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Basics[]

Availability[]

Three main mobile operators of Thailand ("big three") - AIS, DTAC and True Move. There is a number of smaller providers or MVNOs that lease government bandwidth mostly on the CAT network (such as Finn, Penguin or My).

Purchase of a new SIM card is easy, and can be done at operators' shops in major malls or at the airports or at any 7-Eleven, Family Mart and many mini markets. Thailand does, however, have a strictly enforced mandatory SIM card registration and you will need to provide your ID or passport at the point of purchase (see below).

Arriving at BKK (Suvarnabhumi) airport in Bangkok, the 3 major players have their flagship stores in the big arrivals hall just past the customs check almost side by side, as well as several stalls before customs - prices are the same regardless but many of the stalls before customs accept cash only. There you can compare prices and promotions. At DMK (Don Mueang) Bangkok's budget airport you can now find the stores of the three major providers located next to each other facing exit gate 6. At Phuket's internatl. terminal and Chiang Mai's airports you find stalls of the providers too. Alternatively, you can go to a flagship store of the provider found in major shopping malls. If you don’t want a tourist SIM, there are several 3rd party phone shops even at BKK airport near the train entry point at the lower level, as well as most operator stores and mini-markets like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart in town.

Tourist and local SIM cards[]

Some users argue that local SIM cards bought in a mini store are cheaper. That's right, but tourist plans sold only in branded operator stores at the airport or in malls have other advantages. If you want to call IDD, they give you the lowest rates (ask for the prefix). In these stores you will get English-speaking service and they will install the SIM in your device with all the configurations. You clearly understand your plan and the included services print out in English. They are not a rip-off like in some other SE Asian countries and a valid option for not so experienced users. In addition, for late-night arrivals generally the operator desks at the airport selling tourist SIMs are the only ones active (the registration system mini-markets use for registering local SIMs shuts down at night so even if the store is open, they can not complete activation for you), so if you want a local rate plan you will have to wait until the next day.

On the other hand local SIM cards are somewhat cheaper for data, have speed-limited but true unlimited usage options available, and they support international roaming if you plan on going to other countries in the region later. In addition, the big providers are now willing to provide support in English for visitors using these local SIMs if you go to one of the flagship locations or call the customer service line. You will, however, need to know what plan you want and which strings are attached. The cheapest plans are severely throttled in max. speed, some as low as 384 kbps. But they can be a very good value for regular visitors to the country as well as travelers around the region who don’t want to have to find a new SIM (and register ID again) for each country they visit.

In the list below we show some of the local prices as an indicative because there are many more options and promotions around. These plans are separate from the Tourist and Roaming SIM cards that you need to buy in a branded store and both lines can't be mixed.

Concerns for all providers[]

The big three operators have SIM cards for all sizes - normal, micro and nano SIMs. All major operators allow tethering and they treat all data going through their network equally. If you are using an iPhone, you may need to perform a network reset or a carrier update for the mobile tethering option to appear. Tethering provides, most of the time, excellent quality. It's sufficient for VoIP and supports PPTP/SSL/IPsec VPNs. If you work remote and are a heavy user, you will have a trouble free experience.

For voice calling overseas heavily reduced rates even below VoIP providers are offered by the three major operators using special IDD prefix codes on Tourist Plans only. Let them give you the cheapest option for your destination which has to be dialed before the country code (see below).

Topping up[]

Adding credit or airtime is quite easy as long as you stay in Thailand. Loading airtime gives you ability to make calls or subscribe to data packages and also extends the lifetime of the SIM card. A few physical places where you can top-up are 7-Eleven, Family Mart, BigC, Tesco, phone kiosks and the outlets of the operators. Note that 7-Eleven can only sell top ups for cash and not for AIS.

Adding credit online is also possible and there are some options:

  • MobileTopup.com accepts Alipay, Cryptocurrency international and local Visa and MasterCard with a fee, and PromptPay without.
  • If you have Bitcoin you can top-up at MobileTopup.com or bitrefill.com
  • If you use Webmoney you can do it through wm-thailand.com. Most of these options add face value surcharges, and conversion fees may be added in the process. They remain mostly limited to the 3 major providers.
  • For developers, there is also a API service.
  • Rabbit LINE Pay, a local digital wallet built into the LINE messaging app, supports foreign Visa/MasterCard/JCB cards and allows top-ups to AIS or dtac accounts for no additional fee. You will need to set this up after arrival, however, as it requires a Thai mobile number as well as the address of where you are staying in Thailand.
  • Use the online or telco app to top-up. With non-thai payment cards it can however be a hit or miss whether the payment card is accepted.

There are a lot more resellers found on the internet, all using the same API and provider. If one of them does not work with your number and payment option, trying another one will most likely give you the same error.

Expiration policy[]

You have to top-up a Thai SIM card every 45 days or pay more to add validity in order to keep it alive as well as make at least one call or outgoing SMS activity every 6 months. Many Thai SIM cards expire in 45 days after the last top-up, unless you are able to add extra validity. The bare minimum to maintain validity is ฿10 every month. DTAC's policy is that every top-up extends SIM validity by 30 days, so multiple small top-ups will keep your SIM active for longer than one large top-up (example: 5 x ฿20 top-up extends your SIM validity by 150 days compared to a single ฿100 top-up). Additionally, True and DTAC allow you to extend validity for a price, check this site on how to extend.

Network compatibility[]

Before you purchase any SIM card, make sure that the network you are choosing is compatible with your devices (see below). The big three providers have different networks operating on more than one set of frequencies that are combined through domestic roaming. So you should better enable roaming on your device, even for domestic use. Most old networks mainly on 2G are about to decommissioned soon. These frequencies are used for 3G, 4G/LTE and since 2020 5G NR:

  • AIS has 3G/DC-HSPA on 900 and 2100 MHz (and roaming on TOT 2100 MHz) and started in 2016 with 4G/LTE Advanced called "4.5G" on 700, 900, 1800, and 2100 MHz (bands 1, 3, 8, and 28). 5G started on 2600 MHz (n41) and mmWave (n258).
  • dtac has the largest 3G spectrum: 3G/DC-HSPA on 850 and 2100 MHz and 4G/LTE on 700, 1800, and 2100 MHz (bands 1, 3, and 28), with 5G on 700MHz (n28) and mmWave (n258).
  • TrueMove H has 3G/DC-HSPA on 850 and 2100 MHz 3G/DC-HSPA and the largest 4G/LTE spectrum on 850, 900, 1800 and 2100 MHz (bands 1, 3, 5, 8, and 28) as well as TDD-LTE 2300 MHz (band 40). 5G started on 2600 MHz (n41) and mmWave (n258).
  • CAT: is on 3G/HSPA only on 850 MHz (with national 4G roaming for its My brand on True's 4G/LTE network on 1800 and 2100 MHz).
  • TOT: is on 3G/HSPA on 2100 MHz in Bangkok only (nationwide through 3G roaming on AIS) and plans 4G/LTE on 1800 MHz 4G/LTE (B1) and 2300 MHz TDD-LTE (B40) as well as mmWave 5G (n258).

Note that all old 2G/GSM networks are to be shut down within the next few years as the providers need more spectrum for LTE. AIS has sealed a roaming agreement with dtac for 2G on their 1800 MHz band, which dtac is going to use until 2018. True has leased back bandwidth from CAT on 1800 MHz for 2G until the end of 2016 while TOT has never had any 2G. However, all providers and the NBTC have agreed in late 2019 to indefinitely postpone the shutdown date, so the networks remain in place for now, but be aware that the shutdown plans can resume at any time.

