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SIM cards and mobile data in Thailand

Last reviewed 2026-06-28 · AraiWa editorial

Which operators

Thailand has three main mobile operators: AIS, True Move H (which merged with DTAC in 2023), and NT Mobile (National Telecom, a smaller state-backed operator). AIS and True Move H together cover the vast majority of the country's network infrastructure. In practice, either of the two main operators works well for most visitors and residents. AIS is generally considered to have slightly stronger rural and mountain coverage; True Move H is competitive in cities. You may see DTAC branding at older resellers — DTAC is now True Move H.

Tourist SIM vs regular plan

Tourist SIMs are the easiest option for stays of a few days to a few weeks: buy at the airport, register on the spot, and start using. They typically offer a fixed data allowance and a set validity (7, 15, or 30 days depending on the package), sometimes with a small calling credit. Prices have been in the range of 150–600 THB depending on data and validity — check current offers at the airport counter.

For stays of a month or more, a regular prepaid plan on a local SIM usually gives much more data per baht. These are bought at operator shops (branches in every major mall and many 7-Eleven locations) rather than airport kiosks. The process is the same — passport registration — but you choose from a monthly top-up plan rather than a tourist package.

Registration — the one step you cannot skip

All SIM cards in Thailand require identity registration. For foreigners, this means your passport. The airport operators will do this for you at the counter. If you buy at a 7-Eleven or smaller shop, they should register you on the spot using your passport — if they say you can skip the registration, find a different retailer.

Where to buy

1. At Suvarnabhumi Airport: operator counters in the Arrivals hall (Level 2, near the exit). All three operators have a presence. Prices here are roughly the same as in the city — not a premium for convenience.
2. At Don Mueang Airport: smaller counters, fewer packages. Operators are present but with a more limited selection than Suvarnabhumi.
3. In Bangkok: operator branches in BTS and MRT-adjacent malls (Central World, Terminal 21, Siam Paragon, MBK). These have the full range of plans.
4. At 7-Eleven: prepaid top-up vouchers and some SIM sales, though staff at small branches may be less fluent in English — bring your passport and be patient.

Coverage outside cities

Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Koh Samui all have reliable 4G/5G coverage from both main operators. Smaller islands, mountain areas (especially in the north and far south), and rural provinces can have patchy or 3G-only coverage. If you are planning a trip to a remote island or a national park interior, expect your data to be slower or intermittent.

SIM roaming is not relevant here (you are buying local), but be aware that your home country's international roaming plan will typically be much more expensive than buying a local SIM — especially for data.

Practical tips

1. Download any maps you'll need for offline use before you leave an area with solid coverage.
2. Top-up data is available at 7-Eleven, Family Mart, and operator apps — search for your SIM number or registered phone number.
3. If you are staying a month or more, ask about auto-renewing monthly plans rather than one-shot tourist packages.
4. Keep your passport photo in your phone's camera roll — useful if staff need to verify registration remotely.

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