Thailand has been my home for several years now, and as a 60-year-old expat teacher, I’ve seen plenty of fresh arrivals struggle with the basics—especially when it comes to setting up a mobile phone, getting reliable internet, and dealing with Thai telecom providers. When I first arrived, I made a few mistakes, but over time, I figured out how to get connected smoothly and avoid unnecessary hassles.
If you’re a foreign teacher moving to Thailand, consider this your essential guide to setting up your mobile, internet, and telco services—without losing your patience in the process!
1. Choosing the Right Mobile Network in Thailand
In Thailand, your mobile number is everything—it’s linked to your banking, job applications, delivery services, and just about anything requiring OTP (one-time password) verification. So, setting up a Thai SIM card should be one of the first things you do after landing.
The Big 3 Mobile Networks in Thailand
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re working in Bangkok or a major city, TrueMove H is a great budget option. If you’re in a rural province like Roi Et or Saraburi, AIS is the best choice for stable coverage.
How to Get a Thai SIM Card (Step-by-Step)
- Go to a Service Center
- Visit an official AIS, TrueMove, or DTAC store (found in shopping malls or airports).
- Avoid small kiosks selling tourist SIMs—they’re overpriced and expire quickly.
- Bring Your Passport
- Thai law requires passport registration for all new SIM cards.
- Choose Prepaid or Postpaid
- Prepaid (Pay-as-you-go): Best for flexibility, just top-up when needed.
- Postpaid (Monthly Plan): Best for long-term teachers; gives you better data deals.
- Select a Data Plan
- For heavy users, 10-20GB of monthly data costs around ฿300-฿600 ($9-$18).
- If you teach online or stream often, get an unlimited data plan (~฿900/month).
- Activate & Register
- The shop staff will activate your SIM and register it to your passport.
💡 Pro Tip: Get a SIM card with a 5G plan—it’s worth it, especially if you don’t want to rely on dodgy public WiFi.
2. Setting Up a Home Internet Connection
If you’re staying in Thailand long-term, you’ll want high-speed internet at home—especially if you’re teaching online or need reliable video calls.
Best Internet Providers in Thailand
💡 Pro Tip: If your apartment includes free WiFi, check the speed first—many free networks are slow and shared between tenants. If you’re serious about teaching or streaming, get your own fiber connection.
How to Set Up Home Internet (Step-by-Step)
- Visit a Provider’s Store
- Choose Your Speed Plan
- Standard home users: 300–500 Mbps (~฿399-฿599/month).
- Online teachers: 1 Gbps plan (~฿800+/month).
- Schedule Installation
- Most providers install within 3-5 days, but rural areas may take longer.
- Pay Monthly via Bank or App
- Use a Thai bank account for direct debit, or pay at 7-Eleven (yes, really).
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re staying short-term (under 6 months), pocket WiFi or unlimited mobile data might be a better option than committing to a home fiber plan.
3. Managing Your Bills & Topping Up
Now that you’re set up, here’s how to pay for your mobile & internet without the headaches.
How to Top Up Prepaid SIM Cards
✔ 7-Eleven & FamilyMart: Just tell the cashier your mobile number and desired amount.
✔ Bank Apps: Most Thai banking apps let you top up AIS, TrueMove, and DTAC.
✔ Mobile Provider Apps: Install the AIS, TrueMove, or DTAC app to pay easily.
How to Pay Internet Bills
✔ Automatic Bank Debit: Set up auto-pay with a Thai bank account.
✔ Counter Service: Pay in person at the provider’s store, 7-Eleven, or Big C supermarket.
✔ Online Payment: Use the provider’s website or app.
💡 Pro Tip: Enable Auto-Pay for postpaid plans so you don’t risk getting disconnected mid-Zoom lesson.
Final Thoughts: Stay Connected, Stay Stress-Free
Setting up a Thai SIM card and internet is one of the first things every foreign teacher should do upon arriving in Thailand. AIS, TrueMove, and DTAC are all solid choices for mobile service, and if you want fast internet at home, AIS Fibre or 3BB are your best bets.
Trust me—get these things sorted early, and you’ll avoid stress, stay connected, and enjoy your teaching experience in Thailand to the fullest!
Need More Help?
If you have any questions about setting up your phone, internet, or teaching in Thailand, drop them in the comments!