Internet freedoms have declined drastically in Thailand thanks to a series of laws that censor content and increase surveillance powers for local authorities. For this reason alone, we recommend you use a VPN while browsing the web on your PC or mobile device in Thailand. Short for Virtual Private Network, a VPN encrypts all the internet traffic flowing to and from your device and routes it via a server outside your current location.

A Thai VPN is a handy tool to maintain privacy and anonymity on the internet and makes it difficult for hackers to spy on your activity, for example, if you need to connect to a public wi-fi hotspot. Connecting to a Thai VPN server will allow you increased privacy, whereas connecting to a VPN server abroad will also allow you to access blocked content.

No time to read the whole post? Below you’ll find our shortlist of the best VPNs for Thailand. Read on to find out how you can use them.

Best VPNs for Thailand:

  • NordVPN Best all-round VPN for Thailand. Strong privacy credentials and can access multiple streaming channels. 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark Best budget-friendly option for Thailand. Puts major emphasis on user security and easily unblocks a wide range of streaming platforms abroad.
  • ExpressVPN A fast and secure provider with great unblocking capabilities.
  • CyberGhost Ideal for accessing streaming services. Great for getting Thai IP addresses or IPs from almost any other country.
  • VyprVPN A reliable VPN service that offers users access to lots of streaming websites over a highly secure connection.
  • IPVanish A fast, secure VPN service. A popular choice for torrenters and Kodi users. Unlimited simultaneous connections.

If you are trying to find out how to get a Thai IP Address so you can watch Thai TV, or use Thai services while abroad, then make sure to read our dedicated articles.

Choosing a Thai VPN

It can be difficult to decide on a Thail VPN service, as there are many available and not all are of the same quality. Our picks for the best VPN for Thailand are based on our methodology which is discussed below, after our latest reviews.

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

The best VPNs for Thailand – At a glance

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Thailand.

Best VPN for Thailand

Here are our picks for the best VPN for Thailand:

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Works In ThailandTested Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN operates more than 5,600 servers in 60 countries, including seven in Thailand offering a wide range of server locations. You have options to connect depending on your exact requirements, such as stringent privacy, video streaming, anonymity, dedicated IP, and more. The service works with many streaming service providers, including Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer without any problems.

This is another VPN service provider with a no-logs policy, enabling you to browse with complete privacy. Security standards are amongst the best in the business – NordVPN uses the 256-bit AES protocol encryption standard by default and provides a kill switch and DNS leak protection.

There are desktop clients for Windows and MacOS, and you can download mobile VPN apps for iOS or Android.

BEST VPN FOR THAILAND:NordVPN is our top choice. It boasts a large server network, fast speeds, unlimited bandwidth, and great unblocking capabilities. This provider even offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

  • Great for unblocking
  • Very secure
  • Has the fastest speeds of any major provider
  • Exceptional unblocking ability
  • Huge server network

Cons:

  • The desktop app is a bit cumbersome

Our score:

Here’s our full review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

Works in ThailandTested Jan 2023

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

This service takes your security very seriously. It keeps your traffic safe from prying eyes using 256-bit AES encryption, protection against IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leaks, and a kill switch (present in all versions of the app). There’s also automatic ad-blocking and malware-scanning, as well as the NoBorders option that lets you bypass country-wide internet restrictions. Surfshark doesn’t log any personally identifiable information although you can pay in cryptocurrency if you’d like. You can reach support 24/7 via email or live chat.

Surfshark offers iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows, and Linux apps. If you’d prefer, you can manually configure it for use with your home router.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark strikes the perfect balance between speed, security, and affordability, making it a strong general-purpose VPN. With a no-logging policy and 30-day money-back guarantee, this service is well worth your time.

  • Lets you connect as many devices as you like

  • Keeps no logs

  • Unblocks all kinds of geo-blocked services

  • Fast enough for live HD streaming

  • Strong on privacy and security

  • Fairly small (but growing) network

  • Some slow speeds

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

3. ExpressVPN

Works In ThailandTested Jan 2023

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN operates more than 3,000 servers spread across 94 countries, including options in Thailand. That means if you’re a Thai resident traveling abroad it’ll be possible to access local television such as Truevision. The service evades the Netflix war on VPNs without breaking a sweat. It’s similarly compatible with both Hulu and BBC iPlayer and supports torrenting. Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat if needed.

ExpressVPN stores no logs that can identify you, such as real IP addresses. It uses 256-bit AES-CBC protocols as well as HMAC authentication and perfect forward secrecy. There’s an internet kill switch included, referred to as a ‘network lock’, which means it’ll freeze all traffic if the connection drops, keeping it secure. Their inbuilt DNS leak protection ensures total privacy.

Unlimited bandwidth is offered which makes it a great choice for torrenting and P2P filesharing. Server switching is allowed from their vast array of server locations. They are hard to beat when it comes to downloading speeds.

There are mobile VPN apps for both Android and iOS, or you can download desktop clients for Windows, MacOS, and Linux.

