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How can retirees connect to ssa.gov from Thailand?
Social Security AdministrationVPN usageInternet connectivity in ThailandExpat resourcesRetiring in Thailand
Jan 30, 2026
3 months ago
Miam*****
ORIGINAL POSTERQ for the retirees: How does one connect to ssa.gov? It times out on me in BKK!!!!
EDIT: Many thanks for the suggestions. It turns out that my condo internet provider was the inexplicable problem. I used my iphone cellular service and was able to connect successfully. God Bless US!
EDIT: Many thanks for the suggestions. It turns out that my condo internet provider was the inexplicable problem. I used my iphone cellular service and was able to connect successfully. God Bless US!
TLDR : Answer Summary
A retiree in Thailand faced challenges connecting to the SSA website due to internet issues with their condo provider but found success using cellular data. Community suggestions included using a VPN, with mixed experiences reported regarding VPN connectivity and access to the site from within and outside the US. Users also mentioned alternatives like contacting the Federal Benefits Unit in the Philippines.
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Daniel *********
Use a VPN
Scott *******
I log in from Thailand. No problem in the 3
***
years I’ve lived here. I use the id.me option.Miam*****
ORIGINAL POSTERScott Eames I tried that per the recommendation from ChatGPT but to no avail. Thanks for the suggestion.
Reply to
Miam*****
Reply
Darren *********
Use a VPN with an endpoint in the US.
Bob *****
Darren Johnson no that's not correct. many many apps are now disallowing vpns. I cannot get on my AIS without disengaging the VPN. there are others as well. so if you're having issues pause your VPN and see if that makes a difference but sometimes you may have to reboot your phone
Miam*****
ORIGINAL POSTERDarren Johnson Are you sure that will work? I read on Chatgpt that using a VPN even when we are inside the USA does not work at all. I could give it a try and find out.
Darren *********
MiamiVice worked for me to get to government websites. But things change every day. I'm sure they block some providers who are known for allowing hackers to get around region blocks.
But I was using a paid VPN service and didn't have any issues.
But I was using a paid VPN service and didn't have any issues.
Moses *********
MiamiVice
I'm in the USA, VPN (Nord) on and I'm able to reach
I'm in the USA, VPN (Nord) on and I'm able to reach
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Gerg **********
MiamiVice If my VPN is on I can’t sign in from Thailand. I have to turn it off.
Reply to
Gerg **********
Reply
John *******
Online or contact the FBU in the Phillipines.
Reply to
John *******
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