Due to increased surveillance power for local authorities and a series of laws that censor websites, internet freedom in Thailand has changed dramatically. In the country, over 150,000 websites have been blocked, and the government can collect more information from internet users.
Because the Thai government monitors everything you do, it’s a good idea to get a VPN, especially if you’re visiting the country. When browsing the web in Thailand, a virtual private network is an effective way to improve your security and privacy.
It can assist you in changing your IP address and encrypting your data to maintain your online anonymity and privacy. As a result, you are safe from the Thai government, internet service providers, and hackers.
Using a VPN, you can conduct online business, invest, or bank from anywhere in the country.
Furthermore, a dependable virtual private network can provide access to restricted and censored content, such as Netflix, Hula, or ABC. The only difficulty with using a VPN is determining which one is best for the job. This article has been put together to inform you of the best VPNs for use in the land of smiles.
What Characterizes the Best VPN for Thailand?
Despite the fact that most VPNs have the same features, they are not implemented at the same level. That is why it is critical to choose the right one for Thailand.
Security is an important feature because without it, you will be vulnerable to prying eyes and snooping. Good security will keep you safe and shield you from online threats, so make sure the VPN you choose has it in place. If the provider includes a kill switch, that’s a plus because it will disconnect your connection if the VPN fails, leaving you vulnerable to attack.
Privacy is equally important. Though you may believe that is covered by security, it is not. VPNs respect your privacy by not recording your online activities, so make sure the one you choose has a no-logs policy.
To avoid censorship, you’ll need a large number of servers to choose from. The more servers you have, the better your chances of finding one that is suitable. This will also help you get around geoblocks.
Geoblocks limit content to a specific country, so if you’re not in that country, you won’t be able to view it. If you want to access content that is only available in Thailand, you’ll need to use Thai servers.
As an example, consider Netflix. If you are outside of Thailand and want to watch Netflix Thailand, you must connect to a Thai server. If you’re itching to watch some Netflix, consult our best VPN for Netflix comparison.
If you intend to stream or torrent, make sure the service includes unlimited bandwidth and fast speeds. You don’t want to be stuck waiting for content and wasting your limit in the meantime. When you reach the bandwidth limit, the VPN will stop working, leaving you vulnerable.
Other factors to consider include which devices are supported and how user-friendly the VPN is. You should also think about how many devices it supports, the quality of customer service, and how much the VPN costs.
With the aforementioned factors in mind, we combed through our VPN catalog to find you the best VPNs for Thailand.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a highly rated VPN with a reasonable no-logs policy, no data breaches, and a location outside of the 5 Eyes Alliances. The VPN’s headquarters are in the British Virgin Islands, which are not subject to US or EU jurisdiction. PwC also performed an audit on ExpressVPN. There are no data retention laws in the country. It is also not part of any surveillance alliances.
ExpressVPN provides a good selection of protocols, including Automatic, Lightway – UDP, Lightway – TCP, OpenVPN UDP, OpenVPN TCP, and IKEv2. The speed reduction is about 40%, which is average. However, it is barely noticeable in everyday use.
NordVPN
NordVPN is a popular choice among Thai expats. It’s one of the most dependable VPNs available in the country right now, with a plethora of features and strong privacy credentials. It gives you access to over 5,000 servers in 65 countries. You can also benefit from privacy features such as ‘Double VPN’ security, which means your connection is routed through two locations rather than one. It can protect your internet activity from malware and hackers, protect you on public Wi-Fi networks, block dangerous websites, and even skip annoying ads thanks to military-grade encryption. It’s also P2P-friendly, which means you can download torrents over encrypted connections. NordVPN also provides kill switches, DNS leak protection, proxy extensions for the Firefox and Chrome browsers, and a variety of payment methods such as Bitcoin, PayPal, and credit cards.
One of NordVPN’s best features is its ability to access multiple streaming channels. It’s particularly effective at unblocking Netflix, HBO Go, Hulu, Pandora, Amazon Prime, and even BBC iPlayer. These streaming services may occasionally be blocked when using NordVPN, but this is usually resolved by simply switching servers. It’s not the cheapest, but if you sign up for a multi-year plan, the pricing can be quite reasonable. Furthermore, it provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.
