TELEPHONE TIPS (Updated December  2024)

General Information

  • All mobile SIM cards in Thailand must be registered to their owner. Registered SIMs allow for:
    • Free replacement with the same number.
    • Blocking the old SIM if lost.
  • Network SMS can be set to Thai or English (private SMS excluded).
  • Most networks operate 3G, 4G, and increasingly 5G (from 2022).
  • Major providers: AIS, Dtac/True, NT(National Telecom).

Mobile Networks

  • Tariffs by NBTC:
    • 1800/900MHz: Max 69 satang/min for voice, 26 satang/MB for data.
    • 2100MHz: Max 82 satang/min for voice, 28 satang/MB for data.
  • No 2G networks; 3G-enabled smartphones are the minimum requirement.
  • SIM card offices in Pattaya:
    • Dtac: Big C South, Big C Extra, Tesco Lotus, Harbor Mall.
    • AIS: IT City (TukCom), Central Festival Pattaya Beach Mall (lower level).
    • TrueMove: Royal Garden Plaza, Big C locations, Pattaya Tai near Friendship Supermarket.

Domestic Calls

  • Mobile prefixes: 04, 06, 08, 09.
  • Call format:
    • From within Thailand: Dial 0 followed by the number.
    • Thai fixed lines: 9 digits (e.g., 038 xxxxxx).
    • Thai mobiles: 10 digits (e.g., 08xxxxxxxx).

International Calls

  • Format: +66 [remove leading 0] [number].
    • Example: +66 8xxxxxxxx (mobile) or +66 38xxxxxx (fixed-line).
  • Access codes for calling from Thailand:
    • CAT: 001, 009.
    • TOT: 007, 008.
    • Dtac: 004.
    • AIS: 005.
    • TrueMove: 006.
  • Cheaper international call cards (e.g., CAT’s Phone Net) offer rates as low as 3 baht/min.

Discount Options

  • TOT House-lines: Dial 1234 before the number for cheaper long-distance rates (as low as 1.5 baht/min).
  • Dtac Promotions:
    • 0.5 baht/min to all networks.
    • Buy time extensions from your handset (e.g., 113180*9# for 180 days at 12 baht).

Tips

  • Avoid losing credit and your number when abroad by topping up online.
  • Unlock phones locked to specific networks for around 300 baht in Pattaya.

Resources

  • Comprehensive SIM and network info: Thailand SIM Card Wiki.
  • For directory assistance or faults, contact TOT at:
    • Service Center: Dial 1100.
    • Directory: 1133.
    • Faults: 110.