Coverage, speed and 5G[]

The leading trio is very much on par. 4G/LTE availability is generally high at over 95% of the population on all three major networks. According to Ookla, AIS has both the best coverage (98.7% with 4G service) and fastest median speeds (58.08 Mbps).[1][1]

5G started on AIS and True in 2020 on 2600 MHz (n41), while dtac is planning to deploy 5G on the 700 MHz band. In addition, all providers have mmWave (n258) spectrum and are deploying it.

Take note that many packages, especially those that offer "unlimited" data, could restrict the maximum speeds you could enjoy. Check with the specific networks/providers below for more details. Sometimes, networks experience congestion especially in urban areas so even if you purchase full- or max-speed packages, you may notice an occasional slow down.

IDD Calling Prefixes[]

Thailand is one of the few countries where some international calls are charged lower than domestic or even VoIP calls. For this you have to use certain IDD prefixes (each network has its own, see the specific networks below for more details). So the correct order to dial abroad is:

<IDD prefix> <country code> <area code> <local number>

The prefixes differ between operators and are added at the end of each section. The major providers give out special discounted prefixes on which major landlines in Europe, America, Asia and Australia can be called for as low as ฿1 per min. On all operators you can use CAT's prefix 009 (price list) or TOT's 008.

New biometric registration (effective 2017)[]

Under the law all SIM cards have to be registered from 2015. You will need to show an ID at the point of purchase. This is now enforced in all providers stores and outlets very strictly and from the end of 2017 a new biometric system is introduced. You will now additionally have your face scanned or fingerprints taken.

The new system is mandatory from 2017 to the registration of both new prepaid and postpaid SIM cards, but not to existing SIM card holders. It's to be used across Thailand in all 55,000 customer service shops and outlets. Operators can choose to use either the face or fingerprint recognition verification system.

The number of new SIM cards sold by all three major mobile phone operators that are ordered to introduce this new biometric registration system is around 4.2 million units monthly. Under the previous method, the registration locations copied only the ID cards of the SIM card buyer together with a barcode of the purchased SIM card.

Under this new method, new SIM card subscribers will have to insert their ID cards into the fingerprint reader or the face recognition card reader at the registration locations. The card readers are connected to the mobile phones or PC of the registration locations. In the case of the face recognition system, the locations will take the SIM card users’ face with the mobile phones embedded with an NBTC registration application. Then the app will see, if the captured face matches with the face stored in the ID card database. Foreigners buying SIM cards in Thailand will have their faces scanned and matched against their passport photographs. This can be done nowadays also in the provider apps.

In 2018 new restrictions on the number of SIM cards have been implemented. Users can from now only buy up to five or (5) SIM cards from one mobile provider, which then must be registered via the country’s biometric verification system (a face recognition or a fingerprint verification). This means you need to take active steps in maintaining existing SIM cards by topping up or purchasing extensions periodically to avoid hitting this limit quickly.

WiFi[]

Thailand has a very strong network of public WiFi hotspots all over the country. Some of them e.g. in airports are free and publicly available. Others in hotels and restaurants are for customers only. There are many hotspots of AIS, True and dtac throughout the country. If you purchase a SIM, also check for the accompanying WiFi plan. In general monthly plans over ฿500 per month will include free WiFi package. WiFi plans can be purchased separately as well, and paid from your phone balance. While True has the largest WiFi presence, AIS has the largest roll out of the latest 802.11n WiFi points, and generally has better speeds and reliability.

Some prices below are without taxes. Expect to add 7% tax for the final price.

AIS (1-2-Call, you! Mobile)[]

AIS

AIS has the largest 2G/3G network with a 50% customer share. It's part of the SingTel Corp. that also owns e.g. Optus in Australia and SingTel in Singapore.

Surprisingly, AIS was the last major provider to start 4G/LTE in 2016 on the 1800 and 2100 MHz band (B3, B1), partly marketed as "4.5G" or LTE Advanced. It now covers 80% of the population in 2017: 3G/4G coverage map and is competitive to True and dtac. 5G has started on 2600 MHz (n41). AIS' prepaid brand is often dubbed 1-2-Call.

Availability[]

You can get their SIM cards online (only for old 3G SIMs) to be sent to a Thai address and at airports, major shopping malls, telecom stands, in AIS and Telewiz branded stores (shop locator in Thai with map). Selected AIS eSIMs are also available to foreigners via AIS' official website and Sim2Fly (this website is not officially affiliated with AIS even if it carries AIS SIM2Fly branding). Change language of their messages to English by pressing *700# <call> and choose option 5.

Top-up, balance check and validity[]

Top-ups can be done in many ways, but ATMs and internet banking require Thai bank accounts. So topping up by an electronic top-up or cash card is recommended. They are sold at some convenience stores such as Family Mart, Tesco/Lotus, Big C or online. 7/11 stores do not sell AIS top-ups anymore, but usually you can find a stand alone vending machine which will allow you to use cash to top up. A small fee will be deducted.

Every AIS store has a "payment kiosk" that is an automated top-up machine as well. These green/white machines are also found at malls and MRT/BTS stations, and are the fastest option to Top-up. There is no markup, ฿500 in gives you ฿500 credit.

Top-ups can also be made by credit card on the AIS service page in increments of ฿50 . International credit cards are a mixed bag, many of them do not work.

Top-ups up to ฿150 are valid for 30 days and of more than ฿150 are valid for 60 days. In case there is no usage or no recharge for 90 days, with no remaining validity, the number will be automatically terminated.

To maximize validity extension, top up in small increments e.g. For ฿500 credit, top up ฿100 5 times and the validity will be extended 5 times instead of once with a single ฿500 top-up.

To top-up by code, type *120*<16 digit voucher PIN>#. To check account balance and validity, type *121#. Check data balances by *121*3#.

1-2-Call[]

1-2-Call SIM cards are their regular prepaid voice and data cards. All new SIM cards include 4G/LTE and 5G are sold for around ฿50 with a ฿15 call credit and some bonuses. They offer a huge array of SIM cards:

  • The One SIM: This SIM was introduced in 2018 as often a specific SIM can't be found. When you top-up at least ฿150 cumulatively a month you get 2 GB of YouTube data for 30 days as well as unlimited data on AIS Super WiFi hotspots, and every day you top up at least ฿50 you get unlimited YouTube data for that day. In addition, you get unlimited data for use of TikTok. However, all free usage must be redeemed through the MyAIS app (not geo-restricted).
  • Super Social: This SIM is geared to social media. For a top-up of at least ฿150 you get unlimited use of Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Line, Twitter, and WhatsApp at 4 Mbps for 30 days and unlimited AIS Super WiFi data for 30 days.
  • Super Net SIM: This is their best SIM for data-use. It's sold for ฿50. After activation you get unlimited internet at 4 Mbps (10 GB threshold, after at 384 Kbps) valid for 5 days. The package will renew automatically for another 5 days if you have at least ฿50 credit remaining on your account at the end of the current period. Regular packages (see below) can also be added. It is available at FamilyMart stores.
  • Zeed: This SIM is targeted to teens and has been one of their best plans, but seems to be faded out. On activation, it includes 500 MB of data, and 2 GB of YouTube data for 1 month. It also includes AIS Super WiFi. These data allowances renew for future months if you top up at least ฿100 per month. However, this SIM is very difficult to find, and may be sold by shops at a mark-up over face value (e.g. ฿99 rather than ฿50).
  • Net Marathon: These are preset SIM cards valid for 6 or 12 months:
    • 7.5 GB per month at 1 Mbps for 6 months: ฿600
    • 7.5 GB per month at 1 Mbps for 12 months: ฿1200
    • 20 GB per month at 4 Mbps for 6 months: ฿1400
    • 100 GB per month at 10 Mbps for 12 months: ฿1790
  • Zodiac SIM: This SIM comes in 12 different zodiacs. It's sold for ฿99 and contains 500 MB data and WiFi for 7 days and another 1 GB data as bonus if you top-up at least ฿150.
  • Others: AIS has some other SIM cards, but most are probably not of interest to visitors like Sood Koom SIM. Their tourist SIM called Lucky SIM and their roaming SIM called SIM2Fly are featured further below in the article.