SurfsharkVPN
Surfshark is a low-cost provider that will appeal to budget-conscious online users. The high level of service provided belies the provider’s low cost.
The company currently claims 3,200+ servers in 95+ countries, including Thailand. This figure is nearly double what the provider reported the previous year. The provider’s servers provide access to more than 30 Netflix libraries around the world.
The provider’s users’ connections are protected by government-grade encryption, as well as kill switch protection, ad and tracking cookie blocking, and DNS leak protection. It also provides “MultiHop” protection, which allows your connection to be routed through two VPN servers.
All Surfshark VPN servers are run without keeping any kind of logs. Payment privacy is provided by the provider in the form of a Bitcoin payment option.
Surfshark provides adequate connection speeds, easily providing enough bandwidth for HD streaming, fast online gaming, and file sharing and downloading.
Surfshark app support includes native apps for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, and Amazon Fire. Surfshark’s Mac app now supports M1 and M2 Macs natively. Browser extensions for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox are available, as is router support. Surfshark supports an unlimited number of simultaneous connections using a single set of login credentials.
Customer service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through a support chat, a contact form, and a knowledge base.
Aside from comprehensive VPN protection, the provider also provides virus protection, a truly secure search, and alerts if/when your personal information is compromised in a data breach.
Private Internet Access
PIA is an excellent value, especially when purchased annually, but you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s a premium service. PIA provides super-fast servers in 84 countries worldwide, as well as access to streaming services such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer.
Whether you’re a Thai native or a visitor, PIA has you covered when it comes to security. AES-256 encryption secures your traffic, and you can choose from a number of strong protocols, including OpenVPN and L2TP/IPsec. Furthermore, for those who require an extra layer of privacy, PIA provides dedicated obfuscation servers.
In addition to a zero-logs policy and 10 concurrent connections, PIA has an expert customer service team available 24/7 via live chat and a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test the provider before committing to a subscription.
CyberGhostVPN
If you’re looking for a VPN to use in Thailand, CyberGhost is an excellent choice. The software is very simple to install and use, which is why you might want to consider using a CyberGhost VPN for Thailand. Simply turn on your computer, log into your account, select which countries you want to connect to, and then connect.
This VPN for travel allows you to visit any websites and pages on the Internet as usual, but your real IP address will be changed, and all traffic will be routed through program servers located in different countries.
In Thailand, how do I use a VPN?
Many streaming service providers, including Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video, geo-restrict some or all of their content, meaning it is only available in certain areas. Netflix will provide access to Thai users, but the library of shows and movies will be vastly different from that available in the United States, the United Kingdom, or Canada.
You can access content as if you were in another country by using a VPN to spoof your location. It is simple to get started with a VPN app. Simply follow these easy steps.
In Thailand, here’s how to use a VPN:
- Register with your preferred service provider (we recommend NordVPN).
- Install the VPN app that is appropriate for your device.
- Establish a connection to a server in the streaming source region. For example, if you want to watch US Netflix, you’d connect to a US VPN server.
- Go to the stream and you should have complete access.
It’s important to note that if you’re hoping to watch a live stream, such as a sporting event, you should test your connection beforehand. You’ll have more time to troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
5 Reasons to Use a VPN in Thailand
Thailand has strict internet restrictions and censorship in place, blocking most sites and international platforms. To that end, here are 5 reasons why you should use a VPN in Thailand.
1. The Thai Parliament’s Cyber Security Bill
Thailand’s government passed a cybersecurity bill in February 2019 that allows government officials to access emails, phone records, messages, and even postal mail.
Without a court order, it grants the government access to private user data and internet traffic details. The general public is concerned that the government will use this information to silence critics.
The Thai government announced in 2019 that coffee shops with public Wi-Fi should log user traffic and data for security purposes under Section 26 of the Computer Crime Act. It is done to prevent the spread of illegal content such as terrorism, drugs, copyright infringement, and pornography on the internet.
