Getting connected
There's a communication revolution going on in Thailand. Mobile phones have widely penetrated the urban population, however, the landline network is sub-standard and though it works mostly, internet services aren't quite as cutting edge as they are in Europe or North America. There are internet cafés everywhere and it's easy and practical to even pick up your own SIM card (and phone) while here. If you have your own computer and a phone line in your apartment, you can be online minutes after picking up a pre-paid ISP card from convenience or computer stores.
There are internet cafés everywhere and it's easy and practical to even pick up your own SIM card (and phone) while here. If you have your own computer and a phone line in your apartment, you can be online minutes after picking up a pre-paid ISP card from convenience or computer stores.
Broadband (ADSL) is now widely available and penetrates almost all condo buildings and a great deal of urban areas, and is supplied by three companies, TOT, TTT and True. None of them meet Western expectations for reliability and service and the packages aren’t terribly good value by comparison either. Typically they will offer you 1mb lines for a 1000 baht monthly rental but it rarely achieves even half this speed and you’re better off upgrading to a business package (3000 baht) to maintain good speeds. It’s generally over subscribed and can really slow down in the late afternoons when all the kids come home from school and start playing games online. It’s hit and miss really, some weeks it’s good, others abysmal and complaints to the ISP have little effect in improving customers services. Many coffeeshops in town now offer wireless, sometimes even for free and this is a good option if you’re getting settled and need a temporary fix. You can also access the internet via the mobile phone network using a GPRS receiver which fits into a usb port.
Mobile phones in Thailand
Thailand has an obsession with mobile phones, and to almost all urban Thai people, their phone is an important status symbol and essential accessory. Many foreigners come here to escape and opt not to carry a phone. But getting one is easy, they are cheap and pre-paid cards are widely available, meaning you can get connected in less than an hour of shopping.
Even short-term visitors find it practical to buy a SIM card and slip it into their existing phone, making it convenient for making bookings and enquiries while travelling in Thailand. A mobile phone is also useful for contacting other travellers and SMSing home to let your mum know you're still alive. For 1000 baht you can get the card for free and airtime equal to the value of your purchase.
Phones are found everywhere and a compact, reliable phone can be had for as little as 2000 baht, even end of line brands such as Nokia, Siemens and Motorola are no more than 3000 baht. Calls cost about 5 to 10 baht a minute, depending on your plan.
