Daily Life5 min min read
SIM Cards & Mobile Plans in Thailand
Getting connected in Thailand is easy and affordable. This guide covers the three major providers, their best plans, where to buy SIM cards, and how to set up reliable home internet for remote work.
Key Takeaways
- 1AIS has the best coverage nationwide, DTAC and True Move are best in cities
- 2Tourist SIM cards (8-15 days) cost 300-600 THB and include data + calls
- 3Monthly unlimited data plans cost 300-800 THB ($8-22)
- 4Home fiber internet (100-1000 Mbps) costs 500-1,000 THB/month
- 5Buy SIM cards at the airport, 7-Eleven, or provider shops
The Three Major Providers
AIS (Advanced Info Service) is Thailand’s largest mobile network operator with the best nationwide coverage, making it ideal if you travel frequently to rural areas, islands, or national parks where other networks may have gaps. AIS offers reliable 4G and expanding 5G coverage in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and other major cities. DTAC (now merged with True Corporation but maintaining its own brand) offers strong coverage in Bangkok and major urban areas with competitive data packages and good international roaming rates. True Move H provides good urban coverage and frequently offers the best promotional deals, including bundled packages that combine mobile, home fiber internet, and streaming services. All three providers offer 4G/5G coverage in major cities and tourist areas, with typical download speeds of 50-300 Mbps on 5G and 20-80 Mbps on 4G. SIM cards can be purchased at airport kiosks (most convenient for arrivals), 7-Eleven and FamilyMart convenience stores (limited to tourist SIMs), and official provider shops in shopping malls (best for monthly plans). For most expats based in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Phuket, any of the three providers will work well — choose based on the best current promotion, the provider shop nearest to you, or whether you need a bundled fiber internet package.
Best Plans for Expats
For monthly mobile plans, AIS offers unlimited data plans starting at 499 THB/month with high-speed data caps ranging from 10-30 GB before throttling to reduced speeds. DTAC offers comparable packages from 399 THB/month with similar data allowances, and True Move H has packages starting at 299 THB/month, often with promotional bonuses for new subscribers. All monthly plans include unlimited domestic calls and SMS within Thailand. For home internet, three main providers dominate the market. TRUE Fiber offers plans from 500-1,500 THB/month with speeds of 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps, and often bundles mobile plans with home internet at a discount. AIS Fiber provides similar speed tiers from 500 THB/month and is known for reliable customer service. 3BB (part of Jasmine International) offers competitive pricing and is popular in condominiums with pre-installed infrastructure. Installation is typically free when signing a 12-month contract, though a 1,000-2,000 THB equipment deposit may apply. Most providers require a passport and proof of address (such as a rental contract or TM30 receipt) to set up a monthly plan. For short-term visitors, prepaid top-up cards are available at every 7-Eleven and via mobile banking apps, making it easy to add data or minutes without committing to a monthly plan.
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