High speed data packages[]

AIS has a rather large and confusing range of data add-on packages (in addition to their many SIM card types, some of which already come with data). These data packages on up to 4G/LTE can be activated on all their SIM cards from above. Prices in ฿.

Data 1 day 3 days 7 days 30 days
100 MB 9
200 MB 15
600 MB 20
1 GB 35 65 99 199
1.5 GB 39 69 109 229
2 GB 45 75 115 239
3 GB 49 79 119 399
4 GB 69 99 135 450
5 GB 75 105 155 488
8 GB 89 149 199 599

For activation use their app or go to this page, enter your phone number and you will get the activation code by SMS.

Subscribers will be able to use the package allowance after receiving SMS confirmation. If any internet usage allowance has not been used after the package validity ends, the remaining internet allowance will be forfeited. Excess usage will be calculated at the rate of your main package. Service rates are 7% VAT exclusive.

Low speed data packages[]

Furthermore, some throttled packages are sold with "unlimited data" in different speeds. However, since 2019 these are no longer real unlimited packages as after some threshold they are capped to 128 or 64 kbps/s.

max. Speed Data Threshold Time Price(in ฿)
64 kbps unlimited 30 days 29
512 kbps 500 MB 24 hours 22
2.5 GB 7 days 89
7.5 GB 30 days 300
1 Mbps 500 MB 24 hours 25
2.5 GB 7 days 120
7.5 GB 30 days 350
4 Mbps 1 GB 24 hours 32
7 GB 7 days 220
20 GB 30 days 650
6 Mbps 1.5 GB 24 hours 45
9 GB 7 days 270
25 GB 30 days 850
10 Mbps 2 GB 24 hours 55
14 GB 7 days 330
33 GB 30 days 1,100

For activation use their app or go to this site, pick your pack, enter your number and receive the SMS activation code.

AIS 1-2-call unlimited offer Dec 2019 2020

As of early 2020 AIS has a special promotion with unlimited volumes only for new SIM cards. It must be activated within 7 days of card activation and works only if no other package has been applied to the card before:

  • max 4 Mbps: 150฿, activation: *777*967*306650#
  • max. 10 Mbps: 200฿, activation: *777*968*306650#

It auto-renews for up to 12 months, if account balance allows it.

Social media packages[]

Social media users can add these packs with unlimited use of Facebook, Line, Instagram and WhatsApp:

  • for 24 hours: incl. 300 MB general data @ 384 kbps: ฿17, activation: *777*766#
  • for 7 days: incl. 100 MB general data: ฿59, activation: *777*7013#

Tourist SIM: AIS Lucky SIM[]

Alternatively, AIS offers their Lucky SIM to visitors in five different starter packs (prices inclusive of VAT):

NAME Price (in ฿) DURATION (in days) FULL-SPEEDDATA (in GB) UNLIMITED

APP USE

CALLINGMINUTES OTHER INCLUSIONS
Pay-as-you-go 49 8 n/a Facebook, Line, Instagram, WhatsApp, WeChat, Tiktok, X unlimited to AIS users ฿15 credit
8 Days Plan 299 8 15 Facebook, Line, Instagram, WhatsApp, WeChat, Tiktok, X unlimited to AIS users ฿15 credit
15 Days Plan 599 15 30 Facebook, Line, Instagram, WhatsApp, WeChat, Tiktok, X unlimited to AIS users ฿15 credit
30 Days Plan 899 30 50
30 Days Plan 1,250 30 300 Facebook, Line, Instagram, WhatsApp, WeChat, Tiktok, X unlimited to AIS users ฿15 credit
  • for ฿49: 7 days of free WeChat and AIS Super WiFi
  • for ฿88: 7 days of unlimited mobile data at 1 Mbps and AIS Super WiFi, extendable for ฿88 per 7 days, automatically charged if there is enough balance in the account
  • for ฿160: 5 GB data, ฿15 call credit, free social apps and AIS Super WiFi for 5 days at AIS shops and retailers.
  • for ฿299: 15 GB data, 15 THB call credit, free social apps and AIS Super WiFi for 8 days (16 days in promotion) at major airport stores, other AIS stores and Family Mart nationwide.
  • for ฿599: 30 GB data, ฿15 call credit, free social apps and AIS Super WiFi for 15 days (30 days in promotion) at AIS stores nationwide.

All data beyond the quota is throttled to 384 kbps (and all data packages added to the ฿49 starter SIM will be throttled to 384 kbps). Social apps include Facebook, Line, WeChat, Twitter, WhatsApp, TikTok, and Instagram. On all Lucky SIMs the cheap IDD prefix 00300 enables calls to some destinations like Germany or China at 1 THB per min. For more countries use 003 prefix for reduced call rates.

These eSIMs are also available to tourists via AIS' website:

Price (in ฿) DURATION (in days) FULL-SPEEDDATA (in GB) INCLUSIONS
399 8 25 (+5 when dialing *777*7640#) ฿15 calling credit, Free inhaler
599 15 35 (+5 for 8 days when dialling *777*7640#) Free inhaler
899 30 50 (+5 for 8 days when dialling *777*7640#) ฿30 calling credit, Free inhaler
1,299 30 300 (+2 for 8 days when dialling *777*7313#) ฿50 calling credit, Free inhaler
1,699 30 unlimited (+2 for 8 days when dialling *777*7313#) ฿50 calling credit, Free inhaler, one-day BTS pass

The default data rate outside packages is ฿2 per MB. These add-ons are advertised for the Lucky SIM (tax incl.), valid for 8 days, but in fact you can add any regular package shown above too:

Price (in ฿) Data (in GB) Number to activate
39 3 *777*7102#
59 5 *777*7104#
90 10 *777*7106#
150 20 *777*7442#

When used up, max. speed will be throttled from to 384 kbps.

AIS WiFi passes[]

AIS has many WiFi hotspots, especially in shopping malls and airports. AIS Super WiFi Packs are available with unlimited data volumes:

Price (in ฿) Duration Number to activate
9 1 hour *777*380#
19 5 hours *777*381#
29 1 day *777*382#
99 30 days *777*384#

You will need to purchase any AIS SIM card (for ฿50) in order to buy a WiFi pass. All packages now provide access to to AIS Super WiFi, which has superior speeds (tested up to 150/150 Mbps in real world use) compared to the normal WiFi (capped at 10/1 Mbps). For the 1 hour and 5 hour packages, time is counted from login to logout. To log out, go to wifi.ais.co.th.

Some SIMs and packages come with WiFi; to obtain the password dial *388*1# or get it online.

Sim2fly

Roaming SIM: SIM2Fly[]

The AIS SIM2Fly was originally meant for outbound Thai tourists, but is now being distributed throughout the region, because it offers quite good roaming rates. The SIM2Fly SIM card comes in 2 varieties:

  • ฿399: SIM card for certain countries in Asia and Australia for 10 days
  • ฿899: SIM card for certain countries in Europe and the Americas for 15 days

The Asian version comes with 6 GB roaming data at 3G and 4G/LTE speeds and is valid for 10 days in China (incl. Tibet), Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Laos, India (in certain states only), Taiwan, Macao, Philippines, Cambodia, Myanmar, Australia, Nepal, Indonesia, Qatar and Sri Lanka and now in Vietnam and Brunei too.

