Internet liberties have deteriorated dramatically in Thailand because of a succession of laws that filter information and give local authorities more monitoring capabilities. For this reason, we strongly advise you to use a VPN while viewing the web in Thailand on your PC or mobile device. VPN, which stands for Virtual Private Network, encrypts all internet traffic to and from your device and sends it via a server located outside of your present location.
A Thai VPN is a useful tool for maintaining online privacy and anonymity, since it makes it more difficult for hackers to monitor your behavior, such as when connecting to a public wi-fi hotspot. Connecting to a Thai VPN server increases your anonymity. However, connecting to a VPN server located in another country allows you to access restricted content as well.
A VPN is also a good alternative for foreign ex-pats living in Thailand, since it enables them to access content that is restricted in their home country through streaming websites such as BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, HBO, ESPN, and Sky, among others.
Choosing a Thai Virtual Private Network (VPN)
It might be challenging to choose a Thai VPN service since there are several options and not all are equal in quality. Our recommendations for the best VPN for Thailand are based on a process that is detailed below, after our most recent assessments.
Thai VPN testing procedure
We recognize how difficult it has become to choose a VPN. There are hundreds of VPN services available to consumers, all of which claim to be the finest or most secure. Regrettably, these marketing promises are sometimes exaggerated—or even downright fraudulent.
PrivacyExplore verifies each provider’s claims using a thorough VPN testing approach. By thoroughly examining each VPN, we can identify the best services for each use scenario. We’ve provided a list of the critical factors we considered while suggesting the best VPN for Thailand below:
- Solid security features: We look behind the scenes to guarantee that the service adheres to the highest possible security requirements when it comes to VPN protocols and encryption methods. We’ve suggested a VPN in this article that support OpenVPN connections with strong AES encryption and complete forward secrecy.
- DNS leak protection: Each VPN is subjected to an IP, DNS, and WebRTC leak test. This verifies that the VPN is adhering to its privacy commitments and prevents your ISP from monitoring your online browsing activity. Additionally, we test the applications for DNS leak prevention to verify that the VPN is taking all necessary precautions to avoid these types of breaches.
- A no-logs policy: It is critical that you have confidence in your VPN and how it handles data that flows through its servers. We only suggest a VPN for Thailand that guarantees that they will never monitor their customers’ activities while connected. Several of our ideas are to even use diskless servers to improve your privacy even further.
- Numerous sophisticated features: To provide acceptable value for money, a VPN should provide a diverse range of advanced privacy and security capabilities. We are constantly looking for features such as a kill switch, obfuscation, split tunneling, Tor over VPN, Double VPN, SOCKS5 proxy, and Smart DNS.
- Global server network: We search for a VPN with a diverse network of servers located across the globe. As a result, such VPNs are advantageous for viewing foreign content. Additionally, we ensure that such servers are sufficiently fast for streaming, gaming, torrenting, and other critical use cases.
- Outstanding customer care: We exclusively propose VPNs with industry-leading customer support. The service in this guide include setup guidelines, frequently asked questions, and 24/7 live chat and email assistance.
- Excellent accessibility: Each VPN for Thailand has been tested to ensure that it works with major services such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and iPlayer. Additionally, we verified their servers in Thailand to guarantee they function properly while accessing local services like Qiyi, Tencent, and Youku Tudou.
Is it necessary to utilize a free VPN?
Users on a tight budget or those who believe VPNs are not worth the money may opt for a free VPN service. Several of them are accessible, and they may seem to be appealing alternatives.
On the other hand, several free VPN companies have been detected as harvesting and selling user data. Even if that does not happen to you, you should expect download limits, bandwidth limits, and a limited server selection. Because encryption technologies are far from optimal, if you use a free VPN for an extended period of time, you risk being revealed.
It is critical to note that these services are not charitable. They want to make money, and they’re going to do it by selling you the product. Our advice is to be secure online and pay a few dollars each month rather than take a major risk.
How to use a virtual private network (VPN) in Thailand
Numerous streaming service providers, including Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video, geo-restrict part or all of their content, limiting access to certain geographic areas. Netflix will provide access to customers in Thailand, but the collection of episodes and movies will be much different from what is available in the United States, the United Kingdom, or Canada.
By spoofing your location using a VPN, you may view content as if you were in another country. It’s simple to get started with VPN software. Simply follow these few procedures.
- Subscribe to the provider of your choice (we recommend NordVPN).
- Download the VPN application that is most suited for your device.
- Connect to a server from the streaming source. For instance, to access Netflix in the United States, you’d connect to a US VPN server.
- Navigate to the stream and you should be able to see it without restrictions.
