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Can I get a mobile phone contract in Thailand as an expat?

Mobile Phone Contracts Pre-paid SIM Cards Post-paid Contracts Visa and Work Permit Requirements Two Factor Authentication Mobile Service Providers in Thailand

Apr 1, 2025

23 days ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello everyone, how do you do it with your mobile phone contracts?

I would now cancel my German mobile phone contract - can I make a phone contract with the DTV in Thailand? I’m interested in having a mobile phone number for WhatsApp through which I can then be reached, since my current mobile phone number will then be passed on.

Let me know how you do it 😊🙏.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion revolves around how expats can set up mobile phone services in Thailand. It is generally straightforward to acquire a pre-paid SIM card with a Thai number by presenting your passport. However, obtaining a post-paid contract typically necessitates a work permit. Many participants recommend keeping your home country number for important transactions, such as Two Factor Authentication, and using a Thai pre-paid SIM for local communication and data needs.

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Jared *********

I keep two numbers

1) Easy to get a prepaid monthly plan from AIS or other providers. Thai number and data. Set this as your primary number and data. Get ESIM installed at the store. I pay 399 baht per month for 100gb

2) keep home country number in secondary position. Very beneficial for banking, etc in home country.

23 days ago

Naomi ******

It's very easy to get a pre-paid SIM card here with a Thai number (you'll need to show your passport). Getting a post-pay contract is harder as you usually need a work permit for that. But pre-paid is plenty for everything you'll need.

23 days ago

Karsten ********

Ich glaube nicht das Du einen Vertrag ohne Workpermit bekommst. Aber prepaid ist ja kein Problem, du kannst, die alte Nummer weiter benutzen.

23 days ago

Brandon ************

Yes you can make a contract in Thailand, that's not an issue.

But do you have any banks, government accounts, or anything else that you have setup for Two Factor Authentication that uses your phone number to send a one time code for logging in? If you do, it'll be better to keep a number from home and also get a Thai number. Most phones nowadays can do multiple sims, especially e-sim.

23 days ago

Reply to

Brandon ************

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