LAG-FREE STREAMING:ExpressVPN is great at unblocking geo-restricted services, plus it offers military-grade encryption protocols and fast download speeds. Plans include a 30-day no-quibbles money-back guarantee.

  • Slightly more pricey than some rivals
  • Could use more advanced configuration options

Here’s our in-depth review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost offers an easy-to-use interface and a fast, reliable service. It has more than 5,500 servers in 89 countries, including 10 in Thailand. The service works with multiple streaming platforms, including Netflix and BBC iPlayer.

When it comes to encryption standards, this VPN service provider uses some of the toughest out there. Specifically, it leverages 256-bit AES encryption on the OpenVPN protocol by default along with 2,048-bit RSA keys and MD5 HMAC authentication. These are considered to be top-tier standards. There’s also an internet kill switch included, which means web traffic will be halted if the connection drops unexpectedly. DNS leak protection is built-in and the service maintains no logs of online activities or user data.

You can download a VPN app for both Android and iOS, and there are desktop clients for Windows and MacOS.

VALUE AND PERFORMANCE:CyberGhost provides access to lots of geo-restricted content and its easy-to-use VPN software and apps are ideal for beginners. Plans come with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Fast speeds

  • Keeps no logs

  • Great at unblocking

  • User-friendly apps

  • Doesn’t work in China

  • Few advanced options

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

5. VyprVPN

Website: www.VyprVPN.com

VyprVPN has more than 700 servers in 64 countries, including options in Thailand. It can unblock content on US Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, and is one of the few services that is able to circumvent China’s Great Firewall.

Internet traffic is secured by the OpenVPN protocol, 256-bit AES encryption, 2,048-bit RSA keys, and SHA256 authentication. VyprVPN includes an internet kill switch by default which means internet traffic will be halted temporarily if the connection drops. Although VyprVPN was the subject of privacy concerns in the past, it has updated its policy and no longer records real user IP addresses.

VyprVPN owns and manages entire data centers, meaning it’s in control of all the traffic flowing through its servers at multiple server locations. This helps guard against attacks and ensures a speedy and stable connection.

There are apps for Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS.

SECURE AND PRIVATE:VyprVPN scores well on security, speed, and streaming abilities, and is worth a second look. More pricey than other choices on this list. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Servers in Thailand

  • Fast, secure connection

  • Owns its own servers

  • Doesn’t accept bitcoin

Read our full review of VyprVPN.

6. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish servers are optimized for speed, stability, and security, with over 1,300 of them spread across more than 60 countries. Unfortunately, there are no servers in Thailand for users looking to access Thai content from abroad. However, this provider can unblock multiple streaming platforms, including the notoriously difficult BBC iPlayer.

This is one of the few VPN providers out there which are completely logless, so there’s no tracking of online activities or retention of any user data at all. Encryption protocols are tough. The company leverages 256-bit encryption on the OpenVPN protocol by default, SHA512 authentication, and a DHE-RSA 2,048-bit key exchange with perfect forward secrecy. IPVanish includes an internet kill switch, which means traffic will be temporarily halted if the connection drops out of the blue.

IPVanish is popular with Kodi users because it allows them to download the Android APK directly to their device. The interface is also remote control-friendly for Kodi devices that lack a keyboard and mouse.

There are apps for both iOS and Android, and there’s desktop support for Windows and MacOS.  A bonus with this provider is that you are allowed as many connected devices as you’d like, as opposed to the typical offering of five.

FAST AND SECURE:IPVanish gives you solid security in a speedy package. Will struggle with some popular streaming services and doesn’t work in China. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Allows unlimited simultaneous connections

  • Operates a broad server network

  • Keeps no logs

  • No Thai servers

  • Doesn’t accept Bitcoin

  • Doesn’t work with Netflix

Read our full review of IPVanish.

Thailand VPN testing methodology

We understand how hard it has become to pick a VPN. There are hundreds of consumer-facing VPN services, and they all claim to be the best or most secure. Unfortunately, these marketing claims are often overblown – or even outright lies.

At Comparitech, we use a scientific VPN testing methodology to check each provider’s claims. By reviewing each VPN carefully, we can pinpoint the best services for each use case. Below, we have included some of the important things we tested for when recommending the best VPNs for Thailand:

Should I use a free VPN?

Cash-strapped users or those who don’t think VPNs are worth the money might opt for a free VPN service. There are many of them available and they may seem like tempting options.

However, several free VPN providers have been caught mining and selling user data. Even if that doesn’t happen to you, be prepared for download caps, bandwidth throttling, and a poor selection of servers. Encryption protocols are far from ideal, so if you use a free VPN for too long, you run the risk of being exposed.

It’s important to understand that such services aren’t charities. They’re looking to monetize, and they’ll do so by making you the product. Our recommendation is to stay safe on the internet and cough up a few dollars each month rather than run a huge risk.

How to use a VPN in Thailand

Using a VPN to spoof your location, you can access content as if you were located in another country. Getting started with a VPN app is easy. Just follow these simple steps.

