Today we have featured The Cheap & Best SIM Card In Thailand For Tourist In 2024, Three major mobile operators in Thailand (the Big Three): AIS, DTAC, and True Move. A number of smaller vendors or MVNOs are primarily leasing government bandwidth over the CAT network (eg, LINE, Penguin, or My).
Buying a new SIM card/number is easy and can be done in the shops of the operators, in 7-Eleven Centers and at many airport kiosks.
Thailand has started compulsory registration of the SIM card and now has to present your ID card or passport at the point of sale.
If you arrive at Bangkok BKK Airport (Suvarnabhumi), you have the best option. The three main players have their flagship stores in the big arrivals hall just after the customs control, almost next to each other.
There you can compare prices and promotions.
In Suvarnabhumi, there are several third-party phone shops near the lower-level train entry point. Note that the seller’s stores sell only tourist SIM cards.
If you arrive late at night, these are the only stores that open and sell SIM cards. If you do not want a tourist card, you need to go to town to buy the SIM card of your choice.
The situation at the cheap airport of DMK (Don Mueang) Bangkok has changed. You can now find the shops of the three main suppliers side by side before the exit 6.
At the international airport Phuket. At the terminal and airport of Chiang Mai, you will also find offers from providers offering tourist SIM cards.
Table of Contents
The Cheap & Best SIM Card In Thailand For Tourist In 2024
Why buy a Thai SIM card?
This is an excellent question. Everyone knows that today it is extremely easy to get in contact with another country. You have access to the internet almost everywhere, so you can do almost anything on the internet.
Why do you need a Thai SIM card? For us, it was about being online. Not everywhere in Thailand you have access to the internet and in some remote places, it is better to have your own internet.
If you’re a blogger, you know it’s necessary to be online. You need a Thai SIM card to work.
If your current mobile SIM card does not allow for free 4G broadband overseas and cheap international calls, buying a tourist SIM card in Thailand is the best alternative.
A Thai SIM card offers the following benefits: a local Thai number and easy access to 3G and 4G networks in Thailand. With the right SIM card, you also have enough data for a one- or two-week trip.
When we travel to Thailand, we use a lot of motorcycles, so we check the locations and trajectory on Google Maps. You can also download the maps and use them offline. Finally, we use our Thai SIM card to stay in touch with our family.
Here Are The List Of Top 3 SIM Service Providers In Thailand
1. Advanced Info Service Anonymous Company (AIS)
Advanced Info Service Anonymous Company (AIS) is the largest GSM mobile operator in Thailand with 39.87 million customers in the third quarter of 2016. AIS was founded in April 1986 as a computer rental company.
In October 1990, the company launched an analog 900 MHz mobile phone, which was granted a monopoly license by the Thai Telephone Organization (TOT) for a period of 20 years, and became the first company to be licensed to operate on frequencies became GSM. 900. He acquired Shinawatra Paging in June 1992.
The company is controlled by In touch Holdings (formerly Shin Corporation), which is managed by Temasek Holdings, a government agency in Singapore.
AIS was listed on the Thai Stock Exchange on November 5, 1991. On December 23, 2011, Intouch held, in addition to Thai Les, 40.45% of the Company’s stock and Singapore Telecommunications (also majority-owned by Temasek). Trust Fund and OCBC applicants hold 23.32%.
Temasek bought the AIS brand when the Shin Corporation was acquired in 2006 by former Deputy Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
How fast is the Internet In Thailand?
To get an idea of the speed you should buy during your trip, here are some practical examples to compare: If you use the Internet mainly for chatting with friends and family, the speed of 1 Mbps is sufficient for you, You can send and publish photos perfectly on Instagram.
You can do the same thing with videos, but it can be pretty slow. For smoother video publishing and publishing, you need a speed of 4 Mbps.
You can also watch YouTube videos in your free time here in Thailand. For this, you need a speed of 6 Mbit / s. It lets you watch videos in 720p or 1080p.
Price And Plans
Traveller SIM 160 Baht
| FREE! 5 Days – Unlimited Internet | |
| (Max speed up to 2 GB) | |
| Free 5-day WeChat from the first date of activation | |
| Free AIS Super WiFi for 5 days | |
Traveller SIM 299 Baht
| Free 8 days – Unlimited Internet | |
| (Max speed up to 3 GB) | |
| Free 100 Baht Credit with 30 days validity | |
| Free 7-day WeChat from the first date of activation | |
| Free AIS Super WiFi for 7 days | |
| Call home starts from 1 Baht/minute |
2. DTAC
Total Access Communication, a public company better known as DTAC, is the third-largest GSM mobile operator in Thailand, according to AIS and True.
DTAC is directly and indirectly owned by Telenor and both companies have the same logo. As of December 31, 2011, DTTA had 23.2 million subscribers, with a subscriber market share of around 30%.
In 2015, DTAC reported total assets of 110,965 million baht with a turnover of 87,753 million baht and a net profit of 5,893 million baht.
On April 11, 2012, the parent company of DTAC became the BCTN Holding.
DTAC has been named “Best Mobile Operator of Thailand” for three consecutive years (2005-2007) at Asian MobileNews Awards 2007, organized by Asian MobileNews Magazine.
