Purchasing a SIM card online before departure
• Purchasing an eSIM for Thailand
• Renting a pocket WiFi for Thailand

SIM Card In Thailand

Thailand’s leading SIM card providers are:

• AIS
• Dtac
• Truemove

You can purchase a SIM card for Thailand at the airport (when available), or at a local store in the main cities. For example, some Seven Eleven are selling SIM cards, or you can go to a mall to purchase one.

Alternatively, you can purchase a prepaid Thailand SIM card online before your departure to save time on arrival.

Here are a couple of options to consider:

• Prepaid Asia-Pacific SIM card (works in several countries, including Thailand)
• Simify (works in several countries, including Thailand)

Read our guide to buying a Thailand SIM card to learn more.

eSIM For Thailand

If you’re looking for an easy way to stay connected in Thailand without the hassle of buying a physical SIM card, then an eSIM is the way to go.

Now, this option only works if your mobile phone supports eSIM technology. Read our guide featuring the best eSIM phones to learn more.

Here are a few options to consider when buying a Thailand eSIM:

• Airalo: From $9.90
• Holafly: From $19
• Nomad: From $4

Although, it’s important to note that Holafly doesn’t allow you to create a hotspot with your plan. This could be an issue if you plan on using a hotspot for your laptop or sharing WiFi with your travel companions.

Pocket Wifi Thailand

Finally, another alternative to consider is to rent a pocket wifi for your travels. Nowadays, this option is not really popular anymore because most travelers prefer using a SIM card or an eSIM to stay connected.

However, if you’re traveling with a group, it can be handy.

Some companies still offer this service, so it’s worth considering.

Coworking Spaces In Thailand

If you need a good Internet connection during your trip to Thailand, then there’s no better place to find it than in a coworking space.

Coworking spaces are popular in Thailand, and there’s a good reason why.

Many coworking spaces offer great WiFi, comfortable seating, and a variety of other amenities which make them the perfect place to get your work done.

As a traveler, you may not need a coworking space, but if you’re a remote worker or a digital nomad, then you know that having a good workspace is key to being productive.

If you’re in Thailand and want to work remotely, coworking spaces are a great solution to access fast and reliable Internet.

You’ll find coworking spaces in all the popular destinations for digital nomads such as Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Phangan, Koh Lanta, Bangkok, etc.

Tips For Staying Secure Online

Finally, here are a few tips to remember when staying connected while in Thailand.

Use A VPN

Using a VPN is the best way to stay secure when using public WiFi in Thailand. It will keep your data encrypted and help you bypass any local restrictions. This is especially important if you’re using a public hotspot to work on sensitive documents or when doing transactions.

I personally use NordVPN, but there are a lot of good options available. You can read our NordVPN review to learn more.

Now, it’s important to note that most people don’t use VPN, but it can be handy especially if you wish to use websites that are blocked in Thailand.

Be Cautious With Public Hotspots

Public hotspots can be used to monitor data and track users. Make sure you only connect to secure networks and be cautious when entering credentials or sensitive information.

How To Connect To A Network Safely

Make sure you always check the name of the network before connecting. If it doesn’t look legitimate, then don’t connect to it.

Now, if you’re like me, you may use public WiFi often without any issues – but having your own hotspot using an eSIM or a SIM card is safer and much more convenient. And the Internet speed is usually better.

By following these tips, you can rest assured knowing that your connection in Thailand is secure and fast.

Extra Travel Tips For A Stress-Free Trip In Thailand

• Don’t forget to download offline maps of Thailand before you arrive. This will be useful when you don’t have access to WiFi or data on arrival.
• Have a look at the currency exchange rate before you leave. This will help you budget accurately and avoid any surprises regarding payments. I usually take a screenshot of the current exchange rate if I know I won’t have Internet on arrival, so I know what to expect when withdrawing money or buying something. I always use my Revolut travel card to withdraw money abroad.
• Know how you’re planning on reaching your accommodation from the airport. Research before your arrival in case you don’t have access to the Internet. This way, you can avoid any common taxi scams or prevent the risk of getting lost. Alternatively, book a transfer from the airport in advance.
• Finally, don’t forget to bring a universal plug adapter, so you can easily charge your devices in Thailand.

Final Thoughts On Using Internet In Thailand

Whether you want to use public WiFi or purchase your own data plan, Thailand offers great Internet overall.

Just remember to take the necessary precautions to stay secure online, and you’ll be good to go.

If having a great Internet connection is essential to you, make sure to stick to the main cities where connection speeds are better.

And if you need reliable access, then a data plan is the way to go.

Traveling to Thailand soon? Read one of the following guides:

• Thailand scooter rental
• Krabi immigration office
• Backpacking essentials Asia