After the main package has expired, you can add a new data package. For more data in the same countries you can use following codes to extend your data package:

  • 1 GB valid for 2 days: ฿119, activation by *111*356#
  • 4 GB valid for 8 days: ฿299, activation by *111*354#

As the data package is ฿100 less then the price of a new SIM card, it may be worthwhile to keep your SIM active. You can extent the validity by various methods listed here. AIS SIM2Fly can be found for sale all over SE Asia. Some online shops are selling SIM2fly SIM cards to foreign countries for a surcharge and delivery fees. To top-up from abroad you can use https://mobiletopup.com/ (5% fees apply for credit card payments and amounts start at ฿20) or other agencies that can charge up to 30% fees.

Be aware of the strict Thai SIM cards validity rules: prepaid SIMs can expire in as little as 45 days after last use. Any top-up (regardless of the value) extends validity for another 30 days. To maintain a validity of one year then, you can top-up 12 times, getting 30 days with each top-up. Minimum top-up value is ฿10, but most international agencies start at ฿20 only. As long as the SIM is active, your credit balance remains for next use. There is one online service that will automate this process to add 360 days to your prepaid SIM for a fee. Generally, these top-up requirements can make the deal much less attractive for occasional users, but remain a good option, if you buy and load it in Thailand for an onward journey through SE Asia.

As of 2019 the AIS SIM2Fly is now available as an eSIM, and initially supported by the iPhone Xr and Xs. The eSIM has the same data plans of the conventional SIM, but no physical SIM is needed. The eSIM should work on any device with an embedded SIM that can scan a QR code to load the SIM profile. For now eSIMs can be purchased at AIS shops, on the AIS website, and various online resellers. Keep in mind eSIMs need to be reissued if your phone gets lost, wish to switch phones, or deactivate the plan. Moreover, the phone you wish to use the eSIM on must be unlocked (i.e. it must not be tied to a specific provider/network in your home country, usually phones issued by or purchased from networks/providers are locked to that particular network/provider).

You can switch the SMS language of the plan to English with code: *119*2#

More information[]

  • IDD prefixes for calling abroad: 003 (better quality) or 00300 (budget on some plans like Traveller SIM, from ฿1 per min)
  • APN: internet

dtac[]

Dtac

dtac for Total Access Communication is Thailand's 3rd largest network by the number of users. It's partly owned by Telenor group from Norway and is the network that owns the biggest wireless bandwidth in the country. Its prepaid brand is called Happy.

4G/LTE started in 2014 on 2100 MHz (B1) in Bangkok only and has been expanded in 2015 to Phuket and Pattaya and another 40 cities nationwide: 4G coverage map. In 2015 4G/LTE was started in the metro Bangkok area mostly on the additional 1800 MHz (B3) frequency which is much more common internationally. In June, 2018 DTAC started offering 4G+ on the rare 2300 MHz frequency through a deal with TOT. 5G is planned on 700 MHz.

Availability[]

You can get their SIM cards from almost any shop including at the airports, but if you want an eSIM, you need to go directly to a dtac store, or purchase online from dtac, Bytesim, or Airalo. The current list of available SIM starters is here.

Occasionally, Thai Airways passengers headed to Thailand may be handed a prepaid SIM card from dtac. However, the user will need to top these up and register the SIM card him-/herself.

5G SIMs:

  • Happy NET SIM: Costs ฿49, comes with unlimited Facebook, Facebook Messenger, LINE, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube at 42 Mbps for 7 days after every top-up of at least ฿50, up to 4x per month and 12 months from activation.
  • Happy Combo SIM: Costs ฿99, only available at 7-Eleven, comes with unlimited data at 2 Mbps and unlimited number of 15-minute calls to other DTAC numbers for 7 days from activation

4G SIMs:

  • Go Plearn SIM: Costs ฿49, comes with free basic 4G internet at slow 64 kbps for 12 months from activation (from other SIMs change by *103*55*9# for ฿30), which can be extended another 12 months with at least ฿10 of paid usage in the past 12-month period.
  • Super 4G SIM: Costs ฿49, comes with free YouTube streaming at night (midnight-8am), zero-rated music streaming through the Music Infinite app and 1GB per month for 7 days up to 12 months when top-up at least ฿150 per month (press *103*333*9#).
  • Net Zing X2 SIM: Costs ฿25, gives out unlimited data at 2 Mbps for 15 days with any top-up within 15 days of activation. After this period, two additional unlimited-usage packages at 2 Mbps are available for this SIM- ฿100 for 7 days (activate by dialing *104*101#) and ฿300 for 30 days (activate by dialing *104*103#). Both packages auto-renew for up to 12 months from activation date if there is sufficient balance on the renewal date.

There are other SIM starters available, but they are either only available online or are not as good value as what is presented here.

High speed data packages[]

These packages are recommended only for those with a 4G/LTE-capable phone. Default rate for data is ฿1.99 per MB except for the Happy NET SIM where it is ฿0.99 per MB. dtac offers two main categories of packages: those with a certain high-speed volume that is throttled when used up and those that are reduced in speed from the start and are called 3G or light packages.

For the first category, you get connection at full 4G/LTE or 5G speed up to 100 Mbps for a certain amount of data, then your speed will be capped at the stated fair use policy (FUP) maximum speed which is varied respective to the plan you choose (but you can use them as much as you like, they are unlimited after all).

Some options only appear online. They can be activated either on the dtac app or by finding the package on this page, clicking "more detail" on the desired package, and following the steps.

Validity (in days) Price (in ฿) Data Overuse Extras Activation
1 9 100 MB cut off free Facebook *104*851*9#
19 500 MB 64 kbps speeds *104*881*9#
19 600 MB default overage rate online only
29 500 MB 128 kbps speeds free dtac calls *104*911*9#
29 1 GB 64 kbps speed *104*882*9#
35 1.5 GB default overage rate online only
45 3 GB default overage rate online only
3 55 1.5 GB default overage rate online only
75 3 GB default overage rate online only
95 5 GB default overage rate online only
5 99 500 MB 128 kbps speed free dtac calls *104*912*9#
7 59 400 MB cut off free Facebook *104*852*9#
79 600 MB 128 kbps speed free music streaming *104*883*9#
79 1.5 GB default overage rate online only
99 2 GB 64 kbps speed *104*342*9#
99 4 GB cut off online only
129 1.5 GB 128 kbps speed free dtac calls *104*913*9#
149 5 GB 64 kbps speed *104*315*9#
149 16 GB default overage rate online only
15 189 10 GB default overage rate online only
30 199 500 MB 64 kbps speed 80 all-net mins *104*491*9#
199 1 GB 128 kbps speed *104*349*9#
199 1.5 GB cut off free Facebook *104*853*9#
199 2 GB default overage rate online only
299 750 MB* 64 kbps speed 100 all-net mins *104*492*9#
299 5 GB 64 kbps speed *104*325*9#
299 6 GB default overage rate online only
399 3 GB * 64 kbps speed 150 all-net mins *104*493*9#
399 3.5 GB 128 kbps speed free dtac calls *104*914*9#
499 4 GB * 64 kbps speed 200 all-net mins *104*494*9#
499 5 GB 128 kbps speed free dtac calls *104*915*9#
499 10 GB 64 kbps speed *104*320*9#
499 12 GB overage rate online only
699 8 GB * 64 kbps speed 300 all-net mins *104*495*9#
799 10 GB 128 kbps speed free dtac calls *104*916*9#
1,9999 20 GB 128 kbps speed free dtac calls *104*917*9#

(*) = these packages have unlimited dtac WiFi included

Low speed data packages[]

For light data users or those with a 3G/3.5G/HSDPA-only phone, dtac has two types of packages, OK Net and Net No Limit. OK Net packages are reduced in speed from the beginning. They come with a volume at the given speed before throttled to 128 kbps. Net No Limit packages do not throttle beyond the stated speed, but must be activated online:

max. Speed Data Duration

(in days)

Price

(in ฿)

