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.
- TOT
Tel: 1177 - CAT Telecom
Tel: 1322 - True
Tel: 1242
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).
- CAT Telecom
Tel: 1322 - For more
information contact CAT customer services
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.