Thailand has become a hotspot for tourists and digital nomads alike, offering a unique blend of vibrant cities, serene beaches, and a rapidly growing telecommunication sector. Mobile internet in Thailand has become a vital resource for staying connected, whether you’re working remotely, exploring local attractions, or simply sharing your travel experiences.
With a competitive market driven by top operators like AIS, True Move H, and DTAC, visitors can easily access reliable and fast mobile internet services across the country. As mobile connectivity becomes increasingly essential for travelers, this guide provides insights into the best mobile internet options in Thailand, helping tourists and digital nomads choose the right plan for their needs.
According to the latest data, the Thai telecommunications market is expected to reach a value of $22.35 billion by 2025, with an annual growth rate of 3.83%, reaching $26.98 billion by 2030. The market’s growth is primarily fueled by the increasing demand for mobile data, fixed broadband connections, and pay-TV services.
Thailand is also a regional leader in mobile spectrum allocation, with 5G coverage reaching 95% of the population in the second quarter of 2024. The country is second in ASEAN with 50.3 million internet users as of Q3 2024.
For tourists and digital nomads, mobile internet in Thailand is crucial for staying connected with family and friends, working remotely, accessing information about local attractions and services, using navigation apps, and sharing experiences on social media.
Thailand’s appeal as a destination for digital nomads is underscored by its affordable living, stunning natural landscapes, fast internet, and thriving nomadic community. The ability to work from various locations—whether in bustling Bangkok or peaceful beach towns—is a significant advantage.
When it comes to choosing mobile internet options, tourists and digital nomads have several choices, including local SIM cards, eSIMs, international roaming, or portable Wi-Fi devices. The right choice can make a substantial difference to their experience in this fascinating country.
Main Mobile Operators in Thailand
1. AIS (Advanced Info Service)
Market Share and Coverage: AIS is the largest mobile operator in Thailand, with a 46% market share as of 2023. It serves over 45 million users and provides the most extensive coverage, including remote areas and islands. AIS operates 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks, with 95% 5G coverage nationwide.
Service Quality and Internet Speeds: AIS is renowned for its high-speed mobile network. In 2024, the average download speed was 79.86 Mbps, and the upload speed was 22.91 Mbps. According to OpenSignal’s November 2023 report, AIS leads in 5G download speeds (156.4 Mbps) and upload speeds.
SIM Card Options for Tourists: AIS offers a variety of prepaid SIM cards for tourists, including:
- 8-day plan with 15 GB of data for 299 THB (~$9)
- 15-day plan with unlimited data for 699 THB (~$20)
- 30-day plan with 50 GB of data for 899 THB (~$27)
eSIM Options: AIS supports eSIM for compatible devices, offering:
- 8-day plan with 25 GB of data for 399 THB (~$12)
- 30-day plan with unlimited data for 1699 THB (~$52)
Customer Reviews: Most users praise AIS for its extensive coverage and high speeds. However, some report issues with connectivity stability, especially in congested areas.
2. True Move H
Market Share and Coverage: True Move H is Thailand’s second-largest operator, with a 32.2% market share in 2022. After merging with DTAC, it now leads the market with a combined 52.4% share, serving 55 million users. True Move H covers 99% of the population in Bangkok and the surrounding areas.
Service Quality and Internet Speeds: True Move H is known for fast internet services, winning top spots in video experience and upload speed categories. According to OpenSignal’s May 2023 report, True Move H boasts the fastest upload speed at 8.2 Mbps and ranks first in video streaming experience.
SIM Card Options for Tourists:
- 8-day package: 449 THB (~$13.5) with unlimited 5G/4G data
- 15-day package: 699 THB (~$21) with unlimited 5G/4G data
- 30-day package: 1199 THB (~$36) with unlimited 5G/4G data
eSIM Options: True Move H offers eSIM solutions with similar data plans to physical SIM cards.
Customer Reviews: Users appreciate True Move H for its extensive coverage and high speeds, particularly in 5G networks. Some, however, have faced connectivity issues in densely populated areas.
3. DTAC
Market Share and Coverage: DTAC is the third-largest operator, with a 20.2% market share in 2022. After merging with True Move H in March 2023, it became part of the dominant True Corporation group, covering over 90% of the country’s population.
Service Quality and Internet Speeds: DTAC offers 4G and 5G services but lags behind its competitors in 5G speed. The average download speed for 5G is only 36 Mbps, significantly lower than AIS and True Move H.
SIM Card Options for Tourists:
- 8-day plan: 299 THB (~$9) with 15 GB of data
- 10-day plan: 349 THB (~$10.5) with 50 GB of data
- 15-day plan: 599 THB (~$18) with 30 GB of data
eSIM Options: DTAC offers eSIM packages for tourists, including:
- 10-day package: $9.90 for 50 GB of data
- 15-day package: $19.90 with unlimited data
- 30-day package: $34.95 with unlimited data
Customer Reviews: DTAC is praised for its affordable plans and good customer support, though some users find its 5G speeds slow compared to AIS and True Move H.
Comparing Mobile Operators in Thailand
| Operator | 4G Coverage | 5G Coverage | Avg. 4G Download Speed | Avg. 5G Download Speed | Price for 8-Day Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIS | 99% | 95% | 22.1 Mbps | 180.3 Mbps | 299 THB (~$9) |
| True Move H | 98% | 90% | 19.5 Mbps | 122.9 Mbps | 449 THB (~$13.5) |
| DTAC | 97% | 85% | 13.8 Mbps | 82.1 Mbps | 299 THB (~$9) |
Conclusion
When choosing a mobile operator in Thailand, consider the following:
- Coverage: AIS leads with the most extensive 4G and 5G coverage.
- Speeds: AIS offers the highest download speeds for both 4G and 5G.
- Customer Support: AIS is rated highest for customer service, available 24/7 in English and Thai.
For digital nomads and long-term travelers, AIS stands out as the best option for reliable, high-speed internet. For those seeking flexibility, eSIM options are highly recommended for easy switching between operators and plans.
Key Takeaways:
- For short-term visitors: AIS offers the most affordable and flexible plans.
- For digital nomads: AIS provides the best speed and coverage, especially for 5G.
- For roaming: Consider multi-country eSIM packages for regional travel across Southeast Asia.
Thailand SIM Cards & eSIM for Tourists: Detailed Guides 2025