Activation Extras
384 kbps 400 MB 1 15 *184*871*9#
500 MB 1 19 *104*691#
unlimited 7 24 *104*483*9# free dtac calls + WiFi
unlimited 7 144 *104*484*9# free dtac calls + WiFi
512 kbps 300 MB 24 15 *104*872*9#
500 MB 24 22 *104*693#
1.5 GB 7 79 *104*857*9#
2.5 GB 7 89 *104*629#
unlimited 7 89 online only
7.5 GB 30 300 *104*649#
unlimited 30 300 online only
1 Mbps 500 MB 1 25 *104*693#
unlimited 1 29 online only
2.5 GB 7 100 *104*659#
unlimited 7 120 online only speed doubled to 2 Mbps in promotion
7.5 GB 30 350 *104*696#
unlimited 30 350 online only speed doubled to 2 Mbps in promotion
4 Mbps 1 GB 1 32 *104*694#
unlimited 1 32 online only speed doubled to 8 Mbps in promotion
7 GB 7 220 *104*679#
unlimited 7 220 online only
20 GB 30 650 *104*697#
unlimited 30 650 online only
10 Mbps 2 GB 1 55 *104*695#
14 GB 7 330 *104*689#
33 GB 30 1,100 *104*698#

All overuse is at 128 kbps. Check balance in packages by *101*1*9#.

Internet Booster packages

For the unlimited volume packages mentioned above, speeds can be temporarily boosted to maximum speed with the following packages and volume:

Volume Duration(in days) Price(in ฿)
100 MB 1 5
300 MB 1 9
500 MB 1 12
700 MB 1 15
1 GB 3 39
2 GB 7 49
5 GB 7 99

As with the unlimited volume speed limited packages, these must be activated on the dtac website by following the steps given above, except for the 5 GB package, which can only be activated on the dtac app.

Social media packages[]

These add-ons can be used for unlimited social media and music streaming:

Apps covered Price

(in ฿)

Duration Number to dial
YouTube + music streaming apps (Tidal, Deezer, Apple Music, etc) 10 1 hour *104*522*9#
YouTube + music streaming apps (Tidal, Deezer, Apple Music, etc) 19 24 hours *104*523*9#
YouTube + music streaming apps (Tidal, Deezer, Apple Music, etc) 79 7 days *104*524*9#
YouTube 9 1 hour *104*867*9#
Music streaming (Tidal, Deezer, Apple Music, etc) 7 24 hours *104*573*9#
Music streaming (Tidal, Deezer, Apple Music, etc) 19 7 days *104*574*9#
Music streaming (Tidal, Deezer, Apple Music, etc) 30 30 days *104*575*9#
Facebook 5 24 hours *104*405*9#
Viber 5 24 hours *104*600*9#
Viber 19 7 days *104*601*9#
Viber 49 30 days *104*602*9#
WhatsApp 19 7 days *104*88*9#
Line 19 7 days *104*421*9#

WiFi passes[]

For dtac WiFi, when not included in your data pack, special passes are sold. You must obtain your username and password by dial *4000# and then you can connect any of your device (can be your laptop or a tablet) to all dtac WiFi hotspots. The WiFi usage is unlimited. dtac WiFi can be found mostly in shopping centres and airports.

  • ฿19: 1 hour, activation: *104*619*9#
  • ฿39: 24 hours, activation: *104*639*9#
  • ฿69: 30 days, activation: *104*669*9#
  • ฿99: 30 days including 3BB WiFis, activation: *104*699*9#

Data is unlimited on the WiFi. For your password dial *400*9#.

Roaming Add-Ons - Go Travel[]

For abroad dtac offers new roaming add-ons, called Go Travel:

Countries Covered Price(in ฿) Data(in GB) Duration(in days)
Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar 99 2 7
Asiawide, Australia, USA 399 6 10
Worldwide 899 6 15

These packages can be added online and start immediately. Data is throttled to 128 kbps for the remainder of the active period after the high-speed allowance is used up. You can buy the same packages as a new SIM card called Go Inter (see below).

Tourist SIM: Happy Tourist SIM[]

dtac also sells SIM cards with short validity and "unlimited" data for tourists. The SIM card is called Happy Tourist SIM. It comes in following varieties of starter packs and is on 2G/3G/4G/5G, all coming with 30 days validity of the sim itself, that can be extended by topping up, and ฿15 credit:

Name Price(in ฿) Data(in GB) Duration(in days) Other inclusions
Happy Tourist SIM 49 49 1 1 Unlimited Chat in apps (Line, Messenger, Whatsapp...)
Happy Tourist SIM 299 299 15 8 Unlimited Chat in apps (Line, Messenger, Whatsapp...)
Happy Tourist SIM 349 349 50 10 Unlimited Chat in apps (Line, Messenger, Whatsapp...)
Happy Tourist SIM 599 599 30 15 Unlimited Chat in apps (Line, Messenger, Whatsapp...)
Happy Infinite SIM 449 449 Unlimited 8
Happy Infinite SIM 699 699 Unlimited 15
Happy Infinite SIM 1199 1199 Unlimited 30

If used up, data will be throttled to 384 kbps for the rest of the running time or ฿2 per MB beyond. Package change fee is ฿85. Check allowances by *101*1*9#. The package comes with Thai phone number and is reloadable and extendable.

You can actually buy their Tourist SIM online here and get it shipped overseas for a whopping ฿50 surcharge worldwide. You can also find the Amazon to be sent abroad. The eSIM version is also available for sale with online digital delivery here and at partnerstores like airalo, eSim Thailand, Airhub and others,

These add-on packages are sold for the Tourist SIM valid for 30 days:

  • 2.5 GB: ฿319.93, activation: *104*353#
  • 4.5 GB: ฿426.93, activation: *104*21#
  • 9 GB: ฿747.93, activation: *104*344#

Some regular data packs may also be added.

Roaming SIM: SIM GO! inter[]

After the success of SIM2Fly by AIS dtac has revamped their roaming SIM called SIM GO! inter. This SIM is available in their airport shops in Bangkok, Phuket and Samui and in many dtac stores. Starter packs are sold in three varieties:

  • for Bangladesh, Cambodia, China (incl. Tibet), Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea (South), Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Australia and the US:
    • with 6 GB for 10 days: ฿399
    • like above plus 30 mins of domestic calls: ฿499
  • worldwide in Asia, AUS, US and Europe added with 6 GB for 15 days: ฿899

These starters can be added by these add-on packages (not available to regular dtac SIM cards):

  • for Asia, AUS, US:
    • 1 GB for 3 days: ฿199, activation: *104*732*9#
    • 5 GB for 10 days: ฿349, activation: *104*732*9#
  • for neighboring countries (Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia): 2 GB for 7 days, activation: *504*799*#

Be aware that his SIM card follows Thai top-up rules with a validity of only 30 days for any top-up.

Also note that while not officially advertised, the Asia/AUS/US SIM does work in certain countries in Europe, supporting Switzerland (Swisscom), Austria (Drei), Italy (Vodafone), Hungary, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Serbia, Sweden, and Norway (all Telenor). Use in other European countries requires the "worldwide" SIM.

International Roaming[]

In Standard Prepaid cards including the Tourist SIM are by default de-activated. Before you leave Thailand, you can activate international roaming with *118#, you will get a text message confirming activation. Check the website for roaming packages that are availabe.

More information[]

  • IDD prefixes for calling abroad: 004 (quality) or 00400 (budget only on the Tourist SIM, starting at ฿1 per min for many countries)
  • APN: www.dtac.co.th
  • To use a SIM abroad, activate roaming with *118# before leaving the country.
  • Website: dtac smartphone SIM , dtac data packs

TrueMove H[]

True move

TrueMove H is Thailand's 2nd largest network and the most heavily advertised. TrueMove is part of the larger True Corp. conglomerates, owned by CP Group which is the biggest retailer owning all 7-Eleven and Tesco stores in Thailand.

