How to Access Wi-Fi in Bangkok

Ranked among Asia's top travel hubs, the city of Bangkok welcomes countless visitors each year. As a prime destination for not only travellers but digital nomads, finding Wi-Fi access in Bangkok is a top priority for most visitors to land in the Thai capital. From making the most of a local mobile connection to using cafes and other public Wi-Fi hotspots, here's a comprehensive guide on how to stay connected during a vacation or a working holiday in Bangkok.

1. An Internet Plan for Holidaymakers

Those who intend to spend more than a week or two in Bangkok or contemplate using the internet regularly on a consistent basis will find it necessary to get a local connection. The first step in securing an internet connection that is accessible 24/7 in Bangkok or elsewhere in Thailand is buying a Thai SIM card. There are dozens of local and regional mobile companies offering SIM cards and mobile connections in Bangkok and tourists can opt for the least expensive among these that also have data plans. SIM cards can be purchased at the Bangkok airport where you can apply for a mobile connection with your passport number and name. Besides a monthly rental fee, those who only need internet access on their phone can start using Wi-Fi as soon as they leave the airport.

2. Digital Nomads

Those who require steady internet access for work purposes or to upload videos or perform daily web activities should opt for an ADSL connection, which is established through a modem. You may have to show your work permit in order to secure a long-term connection and a modem although most Bangkok internet providers do not request such stringent background information. After choosing an internet package, technicians from your internet provider will visit your hotel or apartment in Bangkok a day or two after the package purchase and set up the modem. In addition to monthly rental fees, there will be a one-time set-up cost for ADSL connections, which will also take several days to connect to the local grid and work seamlessly.

3. Home Internet Packages

If you are leasing a flat from a local building or staying with a local family, it is best to consult your landlord on what internet service solutions they can help you secure. They will also have a better idea of which mobile companies provide reliable and non-erratic internet access in that specific area of Bangkok. Some of the biggest players in Bangkok in terms of internet providers include True, AIS< TOT, 3BB and DTAC. It is crucial to consult the bandwidth on offer when joining a certain network as congested networks are common in some areas.

4. Cafes and Restaurants

Tourists based at Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel or any other rest will find that relying on public Wi-Fi hotspots takes care of their internet needs when not spending time inside the hotel. Most city hotels will provide complimentary internet access to guests so those who wish to use the internet while sightseeing can rely on local malls, cafes and restaurants that offer free Wi-Fi when they are not in their Bangkok hotel. Riverside eateries and cafes provide free Wi-Fi access and there are countless internet cafes in Bangkok where you can pay for an hour or two of online time.

5. Internet Speed in Bangkok

While cellular data and Wi-Fi speed in Bangkok and Thailand as a whole have improved greatly in recent years, those who are hailing from the West may find that speeds are not what they are used to at home. But Thailand did rank 2nd among the ASEAN member countries when it comes to fast internet speed in 2020 with a broadband download speed of 166.81 Mbps.