DTAC claims to have the second-largest coverage in the country with more than 13,000 base stations installed in 2016 in the 850 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2100 MHz bands compared to the main competitor AIS.
Since 2013 DTAC has been offering EDGE and 3G services for its prepaid and prepaid DTAC Happy brands.
Unlimited Internet access costs 999 baht per month or 49 baht per day (many cheaper hourly packages are available and in 2010, due to the growing popularity of smartphones, also traffic-based packages were introduced) has international roaming agreements with 147 countries.
HAPPY TOURIST 299 baht
| 8-day unlimited Internet | |
| (15 GB at max speed) | |
| Free 15-baht call credit | |
| Unlimited calls among dtac network | |
| Free 5 chat apps usage for 8 days | |
| Special international call rate via 00400 |
HAPPY TOURIST 599 baht
| 15-day unlimited Internet | |
| (30 GB at max speed) | |
| Free 15-baht call credit | |
| Unlimited calls among dtac network | |
| Free 5 chat apps usage for 15 days | |
| Special international call rate via 00400 |
HAPPY TOURIST 149 baht
| 4-day unlimited Internet | |
| (5 GB at max speed) | |
| Free 15-baht call credit | |
| Unlimited calls among dtac network | |
| Free 5 chat apps usage for 4 days | |
| Special international call rate via 00400 |
3. TrueMove
TrueMove H is a mobile operator of Real Move Co., Ltd. and True Move H. Universal Communication Co., Ltd. (formerly Real Future Co., Ltd.), subsidiary of True Corporation. It is the second-largest operator in Thailand.
Real Move is a virtual mobile network operator using CAT Telecom’s 850 MHz network and Hutchison CAT Wireless MultiMedia Ltd. (Hutch) was acquired. True Move H uses 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz licenses issued by the National Telecommunications and Broadcasting Commission in Thailand.
The predecessor brand “TrueMove” was active at the end of the license in September 2013 in the GSM 1800 MHz network.
In 2000, Charoen Pokphand (CP) acquired Wireless Communications Services Co., Ltd. (WCS), a company licensed to operate the 1800 MHz mobile service.
In 2001, WCS entered into a partnership with a global telecommunications company Orange, which was later renamed CP Orange. In 2002, he was renamed TA Orange.
In 2004, Orange sold its stake in TA Orange to TelecomAsia at the nominal price of TH 1.
Enjoy At 299 Baht
| 4-day unlimited Internet | |
| (1.5GB at 300 Mbps max speed) | |
| Talk time 100 Min | |
| 4g+ Max Speed Unlimited Minutes | |
| Free 5 chat apps usage for 4 days | |
| Special international call rat |
Enjoy At 200 Baht
| 4G+ Max Speed Unlimited | |
| (5 GB at the max speed of Mbps) | |
| Free 15-baht call credit | |
| 150 min Talk Time For The Users | |
| Free 5 chat apps usage for 4 days | |
| Special international call rate |
Where can I buy a SIM card in Thailand?
To purchase a SIM card, you must contact an official AIS dealer (located at most shopping centers here in Bangkok) or a Family Mart. You can not buy an AIS SIM card, but Family Mart is also present everywhere like 711.
To purchase an AIS SIM card, you must present your passport. They do not accept any other way of identification. Your passport will be scanned. Get a Thai phone number at the airport
There are several places at the Airport where you can buy a Thai SIM card.
The main place is the network kiosks, which after leaving the customs are right in front of the international gates where people hold posters.
In Thailand, there are kiosks for major mobile operators: DTAC (blue), AIS (green) and True Move (red). If there is no line, none of these things are okay. Get in line and wait for your turn. The staff should hang you up.
FAQs
Where can I purchase the AIS Traveller SIM card?
The AIS Traveller SIM card can be purchased at various locations, including international airports, convenience stores, AIS shops, and mobile phone shops throughout Thailand.
What is included in the AIS Traveller SIM card package?
The AIS Traveller SIM card package usually includes a preloaded amount of data, voice call minutes, and SMS messages. The specific details may vary, so it's recommended to check the package details at the time of purchase.
Can I use the AIS Traveller SIM card for international calls?
Yes, the AIS Traveller SIM card allows you to make international calls. However, international calling rates may vary, so it's advisable to check the rates and available destinations before making calls.
How long is the validity period of the AIS Traveller SIM card?
The validity period of the AIS Traveller SIM card depends on the package you choose. It can range from a few days to several weeks or months. Generally, you can find options with validity periods of 7 days, 15 days, 30 days, or longer.
Can I use the AIS Traveller SIM card in other countries?
No, the AIS Traveller SIM card is specifically designed for use within Thailand. It may not work in other countries. If you plan to travel to multiple countries, it's recommended to consider other SIM card options or international roaming services.
Quick Links:
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Conclusion: Best SIM Card In Thailand For Tourist In 2024
Although requirements have changed over the years, purchasing a Thai SIM card is a simple and straightforward process. If you have another way to get a Thai SIM card or want to share your experience with any of the above methods, leave a comment.
Although requirements have changed over the years, purchasing a Thai SIM card is a simple and straightforward process. But if your phone is locked or you’re in a group, it’s a good idea to rent a Pocket Wi-Fi connection.
If you have another way to get a Thai SIM card or want to share your experience with any of the above Options, leave a comment below.