They were the first provider in to bring 4G/LTE on the 2100 MHz (B1) to Thailand. Its 4G/LTE coverage is the best so far in the country and comprises 80% rising to 96% by the end of 2016: 4G coverage map in Thai and list in English. In 2015 the much more usual 1800 MHz (B3) was added for 4G/LTE as well as 850 and 900 MHz (B8) in 2016. 5G has started in 2020 on 2600 MHz (n41).

Availability[]

You can get their SIM cards from almost everywhere, but you should obtain it directly from any of the True Corp. stores (including True Online and True Visions stores) or 7-Eleven kiosks. Electronic top-ups are sold at all 7-Eleven stores or Family Mart. There, you have to know and enter your number. All currently available starter packs are 4G/LTE enabled. Retail price is ฿10 in promotions and regular ฿49. Default rate of the first two SIMs is ฿1.50 per MB of data.

  • Net Ready SIM: This SIM costs ฿120 and comes with 20 GB at 2 Mbps and unlimited at 128 kbps after for 30 days, auto-renews every month if there is ฿100 in the account
  • 4G+ Social SIM: This SIM costs ฿49 and comes with 30 minutes of TrueMove WiFi usage daily as well as unlimited use of 14 social apps and 1 hour of free YouTube usage. In addition, every month there is at least a ฿150 top-up you are given 2 GB of 3G/4G data (1 GB if you do not have a 4G-capable device) valid for 7 days, unlimited WiFi, and unlimited use of those 14 social apps.
  • 4G+ eSports SIM: This SIM also costs ฿49 and comes with unlimited use of LINE, Arena of Valor, and TrueMove WiFi 24 hours a day as well as YouTube from 12am to 12pm for 30 days from activation. There is also 10 MB available for other use, and a lower default rate of ฿0.50 per MB. This will auto-renew for ฿100 per month as long as this much is available in the account.

The 14 social apps included in the Social SIM are Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Twitter, WeChat, KakaoTalk, Skype, Viber, WhatsApp, Instagram, Sina Weibo, QQ, Pinterest, Skype, and Snapchat.

When you arrive at BKK airport, you should check their promotions at their store in the arrivals hall at concourse A, 2nd floor, opposite Gate 5. They offer often promotions that are not available otherwise and are mostly for starting-up and the first package only. You may also see their free SIM stand at the airports in Chiang Mai or Phuket.

5G Packages

If you want to use the 5G network, you need to purchase one of their 5G data packages. There are two options, both are valid for 30 days and auto-renew if there is sufficient credit in your account:

  • 5 GB: ฿199, activate by *900*1877#
  • 15 GB: ฿399, activate by *900*8898#

High speed data packages ('4G packs')

All of their SIM cards are now 4G/LTE enabled and are sold for ฿0-49 with very little credit. Speed is up to 100 Mbps on 4G/LTE. Default rate outside package is ฿1.50 per MB. These 4G/LTE packages can be booked on all 4G SIM cards. For all prices add 7% taxes:

Validity

(in days)

Data Price(in ฿) Activation
1 day 100 MB 9 *900*3301#
1 day 200 MB 15 *900*3306#
1 day 400 MB 17 *900*1923#
1 day 600 MB 19 *900*8149#
1 day 1 GB 29 *900*8997#
1 day 1.5 GB 35 *900*8150#
1 3 GB 45 *900*8151#
1 4 GB 69 *900*8382#
2 1.5 GB 49 *900*8383#
2 3 GB 69 *900*8384#
3 1.5 GB 55 *900*8152#
3 3 GB 75 *900*8153#
3 5 GB 95 *900*8154#
7 1.5 GB 79 *900*8155#
7 4 GB 99 *900*8156#
7 8 GB 149 *900*8311#
15 10 GB 199 *900*8301#
15 15 GB 249 *900*8302#
30 1 GB 150 *900*8903#
30 2 GB 199 *900*8157#
30 6 GB 299 *900*8158#
30 12 GB 499 *900*8159#

Daily and weekly plans are once off and can be activated new anytime. All monthly plans auto-renew after 30 days. For more data on monthly plans, add one of these add-ons:

Validity

(in days)

Data

(in GB)

Price(in ฿) Activation
30 1 179 *900*8936#
30 2 279 *900*8937#
30 3 379 *900*8938#

Low speed data packages ('3G packs')[]

You can simply get one of their prepaid SIM cards and add from their big variety of data packs. For the "unlimited" internet plans below, data is capped at the listed speed, but usage is unlimited; there is no longer any FUP or further throttling. These packages used to be called 3G packs, but work on 4G/LTE too, but throttled:

max. Speed Validity

(in days)

Price(in ฿) Activation
512 kbps 7 89 *900*3713#
30 300 *900*3719#
1 Mbps 1 25 *900*3704#
2 45 *900*3709#
7 120 *900*3714#
30 350 *900*3720#
2 Mbps 1 28 *900*3705#
7 150 *900*3715#
30 450 *900*3721#
4 Mbps 1 32 *900*3706#
2 59 *900*3710#
7 220 *900*3716#
30 650 *900*3722#
6 Mbps 1 45 *900*3707#
2 85 *900*3711#
7 270 *900*3717#
30 850 *900*3723#
10 Mbps 1 55 *900*3708#
2 100 *900*3712#
7 days 330 *900*8884#

For all final prices add 7% taxes.

Tourist SIM: 5G Tourist SIM

TrueMove H sells special SIM cards for tourists too. The tourist SIM card is now called 5G Tourist SIM, and unlike the standard prepaid starters, do not require the purchase of separate 5G packages. They come in 3 different starter packs:

Price (in ฿) DURATION (in days) HIGH-SPEED DATA (in GB) UNLIMITED

APP USE

CALLINGMINUTES OTHER INCLUSIONS
49 1 n/a Facebook, Messenger, Pinterest, Skype, Snapchat, Viber, Line, Instagram, WhatsApp, WeChat, Tiktok, X, KakaoTalk unlimited to all Thai networks ฿15 credit (up to 30 days)
299 16 15 (+ 10 GB for Tiktok) Facebook, Messenger, Pinterest, Skype, Snapchat, Viber, Line, Instagram, WhatsApp, WeChat, Tiktok, X, KakaoTalk unlimited to TruMove H numbers ฿100 credit (up to 30 days)
399 8 unlimited Facebook, Messenger, Pinterest, Skype, Snapchat, Viber, Line, Instagram, WhatsApp, WeChat, Tiktok, X, KakaoTalk unlimited to all Thai networks ฿100 credit
599 30 30 (+ 10 GB for Tiktok) Facebook, Messenger, Pinterest, Skype, Snapchat, Viber, Line, Instagram, WhatsApp, WeChat, Tiktok, X, KakaoTalk unlimited to TruMove H numbers ฿50credit
699 15 unlimited Facebook, Messenger, Pinterest, Skype, Snapchat, Viber, Line, Instagram, WhatsApp, WeChat, Tiktok, X, KakaoTalk unlimited to all Thai networks ฿100 credit
999 30 unlimited Facebook, Messenger, Pinterest, Skype, Snapchat, Viber, Line, Instagram, WhatsApp, WeChat, Tiktok, X, KakaoTalk unlimited to all Thai networks ฿100 credit

To activate, type *123#.

On the ฿49 SIM, for the list of social apps with free usage, see the "Social SIM" list above. Additionally, a top-up of ฿100 or more will extend the unlimited use of social apps another 8 days.

Data beyond the included allowance is not charged but throttled to 384kbps. Officially, only one additional bundle is advertised:

  • 3 GB full-speed data, unlimited at 384k after for 8 days, ฿150, activate by dialing *900*1756#

Unofficially, their regular 3G and 4G packs have sometimes worked in the past, so you might give them a try. However, effective 2018, this seems to be discontinued and all attempts to activate a regular bundle on a Tourist SIM seems to usually be denied.

