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When visiting Thailand, visitors have several choices to stay online, each with their benefits and drawbacks. In this guide, let’s discover the mobile internet in Thailand and bring comprehensive tips on finding the best connectivity option for your Thailand trip!
Table of Contents
I. Mobile Internet Coverage and Speed in Thailand
Thailand’s mobile coverage has undergone significant expansion, connecting diverse landscapes, and areas across the country. Here are the mobile internet coverage, speeds in Thailand from main major mobile operators:
1. Thailand Mobile Internet Coverage
dtac, AIS, and True Move H are three major mobile operators in Thailand that offer 99% network coverage in Thailand.
Updated: dtac and TrueMove H were merged into True Corporation. They still have different infrastructure and some different services.
Data from Nperf
Mobile Internet in Thailand: Coverage Experience
Of all 3 major mobile networks in Thailand, AIS is the mobile operator that has the largest network coverage in Thailand with a score of 8.3/10 providing extensive 5G coverage over 99% of the country.
Network availability in Thailand:
AIS and dtac both attained about 99.4% availability and TrueMove H at about 99.3%. This indicates near-ubiquitous 3G/4G/5G connectivity across populated areas.
5G networks are focused in major Thai cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, In cities, 4G coverage approaches 100% indoor and outdoor. But rural/mountainous regions still experience occasional 3G-only zones.
Thailand’s big cities and main tourism spots of the metropolitan areas are predominantly covered by all 3 major mobile operators: dtac, AIS, and Truve Move H, as a result, the majority of the population and tourists can stay connected with a stable network.
2. Thailand Mobile Internet Speed
According to data from the Speedtest Global Index, mobile internet speeds and availability have improved its global ranking. Here are some key points about Thailand’s Mobile Internet Speed.
In April 2024, Thailand ranked 64th globally for mobile internet speeds, with average download speeds of 87.83 Mbps and average upload speeds of 19.4 Mbps.
Domestically, Bangkok recorded the highest speeds in Thailand at 121 Mbps download and 27.6 Mbps upload on average. This exceeded the national averages.
Other major cities like Chonburi (Pattaya), Nonthaburi, and Chiang Mai also saw speeds above the national average due to high population density and infrastructure development.
In summary, Thailand maintains good mobile internet speeds both nationally and in urban centers. To enjoy the fastest mobile data speeds look for a 5G compatible device and SIM card or eSIM on a network like dtac or AIS with broad coverage.
II. Mobile Internet in Thailand: Connection Options for Tourists
Here is a table comparing connectivity options for travelers to Thailand:
| Connectivity Option | Pros | Cons | Price Range (USD) |
| Free WiFi | Free available in many hotels/public areas | Often slow speeds; limited access points; security/privacy concerns | Free |
| Pocket WiFi | Portable access anywhere; share among multiple devices | Setup fee; daily rental fee applies | $5-10/day |
| eSIM | Convenient activation without physical SIM; share data across devices | Limited provider options; additional monthly plan required | Depends on the provider/plan |
| Local SIM Card | Cheap daily rates; larger data allowances | Require SIM card purchase; cannot share among devices | $3-10 for SIM, plans from $5/day |
| Roaming | Use existing cellular plan; same number/accounts | Very expensive rates; data capped or slow speeds | Vary depending on your mobile carriers |
Overall, getting a local SIM Card is the best option for travelers to stay connected in Thailand due to the reasons below:
- Cost-effectiveness: Compared to other choices, buying a local SIM card is a wise choice to save money when traveling to Thailand.
- Flexibility: There are several customized SIM cards with various data volumes and validity to suit any visitor’s traveling goals.
- Avoid over roaming charges: Using a SIM card from the local provider instead of roaming with the home provider which can cause extremely high expenses.
Besides getting physical SIM cards from major mobile operators in Thailand, visitors can consider using eSIM for convenience and to minimize additional costs for mobile internet in Thailand.
Consider the #1 eSIM provider in Thailand - thailandesim.com which has several data and validity options for tourists!
III. Budgeting for Mobile Data Costs in Thailand
Consider your data usage habits to choose suitable plans with a reasonable budget for your trip. Here are some tips for estimating your needs and costs:
- For short trips: With less than a 1-week trip, 10GB-15GB is enough for basic daily usage such as mapping, translating, or using light social media/messaging. The prices will often be around $8.9-$18 based on the providers.
- For long trips of over 2 weeks: Budget 30GB-50GB to comfortably use your phone without worrying about your data limitation. The prices of these plans are often around $20-$30 based on the providers.
- For long trips with heavy-data usage: Streaming music/videos will eat up data quickly. You can consider the Unlimited Thailand SIM cards or eSIMs. These plans are often around $20-$40 based on the validity and the provider you choose.
Refer to some Thailand eSIM unlimited data plans from thailandesim.com:
Overall, the costs for mobile internet in Thailand will be based on your data usage and your travel time. The average budget is about ~$20 for mobile data for each traveler. Make sure to estimate your data usage habits to choose the best plan for your trip.
Bonus: Thailandesim.com also offers diverse eSIM plans for visitors who want to travel a bundle of countries.
