Getting a Telephone Connection

Find out how to get your new home connected to the landline telephone service in Thailand...

Thailand has a quickly developing IT industry. Fixed telephone lines, mobile telephones, dial-up Internet and ADSL broadband are all available with varying quality. Some remote rural areas will not have access to some, if not all, of these services.

Telephone (Fixed Line)

Two major companies handle most telephone connections in Thailand. True also provides fixed-line services, predominantly in Bangkok.

Note: These companies do not provide their services to all areas; therefore research is a must for the installation. Determine what is needed for the required area and which company provides the best service before making a decision on the provider.

International calls

When calling internationally using the standard 001 prefix, calls will go through Cat Telecom (Communications Authority of Thailand).

When dialling 008 or 007 before the country code, a discounted call charge is applied although call; quality is variable. The prefix 007 is slightly more expensive with a corresponding improvement in quality. Recently other telephone companies have started using additional prefixes to offer discounted call rates. Check websites or local press for details of up to date promotions.

How to get connected

The companies listed above provide English-speaking customer service officers who can answer most enquiries.

Many shopping centres have outlets for both TT&T and TOT. Foreigners who wish to connect a new line or re-connect an existing one must visit the chosen company office and provide the following documentation if they own or lease the property:

  • Passport
  • Valid visa
  • A copy of work permit (if applicable) or Certificate of Residence issued by Thai Immigration or Letter of residence from the Embassy certified and translated into Thai

For those who rent a property, a letter from the landlord and a copy of their House Registration Document (Tabien Baan) is also required, although it is normally easier for the landlord to arrange a telephone connection.

Paying bills

Bills are paid monthly, either at the local telecom office, by direct debit, by Internet or telephone banking, at the bank, cheque by post, credit card, direct debit, ATM transfer or at the Post Office. Only certain banks and credit cards will be accepted by individual telecoms providers so it is best to check with the company.