WiFi packages[]

True has like dtac and AIS many WiFi hotspots throughout the country. They have the biggest WIFI network with more than 100,000 hotspots: Hotspot Locator. When not included in your plan, they offer these packages for a max. speed of 200 Mbps (add 7% taxes):

  • for 1 day: ฿39, activation: *900*82#
  • for 1 week: ฿59, activation: *900*84#
  • for 1 month: ฿100, activation: *900*83#

To acquire your WiFi password dial *871*4# for free. The weekly and monthly packages auto-renew. More info about their WiFi.

Roaming:[]

For roaming there are two options- one is to purchase a standard prepaid starter pack, which supports roaming. The other, if you wish to maintain a separate, dedicated SIM or have purchased a tourist SIM with no roaming, is to purchase their Travel SIM separately. Similar to AIS and dtac they sell a SIM for roaming in Asia or worldwide. The following starters are available:

  • for Asia with 6 GB for 8 days: ฿399
  • worldwide with 6 GB for 15 days: ฿899

Their Travel SIM Asia includes more than 20 countries, while the Travel SIM World includes over 70 countries. The SIM is activated as soon as it connects to a roaming network. Roaming in China is not censored, and the SIM now supports both China Mobile and China Unicom, resulting in wider compatibility. The APN may need to be set manually to 'internet' and username/password 'true'. Both standard prepaid starter packs and the Travel SIMs can be reloaded with the following packages:

Region Price(in ฿) Validity(in days) Data(in GB) Activation
Neighboring Countries 99 15 1 *115*099#
Asia 150 3 1 *115*150#
Asia 199 3 3 *115*199#
Asia 299 8 4 *115*299#
Asia 399 10 7 *115*399#
Asia 999 30 10 *115*999#
World 300 3 1 *115*300#
World 499 7 3 *115*499#
World 799 15 4 *115*799#
World 899 15 7 *115*899#
World 1,599 30 10 *115*1599#

1 GB and 2 GB packages are hard-capped, other packages offer continued use at 128 kbps without charges until the end of package validity.

1 More information[]

  • IDD prefixes for calling abroad: 006 for quality or 00600 for budget (on the Tourist SIM starting from ฿1 per min to major countries)
  • APN: internet - username and password: true
  • Website (click the flag icon on the top-right to change language between Thai and English): https://www.true.th/truemoveh/site
  • To change SMS notifications to English: Press *700 <call>, then 1 (For English), 5 (Change Language), 2 (SMS), 2 (English), 1 (Confirm)
  • or press 9304 <call>, then follow voice prompts to switch language between Thai and English.
  • check your remaining balance by 9302 <call> (voice response) or *123# <call> (SMS response).

My (by CAT)[]

My

My is a MVNO operated by CAT Telecom Public Company Ltd., the state-owned company that runs Thailand’s international telecommunications infrastructure, including its international gateways, satellite, and submarine cable network connections.

It's the 4th largest mobile network operator in Thailand and owns spectrum on the 850 Mhz frequency, rents it out to True Move. In return it can use 20% of the bandwidth for their own My by CAT operation and other MVNOs (see below). Towers and network are operated by True Move for their own 3G 850 Mhz. In 2016 they started national roaming with True for 4G/LTE. To all prices below add 7% taxes.

Frequencies and coverage[]

My has only 3G/HSPA+ on 850 Mhz (= B5) without fall-back to 2G. As My uses the same 850 MHz network as True Move, their 3G coverage is the same. By 2014 it had a coverage of approximately 97% of population and consisted of around 14,000 BTS. But as there are way less users on CAT's 20% share as they have roughly a market share including MVNOs of 1-2% so far.

Starting in 2016 they opened up 4G/LTE access by national roaming on the 4G/LTE 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz network of True Move. Summing up, for the CAT offers below you need 3G on 850 MHz and 4G/LTE on 1800 and 2100 MHz (B3, B1).

Availability[]

My by CAT shops and CAT service centers are now showing up in some shopping malls (locator in Thai-English).

Top-up vouchers can be found at various locations like CAT stores, AJ Sabaidee top-up kiosks, U Top-up at Big C and postal offices, Tesco Lotus and 7-Eleven (only for ฿100 and 300). To top-up by code type *901*<voucher code>#. To check balance type *902#.

Default rate[]

For cheap data by MB you can change to MY Net plan by *905*03# for free. It has the lowest default rate of ฿0.50 per MB. Check your base plan by *905*00#.

High speed data packages[]

For short-time these packages in full 3G and 4G speeds are given out:

  • for 24 hours: 500 MB ฿19 - *906*146#, 1 GB ฿29 - *906*147#, 2 GB ฿39 - *906*150#, 3 GB ฿49 - *906*153#,
  • for 7 days: 1 GB ฿39 - *906*148#, 2 GB ฿49 - *906*151#, 3 GB ฿59 - *906*154#, 4 GB ฿69 - *906*156#
  • for 15 days: 1 GB ฿59 - *906*149#, 2 GB ฿69 - *906*152#, 3 GB ฿79 - *906*155#, 4 GB ฿89 - *906*157#

These monthly plans on 3G and 4G/LTE roaming on True with full speed are offered:

  • 1 GB: ฿199 - activation: *906*288#
  • 3 GB: ฿299 - activation: *906*290#
  • 6 GB: ฿399 - activation: *906*292#
  • 12 GB: ฿499 - activation: *906*294#
  • 18 GB: ฿599 - activation: *906*296#
  • 36 GB: ฿899 - activation: *906*298#

All packages are for 31 days, overuse is throttled to 384 kbps. To all prices add 7% taxes.

Low speed data packages[]

Similar to major providers CAT also offers capped packages with unlimited slow speed:

  • max. 1 Mbps: 1 GB for 1 day = ฿25; 3 GB for 7 days = ฿120, 10 GB for 31 days = ฿299
  • max. 2 Mbps: 1 GB for 1 day = ฿28; 6 GB for 7 days = ฿150, 15 GB for 31 days = ฿399
  • max. 4 Mbps: 1.5 GB for 1 day = ฿32; 9 GB for 7 days = ฿220, 20 GB for 31 days = ฿599
  • max. 6 Mbps: 1.5 GB for 1 day = ฿37; 12 GB for 7 days = ฿270, 25 GB for 31 days = ฿799
  • max. 8 Mbps: 2 GB for 1 day = ฿43; 15 GB for 7 days = ฿300, 30 GB for 31 days = ฿899
  • max. 10 Mbps: 2 GB for 1 day = ฿50; 18 GB for 7 days = ฿330, 35 GB for 31 days = ฿999

To all prices above add 7% VAT. All overuse is at max. 384 kbps.

More information[]

  • IDD prefix for calling abroad: 009 starting at ฿1.50 to some European, Asian countries and USA (list)
  • APN: internet
  • Website partly in English: http://www.mybycat.com/en/

Penguin SIM (on CAT)[]

Penguin

In 2016 some new MVNOs started mainly on the CAT network. The most visible so far is Penguin SIM by White Space. It's aimed at the Thai youth, but accessible to everyone and heavily marketed at small street vendors and other places. It has certain pros and cons, you should be aware of. Most starter kits are on the 3G-only CAT network (see above). While it has a good coverage identical to True's 3G footprint, it doesn't offer a 2G fallback and you need to have a device capable of 850 MHz in 3G. They sell only one starter kit that supports 4G/LTE, it only offers access to True's 2100 MHz (B1) network, and it is named very similarly to another, 3G-only starter kit (SIM Rider Plus compared to SIM Rider) and can not be changed later so make sure you're purchasing the correct SIM starter kit at the store.

