Question: How does one set up a reliable, fast internet connection? (Seems like you must have a reliable connection?)
Answer: I’m actually going to cheat a bit on this one because part of it has been answered so well on another site. I seriously recommend that unless you have a business need for internet you simply go with the free Wi-fi that is available all over Thailand. First of all it’s free and second of all it comes without the hassle of dealing with the Thai Cable or Telecom providers.
For a really complete guide to free Wi-fi access throughout Thailand just point your browser to Stickmans Guide to Thailand Wi-fi.
Stickman claims that he isn’t going to list all of the Wi-fi spots on the page, but there are so many that he really doesn’t need to list them all. Of course the list is best for Bangkok, but there are listings for other places as well including Samui, Krabi and Pattaya.
You can also head off to one of the many internet cafe’s in Bangkok where prices range from 20-100 baht per hour.
If you’re looking to get broadband access in your apartment you could face some serious frustrations. Thailand is not noted for its efficiency and internet communication is no exception to this rule.
Currently there are just two telecoms in Bangkok for wired connections – TOT (Telephone Organization of Thailand) and True. Both offer ADSL or you can go with one of many other (unproven?) ISP’s.
Here’s where the fun begins. To get a phone line installed you will need a work permit. No permit…then you will have to try to get your landlord to set up the service in his/her name, but be prepared for them to try to tack on a bit extra or even balk at the idea because they have no idea about the internet.
The cost will be between 600-2000 baht per month and speeds can be anywhere from 512k to 1Mb/sec. True is generally recognized to be much better, but you might not have a choice. If TOT installed the phone line then you’ll have to go with TOT.
There are other ISP’s out there, but they are so new that most of them are leasing bandwidth from TOT and True anyway.
Here’s what you’ll need to set up broadband a condo/apartment renter (courtesy of ThailandGuru)
- Photocopy of the “House Registration” of the owner (showing who owns the property that the service is going to)
- Photocopy of the Thai ID card of the owner, which they must sign
- Photocopy of the lease (which links the property to you)
- Photocopy of your passport, signed
- A few thousand baht handy
- A smile
You can read the rest of his article here, it goes into much greater depth than this post.
Overall I go with Wi-Fi or an internet cafe to make my life easier and cheaper, especially if you won’t be staying in Thailand long term.
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