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Do I need a certificate of residence to get a permanent number for my tourist SIM in Thailand?
Sep 12, 2025
8 months ago
Paul *****
ORIGINAL POSTERIn a way, this is a visa related problem. Have had a tourist Sim for quite a while, and want to get a permanent number. Do I need to go and get a certificate of residence, (as I did for my Car and Bike licence). As proof that I am a permanent resident.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is inquiring about the requirements for converting a tourist SIM to a permanent number in Thailand. While there is a belief that a certificate of residence may be needed, several comments suggest that only a passport and a small fee are necessary for the conversion. Users have shared their experiences with different telecom providers, noting that they often only required basic identification and were not overly concerned with the specifics of visa status. However, one comment cautions mentioning that a residency certificate might be required under certain circumstances, depending on the telecom company.
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Tone ******
I received a text message from DTAC informing me that I could no longer top up my tourist SIM card. Consequently, I visited the DTAC store in Rayong Passione Mall, where I was required to provide my passport with my retirement visa stamp, residency certificate, and four months of bank statements. My Thai friends accompanied me. I am now subscribed to a post-paid plan at 399 baht per month.
Erick *************
Your sim number is your permanent number, just fill 10 baht (minimum), it will add 30 days. Add 10baht * 12 times, you get one year. You can keep your number alive for max 12 months. You need to buy packages only when you arrive in Thailand (buy through app), no need to change number again.
Mel ******
Out of curiosity, how did you get your permanent residency?
Paul *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mel *****
not permanent yet, I am in and out of Thailand every month, so really no need. Never had an issue coming back in. But will probably go down the Elite visa road when I get there.Mel ******
@Paul ****
I see. I was confused since your post said you had permanent residencyPaul *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mel *****
a certificate of residenceReply to
Paul *****
Reply
Robert ********
What do you call “tourist” sim?
There’s prepaid and postpaid.
Most Thais use prepaid because they don’t know if they can pay next month, and prefer topping up 20 or 50 baht.
There’s prepaid and postpaid.
Most Thais use prepaid because they don’t know if they can pay next month, and prefer topping up 20 or 50 baht.
Jesper *******
It doesnt really matter as long as it's registered under your name....you can change it to a post paid or hop onto other telco using the same number ....I've been using the same tourist prepaid since 2018 until now never have any problems
Alek *********
I have my number since 7 years. Why to show anything???.It was the first thing I had.
Marianne ********
Still using my tourist sim from 2021.
You can change a lot of the main packages and whatnot in the MyAIS app if you are using AIS.
Not sure how it works on the other carriers.
You can change a lot of the main packages and whatnot in the MyAIS app if you are using AIS.
Not sure how it works on the other carriers.
Paul *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Marianne *******
had thoughts like you, been using the tourist a long time, why go the full hog. I think its just one of the steps you do in the many steps you take to call this country home.Marianne ********
@Paul ****
There is no difference to the tourist sims and regular ones though. Just promoted differently.Paul *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Marianne *******
yes I know. It's just the thought pattern, that I lost the label of touristReply to
Paul *****
Reply
Ant ***********
I just changed to a 12 month plan ( AIS ) from a month to month .
They wanted to see my passport ( but weren’t that fussed what Visa I had ) - all done quickly
They wanted to see my passport ( but weren’t that fussed what Visa I had ) - all done quickly
Paul *****
ORIGINAL POSTEROff to AIS tomorrow
Ant ***********
Reply to
Ant ***********
Reply
Paul *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ant **********
thanks Ant.Reply to
Paul *****
Reply
Ning ******
Don't think so. Just passport and money. They will snap a picture of you. I think is 50b. Than go add money to use it.
Paul *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ning *****
thank you NingPhil ******
Hey Paul. Just to clarify you apply for the TR visa on eVisa website? Ok if you were just stamped in for 60 days when you entered you are Visa Exempt ie no visa. As Ning said just go with passport and baht
Reply to
Phil ******
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