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What are the requirements for registering a postpaid SIM card in Thailand without a work permit?

May 1, 2025
3 days ago
Sam ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
How have people managed to get a post paid sim registered to their name? True move told me I need a work permit, which I think might be BS. Bangkok bank didn’t warn me before deleting my accounts yesterday just as I was trying to pay for something 😜
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Many expats in Thailand have successfully registered postpaid SIM cards using just their passport, without the need for a work permit, contradicting some statements from service providers like True Move. Experiences shared by community members suggest that individual store policies may vary, and it is advisable to try different outlets or to speak to different staff members for assistance. Some have managed to obtain a postpaid SIM by providing additional documentation like a letter of residency or a Thai ID through a local contact. Additionally, many expats recommend exploring prepaid options due to fewer restrictions. It is also mentioned that some banks may tighten requirements for account holders, often demanding a work permit or other residency proof.
Steve **********
Only passport needed for me
Sam ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Funny enough, both my accounts were deleted before my eyes as I tried to pay for a car wash. The next day, everything magically appears again. As usual, left scratching my head, but all good. Thanks for all the responses
Ken *******
I did mine a couple of days ago with AIS only needed my passport and 50 baht and the 50 baht refunded as a top up on my phone account. Just to add my sim was 9 years old bought by my Thai daughter for me with her ID card
Steve ***************
Dtac just needed my passport
Mark **********
New rules as of February restricting bank account holders to long term residents, many banks now require a work permit to open accounts, some require a letter from immigration saying it's for visa purposes and or a certificate of marriage to a Thai national or long term visa
Robert *********
I had no problem with AIS, buy at a company store, not a reseller.
Ken *********
A friend of mine on a retirement ext. was told the same thing at AIS store. Had a Thai person contact AIS call center and after some back and forth was told he could get postpaid if he showed a Thai driver’s license and certificate of residency letter from immigration. Annoying, but worked out in the end. Maybe True is similar? Sometimes the workers in the store don’t know the rules or don’t bother to check further to see what the other possibilities are.
Ricky ************
@Ken ********
I had that at weekend at true in Khon Kaen, girl at front of shop said I had to go back to the shop I bought sim at. But man at back of shop registered my sim with my passport and partners Thai ID.
Ken *********
@Ricky ***********
Happens so often here-things can change a lot depending on who you speak with and when you speak with them. Always good to try with someone else if it doesn’t work with the first person!
Jordan *****
I got a prepaid for the bank, everything still works fine
Frankie *******
Go to any
****
n show your passport n they will install n activate it for u.very cheap
Phil ******
@Sam *****
slowly. Postpaid mobile service now requires a work permit for farangs. You bank services were frozen due to the registered number not match you mobile service number.

Why do you need a postpaid service
Dany ********
@Phil *****
yeah why not just use a prepaid sim?! 😅
Phil ******
@Dany *******
I'm on the 6mbps unlimited 360 day prepaid. Cost ฿3500

*************************************************
Willy *******
@Phil *****
I have 15mb 100gb/month prepaid 12 month 2200thb. From TRUE
David ***********
@Phil *****
Untrue. I’m on postpaid with my passport and DTV.
Phil ******
@David **********
ahhh but when did you apply?
David ***********
@Phil *****
A couple weeks ago. It could be different by person, store, or company—but it can be done. 👌

I think the main benefit of post-paid is that you can bundle streaming apps like Netflix, etc. Not a big deal probably. 🍻
Phil ******
@David **********
im on the 360-day 6mbps unlimited data plan at ฿3500 which isnt too bad
Phil ******
@David **********
that's great news as I tried 6 months ago with AIS and they advised me a work permit was required. As you can see I've had the same number with them for over 11 years. I'll go back again.
David ***********
@Phil *****
Try the AIS at EmSphere.
Phil ******
@David **********
apparently I can change this in the APP. Then again my wife and I can go together on her day off and head for a steak and salad downstairs in the basement
Dany ********
they closed your accounts or they disabled mobile services for it? big difference
Jordan *****
@Dany *******
disabled mobile services only
Dany ********
@Jordan ****
not a big deal then… get a sim in your name and inform the bank. easy process
Les ********
Just needed passport
Roberto *********
I got mine on retirement visa
Jack ********
Why?
Jo **********
i had no work permit and had no problem
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