If you’re a digital nomad settling (or hopping) through Thailand in 2025, your work depends on one thing: fast, stable, and reliable internet. Whether you're uploading massive video files, attending back-to-back Zoom meetings, or just hotspotting from your phone while café-hopping in Chiang Mai — a 5G mobile plan can make or break your productivity.
This guide is tailored for digital nomads from the UK, Germany, France, and the Netherlands, who need not just good Wi-Fi but blazing fast mobile connectivity wherever they go.
In most of Thailand’s major cities, 5G networks are now fully rolled out. That means significantly faster download/upload speeds, lower latency, and improved stability even in crowded areas.
Choosing a 5G SIM plan lets you:
Run large Zoom calls without lag
Upload videos and high-resolution images quickly
Stream, edit, or post content on the go
Use your phone as a reliable hotspot when Wi-Fi fails
If you’re a creative freelancer, coder, remote team leader, or crypto trader — this kind of speed matters.
In urban areas like Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya, download speeds on 5G can reach 300–800 Mbps, while upload speeds stay between 80–150 Mbps. Outside city zones, speeds drop to 4G levels — but still fast enough for most tasks.
AIS and TrueMove H currently have the most robust 5G coverage, followed by DTAC (which is still catching up in some regions).
Let’s look at the most popular and reliable 5G data plans for expats in 2025:
AIS is known for its nationwide signal and strongest 5G performance. The “Work Anywhere” plan includes:
Unlimited 5G data (fair use after 100GB)
Free hotspot sharing
Priority signal during peak hours
Around 599–799 THB/month
Perfect if you move between cities or want reliable video call quality anywhere in the country.
This plan is ideal for urban digital nomads. It offers:
Full-speed 5G with no throttling
Free access to True Coffee Wi-Fi zones
Shopee/Lazada cashback promos when buying online
Price range: 499–699 THB/month
Best for content creators, video editors, and influencers.
DTAC offers the most affordable 5G plan, with:
Up to 100GB high-speed 5G
Then unlimited 4G at 10 Mbps
Monthly cost around 399–499 THB
A smart pick if you're budget-conscious but still want the 5G edge in city areas.
You can get a 5G SIM and activate the plans in a few ways:
Walk into an AIS, DTAC, or True store with your passport
Buy SIM + plan bundles on Shopee or Lazada
Order eSIMs online through official websites (for newer phones)
Ask coworking spaces — some have special SIM deals for foreigners
Once registered, you can manage and upgrade your plan through each provider's app.
Yes — but read the fine print. Some unlimited plans allow hotspot sharing only up to 10GB, while others provide unlimited tethering. AIS and TrueMove H tend to offer the best options for hotspot use, while DTAC may limit speeds after the hotspot quota is used up.
If your work involves sharing your phone’s data with a laptop or tablet daily, always choose a plan that mentions “Wi-Fi hotspot allowed.”
Bangkok – Full 5G by all providers; great for coworking
Chiang Mai – Excellent for AIS and TrueMove; DTAC more limited
Phuket – Full 5G support in Patong, Phuket Town, and tourist hubs
Pattaya – All three networks perform well here
Hua Hin – AIS leads for stable 5G; True is improving rapidly
Even in smaller towns, 4G fallback speeds are typically 20–50 Mbps, which is fine for most tasks.
Make sure your phone supports 5G bands used in Thailand (especially if bought in Europe)
Confirm passport registration when buying in-store
Monitor your data usage via app to avoid unexpected throttling
If staying in Thailand for 3+ months, you can convert prepaid to postpaid for better value
For digital nomads from the UK, Germany, France, and the Netherlands, Thailand offers 5G mobile plans that are both fast and affordable. Whether you’re managing teams online, uploading YouTube content, or simply need reliable internet from your condo balcony, AIS, True, and DTAC all have great options tailored for your lifestyle.
The key is to pick a provider that matches your location, speed needs, and hotspot usage, and to activate your plan through official apps or Shopee for added deals.
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