Note: If you’re intending to watch a live broadcast, such as a sporting event, it’s a good idea to test your connection beforehand. This way, you’ll have sufficient time to address any concerns that may emerge.
Is it possible to watch pornographic content in Thailand?
Pornography and gambling are both expressly prohibited by Thai law, with the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology taking a particular interest in banning pornographic websites.
We are not aware of any recorded incidents of anybody being arrested or imprisoned for downloading porn. While in Thailand, it is possible to view such content using a VPN. We do, however, advise our readers to take care and thoroughly examine Thai regulations before embarking on such a course of action.
How to access Hulu while in Thailand
While in Thailand, you may be disappointed to discover that you are unable to access your Hulu account. Our step-by-step approach to unblocking the streaming platform from everywhere around the globe is included below.
- Join a VPN service that operates in Thailand and unblock Hulu. While we suggest NordVPN, Surfshark and ExpressVPN are other possible options.
- Install the VPN application or browser extension on your device.
- Connect to a US server using a VPN program or browser extension. This will provide you with an American IP address that will allow you to stream Hulu from overseas.
- Navigate to Hulu and sign in (you may also create an account, but you’ll need an American payment method).
- You should now be able to watch Hulu videos! If you continue to notice difficulties, consider deleting the cookies from your browser.
How can I maintain an anonymous blog in Thailand?
Thai law makes it illegal to criticize the royal family, with the government adopting a tough position against anybody who engages in such debates, both online and offline. Media giants such as the BBC have already had difficulties, and even Facebook has been implicated in blocking information on behalf of the Thai government.
Several prominent dissidents have been arrested for speaking out. One approach to circumventing this issue is to use a VPN to assist in maintaining your anonymity. For further information, see our article on how to blog anonymously.
Please keep in mind that this is not legal advice. At PrivacyExplore, we do not condone unlawful conduct concealed behind a VPN. Maintain vigilance at all times and ensure that you understand what you’re getting yourself into before advancing. If you’re uncertain, it’s advisable to see an attorney who can provide professional advice.
What is the internet’s future in Thailand?
Thailand is a popular destination for vacationers, ex-pats, and digital nomads. However, advocacy group Freedom House asserts unequivocally that the country’s online ecosystem is “not free,” citing arrests of bloggers and content censorship as primary problems.
In 2016, social media users were arrested for controversial tweets, and bloggers were sentenced to prison for offenses such as criticizing the government and public figures. The recently enacted legislation advocated ten-year jail penalties for undefined infractions such as “influencing voters,” which was used to stifle internet debate around proposed constitutional amendments. In 2017, a fresh effort of internet restriction began.
According to Freedom House, the country’s history of military coups may have contributed to this restriction. Since the previous coup, journalists, professors, and other activists have been under increased monitoring, and hundreds have been subjected to harsh interrogation. Additionally, the government has sought to acquire advanced surveillance technology and developed plans for a single national internet gateway akin to China’s Great Firewall.
According to the Electronic Frontier Foundation, Thailand’s new cybercrime rules are confusing, imprecise, and lack accountability. It is a concerted effort to limit free speech, particularly in digital media, and to retain control over Thai society.
Is it possible to get an IP address from Bangkok using NordVPN?
Yes. NordVPN has eight servers in Thailand, all of which are located in Bangkok. According to the NordVPN website, users may change their IP address to Bangkok by opening the map and tapping on the Bangkok pin in Thailand. NordVPN even dedicates an entire page to promoting the fact that it has servers in Bangkok so that you can be certain that this service meets your demands.
Which websites are not accessible in Thailand?
Since 2006, rising social unrest and demonstrations in Thailand have resulted in ever-increasing levels of internet monitoring and restriction. As a result, officials have blacklisted over 140,000 URLs.
Before 2006, the overwhelming bulk of internet regulations targeted pornographic content. Since then, prohibitions have been increased to encompass content critical of the government, as well as limits on services, blogs, and news articles that reflect opposing viewpoints or critiques of the Thai government.
Below is a list of some of the blocked websites and web pages:
- Political articles and web pages on websites such as BBC News, CNN, Yahoo! News, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer newspaper, and The Age newspaper in Australia (Melbourne, Australia).
- Sites that host videos, such as YouTube and Camfrog.
- Internet discussion forums such as Midnight University, Prachatai.com, and Pantip.com debate Thai politics.
- Websites and web pages that express anti-monarchy sentiments.
- Websites devoted to Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s biography, The King Never Smiles.
- Articles on Wikipedia.
- Wikileaks.
- Archive.org and the Wayback Machine.
- Pornhub and other adult-oriented websites.
- Choose a few Twitter accounts.
- Online gambling sites and casinos.
As a result, we suggest that you use a VPN to securely browse the web in Thailand.