Penguin SIM has very low prices, but most of their rates are severely throttled. That means that they can be good for messaging like LINE (preferred messenger in Thailand) or basic internet, but inconvenient for browsing websites. All of their publications are in Thai only. To all the given prices below (except on the Tourist SIM) add 7% taxes.

Availability[]

All their SIM cards are sold for ฿49 with ฿20 credit when you top-up ฿50-100 only at street vendors and major kiosks chains. They are rarely offered at airports or tourist hotspots etc. On the street you will be told that you don't need registration. As it's required by law, you'll risk disconnection, but you might be fine for a short time. In a kiosk chain store let them register it for you.

Top-ups are available at the usual stores like FamilyMart and 7-Eleven. Check balance by *502#, check your number by *504#.

SIM plans[]

They offer different plans that can't be changed except from a classic or SIM Rider SIM to a Sud Soi SIM. As it's only written in Thai on the package, it might be hard to find out as they differ:

  • Classic Pinguin SIM is sold in some Family Mart stores for ฿49 with ฿15 credit valid for 30 days. Internet is included at ฿39 per day, but severely throttled at 128 kbps.
  • SIM Rider is sold in some 7-Eleven and Jiffy stores. It has unlimited data capped at 1 or 4 Mbps.
    • @ max. 1 Mbps: ฿20 for 24 hours - *555*81#; ฿55 for 3 days - *555*82*1#; ฿99 for 7 days - *555*83*1#; ฿279 for 30 days - *555*87*1#
    • @ max. 4 Mbps: ฿24 for 24 hours - *555*84#; ฿63 for 3 days - *555*85*1#; ฿119 for 7 days - *555*86*1#; ฿450 for 30 days - *555*88*1#
  • SIM Rider Plus is Penguin's only 4G/LTE SIM. It charges a default rate of ฿0.50 per MB and has the following packages of full-speed data with overuse at 128kbps:
    • 1 GB: ฿50 for 24 hours- *555*92#, ฿85 for 7 days- *555*93#
    • 3 GB: ฿195 for 31 days- *555*94#
    • 5 GB: ฿295 for 31 days- *555*96#
  • Me and You SIM is Penguin's newest starter pack and available in some 7-Eleven stores for ฿49 with ฿15 credit valid for 30 days. Internet is included at ฿20 per day, but severely throttled at 128 kbps.
  • Sud Soi SIM has Penguin's most comprehensive selection of add-ons, with unlimited capped-speed data add-ons ranging from 24 hours to 1 year as well as some data add-ons with FUP. The default rate without an add-on is ฿0.90 per MB.

On the Classic and Me and You SIM cards these high speed add ons (on 3G only) can be added:

Time (in days) Data Price (in ฿) Activation
1 500 MB 25 *555*501#
1 GB 35 *555*502#
7 2 GB 79 *555*503#
15 4 GB 150 *555*504#
30 9 GB 250 *555*505#

For all prices add taxes. Overuse is at 128 kbps. Unlimited data add-ons for Sud Soi SIMs are as follows:

Time Speed Price(in ฿) Activation
24 hours 384 kbps 7 *906*27#
512 kbps 9 *906*28#
2 Mbps 15 *906*341#
4 Mbps 25 *906*167#
6 Mbps 29 *906*168#
8 Mbps 35 *906*169#
7 days 384 kbps 25 *906*07#
512 kbps 55 *906*08#
2 Mbps 75 *906*342#
4 Mbps 149 *906*164#
6 Mbps 179 *906*165#
8 Mbps 195 *906*166#
31 days 384 kbps 99 *906*02#
45 days 512 kbps 215 *906*354#
1 Mbps 279 *906*351#
62 days 4 Mbps 379 *906*350#
6 Mbps 479 *906*349#
8 Mbps 679 *906*348#
93 days 1 Mbps 550 *906*190#
4 Mbps 950 *906*191#
6 Mbps 1,000 *906*203#
186 days 1 Mbps 600 *906*176#
4 Mbps 1,400 *906*178#
6 Mbps 1,800 *906*204#
372 days 1 Mbps 1,200 *906*177#
4 Mbps 2,500 *906*179#

45-’day plans come with 50 minutes and 62-day plans come with 100 minutes of domestic voice to all networks


There are also "Speed on Top" packages which include a limited amount of data at either 2 or 4 Mbps:

2 Mbps
Validity(in days) Data(in GB) Price(in ฿) Activation
7 1 19 *906*256#
2 29 *906*258#
3 39 *906*259#
4 49 *906*261#
15 3 59 *906*260#
4 69 *906*262#
4 Mbps
Validity(in days) Data(in GB) Price(in ฿) Activation
1 1 19 *906*263#
7 1 29 *906*264#
2 39 *906*266#
3 49 *906*267#
4 59 *906*269#
15 3 69 *906*268#
4 79 *906*270#

And the "Enjoy 100 GB" add-ons, which are long-running packages that provide 100 GB at the stated speed and throttle to 384 kbps after:

Speed Validity(in days) Price(in ฿) Activation
8 Mbps 93 950 *906*318#
186 1,400 *906*319#
372 2,500 *906*320#
10 Mbps 93 1,000 *906*321#
186 1,800 *906*322#

In all of the above tables, packages that are poorer value than other packages have been omitted (for example, there is a 1 Mbps tier of Enjoy 100 GB add-ons but they cost more than the unlimited usage package for the same time periods).

  • Tourist SIM is available in certain locations (mainly SuperRich currency exchange booths in Bangkok), comes with unlimited data at 1 Mbps for 24 hours and unlimited calls to other Penguin Tourist SIM users, and the following top-up packages, added through the Visit Thailand Card app, available for iOS or Android (not geo-blocked):
    • Unlimited @ 1 Mbps : ฿99 for 7 days
    • Unlimited @ 4 Mbps : ฿179 for 7 days
    • 4 GB full speed : ฿99 for 7 days, ฿120 for 15 days

Note that unlike with the other packages (and all other providers), VAT is included in Tourist SIM packages. You can extend validity by 3 months for ฿30 or by 6 months for ฿50.

More infomation[]

  • IDD prefix for calling abroad: 009 starting at ฿1.50 to some European, Asian countries and the US
  • APN: internet
  • Website in Thai only: http://www.penguinsim.com/
  • Tourist SIM info page in English: here

Finn Mobile (previously LINE Mobile, on dtac)[]

Finn Mobile

LINE is the most popular social messenger in Thailand. In 2017 they teamed up with dtac and launched LINE Mobile powered by DTN on dtac's 3G and 4G network as a MVNO. They offer unlimited use of free Line services including Line Messenger, Line Calls, Line Video, and Line TV not debited from your data allowance. In 2019 Line Mobile was rebranded to Finn Mobile.

Availability[]

This SIM card is only available online through their website delivered by courier all over Thailand selecting one of their plans from below. For activation foreigners need to send a selfie with the SIM card and another pic with the photo of your passport. So it might not be so useful for travellers as it might take a while (they say 2-3 days) and you need a postal address in Thailand.

All management of the SIM card is made through their app available for iOS and Android. For payment it need to be linked to a VISA, MasterCard or a Rabbit Line Pay.

Data feature packages[]

All Line applications are free and basic data at low speed of max. 256 Kbps are for free as well as SMS. Fast data up to 100 Mbps are taken from one of these monthly combo plans which can be changed each month:

Pack Data

(in GB)

Voice

(in mins)

Price

(in ฿)

Promotion

(in ฿)

Lite 5 n/a 399 189
Special 20 100 499 229
Max 80 300 1,099 279
Unlimited unlimited unlimited 1,999 499

For the packages marked with (#) a 50-70% discount shown as promotion in the table is given every month for max. 12 months.

For extra data you can add 1 GB at ฿60.

More info[]

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