Here’s how to use a VPN in Thailand:

  • Sign up to your chosen provider (we recommend NordVPN).
  • Download the appropriate VPN app for your device.
  • Connect to a server in the streaming source region. For example, for US Netflix, you’d connect to a US VPN server.
  • Navigate to the stream and you should have unrestricted access.

Note that if you’re hoping to catch a live stream, for example of a sports event, it’s best to test the connection ahead of time. This way, you’ll have time to troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

Is it possible to access porn in Thailand?

Both pornography and gambling are explicitly forbidden under Thai law with the country’s Ministry of Information and Communication Technology especially concerned about blocking pornographic websites.

There haven’t been any documented cases of people being arrested and jailed for accessing porn that we know of. It is possible to use a VPN to access said material whilst in Thailand. We do, however, recommend our readers exercise caution and research Thai laws to fully understand what they’re getting into before deciding to embark on such a course of action.

How to watch Hulu from Thailand

When visiting Thailand you might be upset to find out that you can’t access your Hulu account. Below you’ll find our step-by-step guide to unblocking the streaming platform from anywhere in the world.

Here’s how to watch Hulu in Thailand:

  • Sign up with a VPN that works in Thailand and unblocks Hulu. We recommend NordVPN but Surfshark and ExpressVPN are two reliable alternatives.
  • Download and install the VPN app or browser extension for your device.
  • Open the VPN app or browser extension and connect to a server in the US. This will provide you with an American IP address for watching Hulu abroad.
  • Go to Hulu and login to your account (you can also sign up for an account but you’ll need an American payment method).
  • You should now be able to play videos on Hulu! If you’re still encountering restrictions, try clearing your browser’s cookies.

How do I blog anonymously in Thailand?

Criticism of the royal family is harshly forbidden under Thai law, with the government taking a stern stance against anyone who partakes in such discussions, both online and offline. Media luminaries like the BBC have faced troubles in the past and even Facebook is complicit in censoring content on behalf of the Thai government.

Notable dissidents have been arrested for daring to speak out. One way to overcome this problem is by using a VPN to help maintain your privacy. For more information take a look at our how to blog anonymously guide.

Please note that this should not be construed as legal advice. At Comparitech we don’t condone carrying out illegal acts and masking the activity via a VPN. Remain guarded at all times and understand what you’re getting into before proceeding. If you’re unsure, it’s best to speak with a lawyer who can provide expert guidance.

What’s the future of the internet in Thailand?

Thailand is a hotspot for travelers, expats, digital nomads, and more. However, advocacy body Freedom House emphatically states that the country’s cyber landscape is ranked as “not free” with the arrest of bloggers and content blockage pointed as the main concerns.

2016 saw the arrest of social media users for controversial posts and harsh sentences handed down to bloggers for things like insulting the government and public officials. A newly inducted law recommended 10-year prison sentences for vague offenses like “influencing voters”, which was used to silence online discussion for proposed constitutional changes. 2017 saw the start of a renewed internet censorship campaign.

Freedom House notes that the history of military coups in the country has something to do with this censorship. Since the last coup, journalists, academics, and other activists have been subjected to greater surveillance and hundreds of people have been harshly interrogated. The government has also attempted to procure sophisticated surveillance tech and tried to develop plans for a single national internet gateway similar to China’s Great Firewall.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation notes that changes to cybercrime laws in Thailand are ambiguous, vague, and lack accountability. There’s a real attempt to stifle freedom of expression, especially on digital platforms, and to maintain control of Thai society.

 

Proxy servers can be faster or slower than VPNs, depending on the quality of the service. And since VPNs encrypt your traffic, they can often be less laggy than proxy servers. However, there are some excellent proxy servers out there that can rival the speed and performance of VPNs.

Prior to 2006, the vast majority of internet censorship censored around pornographic content. Since then, restrictions have expanded to include content critical of the government, and blocks on services, blogs, and news content that express dissenting opinions or criticisms of the government of Thailand.

Below, we have included a list of some of the websites and web pages that are censored:

  • Political articles and web pages on websites like BBC News, CNN, Yahoo! News, the Post-Intelligencer newspaper (Seattle, USA), and The Age newspaper (Melbourne, Australia).
  • Video sharing sites, including videos on YouTube and Camfrog.
  • Internet discussion groups that discuss Thai politics such as Midnight University, Prachatai.com, and Pantip.com.
  • Websites and web pages that criticize the monarchy.
  • Websites concerning the biography of Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej, The King Never Smiles.
  • Wikipedia articles.
  • Wikileaks.
  • Wayback Machine and archive.org.
  • Pornhub, and other adult sites.
  • Select Twitter accounts.
  • Gambling sites and online casinos.

For these reasons, we recommend you use a VPN to surf the web safely in Thailand.

See also:

  • Visitors’ guide to online privacy and security in Thailand
  • Best VPNs for online privacy
  • Best high-speed VPN