Check out multiple countries eSIM plans:
IV. Mobile Internet from Mobile Operators in Thailand
Here’s a breakdown of popular Thailand mobile providers’ data plans:
Mobile Operators SIM
| Popular Prepaid Thailand SIM Card | Coverage | Plans | Voice calls | Bonus | Data | Price (USD) | Validity |
| AIS | 4G, 5G coverage across Thailand, 5G available in most major cities currently | Pay as you go | No | Free 7 social apps like TikTok, Facebook, LINE, Instagram, WhatsApp, WeChat, and X | 1GB | $1.49 | 1 day |
| 8 Days Plan | 50 Baht call credit | 15GB | $8.9 | 8 days | |||
| 15 Days Plan | Unlimited calls to AIS | 30GB | $17.9 | 15 days | |||
| 30 Days Plan | Unlimited calls to AIS | 50GB | $26.9 | 30 days | |||
| dtac | 4G, 5G coverage across Thailand, 5G available in most major cities currently | dtac Happy Infinite 8 days SIM Unlimited Internet & Call | Unlimited calls to all networks in Thailand | Unlimited 5G internet | ~$13 | 8 days | |
| dtac Happy Infinite 15 days SIM Unlimited Internet & Call | Unlimited calls to all networks in Thailand | Unlimited 5G internet | ~$20.9 | 15 days | |||
| dtac Happy Infinite 30 days SIM Unlimited Internet & Call | Unlimited calls to all networks in Thailand | Unlimited 5G internet | ~$35.9 | 30 days | |||
| dtac Happy Tourist SIM: 8 days Unlimited Internet 15GB at MAX speed | Unlimited dtac calls For international calls via 00400. starting at $1/min | Unlimited chat (Messsenger, WhatsApp, Kakaotalk, Line, WeChat) + 100 baht credit calls all network in Thailand | 15GB | ~$8.9 | 8 days | ||
| dtac Happy Tourist SIM: 10 days Unlimited Internet 50GB at MAX speed | Unlimited dtac calls For international calls via 00400. starting at $1/min | Unlimited chat (Messsenger, WhatsApp, Kakaotalk, Line, WeChat) + Free 100 mins calls all network in Thailand + Free 30 mins calling to China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, India, South Korea and Vietnam | 50GB | ~$10 | 10 days | ||
| dtac Happy Tourist SIM: 15 days Unlimited Internet 30GB at MAX speed | Unlimited dtac calls For international calls via 00400. starting at $1/min | Unlimited chat (Messsenger, WhatsApp, Kakaotalk, Line, WeChat) + 15 baht credit | 30GB | ~$17,9 | 15 days | ||
| True Move H | 3G/4G network coverage across all provinces of Thailand. | Thailand Tourist 8 days plan | Unlimited calls to all networks in Thailand 100 THB calling credit for international call | Local SMS: $0.054/text International SMS: $1.35/text | Unlimited 5G(8 days) | $12.15 | 8 days |
| Thailand Tourist 15days plan | 100 THB calling credit for international call Unlimited calls to all networks in Thailand | Local SMS: $0.054/text International SMS: $1.35/text | Unlimited 5G (15 days) | $18.90 | 15 days | ||
| Thailand Tourist 30 days plan | 100 THB calling credit for international call Unlimited calls to all networks in Thailand | Local SMS: $0.054/text International SMS: $1.35/text | Unlimited 5G (30 days) | $32.45 | 30 days |
For choosing a mobile operator in Thailand, visitors must consider network coverage, speeds, data options, and prices to ensure this plan fits their needs and preferences.
- All 3 major mobile operators in Thai including dtac, AIS, and True Move H have competitive prices.
- AIS and True Move H is generally considered the largest coverage in Thailand (both 4G and 5G).
- dtac offers diverse plans with various data, validity and prices for any traveling goals.
Read more: Top Mobile Operators in Thailand
V. FAQs
How do tourists get mobile internet in Thailand?
There’re various options like Free wifi, pocket wifi, eSIM, local SIM card, and roaming services.
Can you use mobile data in Thailand?
Yes. You can access mobile data in Thailand by roaming services or buying a Thailand SIM card or eSIM.
Is it worth getting a SIM card in Thailand?
Yes. Thailand SIM card or eSIM is the best option for tourists due to its convenience and reasonable prices.
Is prepaid or postpaid better for data use?
For tourists, prepaid SIM is better for data use. Prepaid SIMs are very popular in Thailand due to their flexibility. Postpaid plans often offer more data at slightly lower rates but require long contracts.
Do prepaid data packs expire?
Yes, most prepaid data packs have a validity period of 1 day to 30 days depending on the package. Data is only valid during the validity period.
Is there a daily FUP (fair usage policy) limit?
Yes. Except for the TRUE unlimited data plans, almost all data plans will include a specific amount of high-speed data and the speeds may be throttled after using up.
Can I use my Thailand SIM card overseas?
Yes, but roaming rates outside Thailand tend to be very high. Consider purchasing international roaming packages or a local SIM abroad.
How can I avoid roaming charges in Thailand?
Using data from local services in Thailand like SIM card, eSIM, Wifi,… are the best ways to avoid roaming charges.
VI. Conclusions
To sum up, the way to go through the mobile internet world in Thailand is through knowing the network coverage, and speeds and exploring the best mobile operators in this country. By considering these factors such as the trip duration and data usage patterns, visitors can opt for the best among the local SIM cards with various data plans.
With the right mobile connection, you can fully immerse yourself in enjoying the beauty of Thailand