eSIM-Now.com
English
Last updated: 2026-06-19
Thailand's Mobile Networks — What Travelers Need to Know
Thailand's mobile market is a duopoly. Two carriers — AIS and True Corp — control over 95% of the market. When you buy a travel eSIM for Thailand, it connects to one or both of these networks. A third operator, NT (National Telecom), is state-owned and not used by travel eSIM providers.
The 2023 merger of DTAC and TrueMove H into True Corp means references to "DTAC" or "TrueMove" now point to the same company.
The Two Networks Compared
| AIS | True Corp (formerly DTAC + TrueMove) | |
|---|---|---|
| Subscribers | ~46.5 million | ~50 million |
| Market share | ~44-46% | ~38-40% |
| 4G population coverage | ~98% | ~97% |
| 5G base stations | ~8,000+ | ~6,000+ |
| Median download speed | 45-55 Mbps | 35-45 Mbps |
| 5G download speed | 150-250 Mbps | 120-200 Mbps |
| Best for | Rural, islands, overall speed | Cities, competitive in urban areas |
| Used by travel eSIMs? | Yes | Yes |
Sources: Opensignal Thailand Report (2024), Ookla Speedtest Global Index Q4 2024, carrier investor reports.
AIS — Best Overall Coverage
AIS is Thailand's largest carrier and the better choice for travelers going beyond Bangkok. It has more rural cell sites, stronger island coverage, and consistently wins speed tests. AIS leads in both 4G availability and 5G deployment.
Best for: Island hopping, northern Thailand (Chiang Mai, Pai, Mae Hong Son), national parks, and any travel outside major cities.
True Corp — Strong in Cities
True Corp (the merged DTAC + TrueMove H) is competitive in Bangkok and major tourist cities. Post-merger, their combined spectrum is improving rural performance, but AIS still leads outside urban areas.
Best for: Trips focused on Bangkok, Pattaya, and major resort areas.
Which Network Does Each eSIM Provider Use in Thailand?
| Provider | Network(s) in Thailand | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| eSIM-Now | AIS (5G), DTAC (5G), True Move (4G) | Roams across all three networks (our current routing; partners can change without notice) |
| Airalo | Primarily True Corp; some plans via AIS | Check the "supported networks" listing per plan |
| Holafly | True Corp | Unlimited data plans on True Corp network |
| Saily | AIS | Routes through Thailand's largest carrier |
| Nomad | True Corp | Most plans connect to True Corp |
Network assignments based on provider disclosures and user testing as of 2026. Carriers may change without notice.
Key takeaway: If you're visiting Thai islands or rural northern Thailand, choose a provider that connects to AIS — it has measurably better coverage outside cities. The eSIM-Now Thailand eSIM roams on AIS (5G), DTAC (5G), and True Move (4G) — all three of Thailand's major networks, including AIS for the strongest rural and island coverage (our current routing; partners can change without notice).
Coverage by Region
Major Cities — Both Networks Excellent
| City | 4G | 5G | Speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | Excellent | Widespread | 50-150 Mbps | 5G along BTS/MRT corridors, Sukhumvit, Silom |
| Chiang Mai | Excellent | City center | 30-100 Mbps | Mountains north/west are weaker |
| Phuket | Excellent | Patong, Phuket Town | 30-80 Mbps | Full island coverage |
| Pattaya | Excellent | Available | 50-100 Mbps | No issues |
| Krabi / Ao Nang | Very Good | Limited | 20-60 Mbps | Railay weaker due to cliffs |
In major cities and resort areas, both AIS and True Corp perform well. Your eSIM provider choice won't matter much for urban-only trips.
Islands
| Island | Coverage | Carrier Matters? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phuket | Excellent | No | Full 4G/5G island-wide |
| Koh Samui | Good 4G | Slightly | AIS better on south coast |
| Koh Phangan | Good in towns | Yes | AIS notably better in interior and northern beaches |
| Koh Tao | Good in main areas | Slightly | Dive sites and remote beaches may lose signal |
| Phi Phi Islands | Good but congested | No | Both carriers present; speeds drop during peak season |
| Koh Lanta | Good | Slightly | AIS stronger in less-developed south |
| Koh Lipe | Moderate | Yes | Coverage exists but can be 3G-only; AIS better |
| Koh Chang | Good | Slightly | Interior hills weaker |
| Koh Kood | Moderate | Yes | AIS better, interior has gaps |
For island trips: Download offline Google Maps before leaving the mainland. Most inhabited islands have 4G in towns, but interiors and remote beaches can be patchy.
Rural & Remote Areas
| Area | Coverage | Recommended Carrier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pai / Mae Hong Son | Moderate | AIS | Town centers covered, mountain roads spotty |
| Doi Inthanon | Moderate | AIS | Main roads covered, trails variable |
| Khao Sok National Park | Limited | AIS | Deep jungle has no signal |
| Northern hill tribes | Limited to none | AIS | Some villages have basic coverage |
| Kaeng Krachan | Limited | AIS | Park interior largely uncovered |
| Thai-Myanmar border areas | Variable | AIS | Some weak spots along border |
If your itinerary includes rural Thailand or islands: Make sure your eSIM connects to AIS. Download offline maps and translation packs before heading out.
Does 5G Matter for Travelers in Thailand?
Not really. Here's why:
- Thailand's 4G speeds (30-55 Mbps) easily handle maps, Grab, social media, and video calls
- 5G is concentrated in Bangkok city center and a few provincial capitals
- Most travel eSIM plans connect via 4G by default
- 5G drains battery faster — a concern when you're out exploring all day
5G is a bonus if you're in central Bangkok, but don't choose a provider based on 5G alone.
Check Official Coverage Maps
- AIS — ais.th/coverage (English available)
- True Corp — true.th/coverage (Thai, use browser translate)
- GSMA Coverage Map — gsma.com/coverage (English, all carriers)
Get Connected Before You Land
The eSIM-Now Thailand eSIM roams on AIS (5G), DTAC (5G), and True Move (4G) — all three of Thailand's major networks — giving you the best available coverage from Bangkok to the islands (our current routing; partners can change without notice). Plans start at $3.17 for 1GB over 30 days. See our Best eSIM for Thailand guide for full price comparisons.
Purchase your eSIM before departure, install the QR code at home, and you'll have data the moment you land at Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang.
eSIM-Now.com