2. The National Security Agency and the Thai Government
In recent years, Thailand has cracked down hard on lawbreakers, copyright infringers, and spammers. It had previously served as a haven for online drug trafficking, the distribution of copyrighted material, and internet fraud. In 2013, the Thai government upped its game and launched the “snooping initiative.”
The Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) began working with local and international agencies, including Google Asia Pacific and eBay, under the initiative to develop a “self-enforced code of conduct.”
“The United States National Security Agency uses computer servers in Thailand to help run a massive collection of information about internet users, as well as to store and analyze the data.”
To gain trade agreements with Europe and America, the Thai government began assisting the NSA in gathering information by infringing on its citizens’ right to privacy. This has increased the demand for VPN services in Thailand. A VPN can protect your online privacy and anonymity by preventing ISP snooping.
3. Censorship by the Thai Government
According to the 2018 Privacy International report:
“Privacy International has previously investigated the Thai government’s use of social media surveillance as a tool of intimidation.” This report shows how not only is the practice expanding, but the government is also experimenting with new forms of surveillance.”
These allegations have been refuted by the Thai government. However, the government has blocked access to websites such as the BBC and The Daily Mail that expose the Crown Prince of Thailand’s lavish lifestyle.
Meaning, free speech and social media posts are monitored and, when necessary, censored. It may appear overly dramatic, but this is the reality, not just in Thailand, but worldwide.
As a result, if you want to avoid censorship in Thailand, you must use a VPN.
4. Thailand’s Online Privacy
In Thailand, your online privacy is jeopardized because the authorities monitor everything you do online, and this information can be used against you at any time.
Every user, in my opinion, has the right to online privacy. A single incorrect click, even if unintentional, can result in legal ramifications. In Thailand, small things like commenting or viewing the wrong thing can put you on the radar.
As a result, if you don’t want to be accused of unintentionally liking the wrong post or visiting the wrong website, use a VPN to remain anonymous.
Furthermore, there is no doubt that government surveillance and censorship in Thailand will increase over time, just as it did in Indonesia, to the point where their government can now censor everything. The Indonesian population can overcome this barrier and protect their online privacy by using one of the most popular VPNs for Indonesia.
5. Thailand Tourism and Internet Restrictions
Thailand’s scenic beauty and charm make it a popular tourist destination. It draws millions of visitors from all over the world.
Because of the large number of foreign tourists visiting Thailand, the Thai government has imposed internet restrictions for security reasons.
Thai authorities have installed firewalls to keep foreigners from accessing Thai websites.
As a result, if you want to access Thai websites while in Thailand, you’ll need a VPN. You can get a Thailand IP address and unrestricted access to Thai websites and content by using a VPN.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Should You Use a VPN?
One of the primary reasons you will want to use a VPN is to gain access to specific locations around the world that you would otherwise be unable to access.
Based on this article, you are most likely here to gain access to websites that are only available in Thailand.
The good news is that the VPNs we discussed earlier can assist you with this, and they will not jeopardize your security or personal information in the process.
Is Using a VPN Safe?
It is completely safe if you use a trustworthy VPN.
If you pay for a reputable provider, such as some of the VPNs mentioned above, you will receive an easy-to-use, secure, and high-quality service.
However, we must warn you that if you opt for a free VPN, you may find yourself in hot water.
Even if you aren’t using a paid VPN, keep in mind that the provider still needs to make money.
This means they’ll track and sell your data, annoy you with ads, and even steal your device’s computing power.
Is online privacy worth the price you pay?
We believe that protecting your online privacy is completely worth the cost.
When you protect your online privacy, you protect sensitive information such as your IP address, virtual location, and online activity.
We believe that paying for this is completely justified when weighed against the everyday risks of being online.
Conclusion
Internet censorship is a major issue in Thailand, and the government routinely spies on its citizens’ internet use, even going so far as to imprison people who express critical attitudes toward the leadership in private online conversations. It is critical to protect yourself when using the internet in Thailand for both freedom and security.
We’ve shown you how to use a VPN to protect yourself and avoid censorship, and we’ve recommended a few VPNs that are known to be reliable and trustworthy. If you intend to use the internet in Thailand, we strongly advise you to use one of these services.
