Best VPNs for Thailand in 2024: Beat Censorship and Geo-Blocks

In an era where digital liberties are at stake, Thailand has witnessed a sharp downturn in internet freedoms. Laws that heavily censor content and bolster surveillance powers are not just headlines; they’re today’s stark reality. With comprehensive research and rigorous testing, we’ve discovered that a VPN for Thailand isn’t just a recommendation in these restrictive environments. It’s a necessity.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is your shield. It encrypts your online activity, rerouting it through an external server, making it challenging for prying eyes to track you. Whether using public Wi-Fi or browsing at home, this tool guarantees enhanced privacy. Plus, for ex-pats and travelers, it can bridge the gap with home and help you regain access to your home streaming services such as US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, ESPN, or Sky. Services that are usually unavailable in Thailand because of geo-blocks.

In this post, we’ll explain exactly how to use a VPN to browse securely and access your favorite international content in Thailand. Plus, we review each of the best VPNs for the job. Not got time to read the whole post? We’ve got you. Here’s a quick summary.

Best VPNs for Thailand:

1. NordVPN Best VPN for Thailand. Strong privacy credentials, wide server network, excellent speeds, and access to multiple streaming channels. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Thailand.
2. Surfshark Best budget-friendly option for Thailand. Puts major emphasis on user security and easily unblocks a wide range of streaming platforms abroad.
3. IPVanish Fast, secure VPN service. A popular choice for torrenters and Kodi users. Unlimited simultaneous connections.
4. ExpressVPN Fast and secure provider with great unblocking capabilities, strong encryption, and privacy protocols. 24/7 customer support.
5. CyberGhost Beginner-freindly. Vast server network great for getting a Thai IP addresses or IPs from almost any other country. Ideal for accessing streaming services.
6. PrivateVPN Reliable VPN service that offers users access to lots of streaming websites over a highly secure connection. A strong option for Thailand.
7. PureVPN Great value VPN for for Thailand. Servers in 65+ countries. Allows torrenting. Strong security and privacy prevent surveillance and snooping.
8. ProtonVPN Highly secure and reliable VPN with a no-logs policy and advanced features. Servers in 85+ countries, including Thailand.

How we chose the top VPNs for Thailand

It can be difficult to decide on a VPN service for Thailand, as there are so many available, but not all are of the same quality. Our picks for the best VPN for Thailand are based on the following criteria:

• Wide global server network so you can access a variety of international content
• Speeds fast enough for uninterrupted streaming, browsing, and downloading.
• Strong security and privacy protocols to protect your online activities
• Keeps zero logs of user activity
• Customer service available should you need it

This is just a brief summary, but you can read more about our scientific testing methodology later on in this article. For now, let’s take a closer look at the ones that made our list.

The best VPNs for Thailand: our hands-on review

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

Best VPNs for Thailand

At Comparitech, we personally test all VPNs before we recommend them to you. The following reviews are based on our first-hand experences.

Here are our picks for the best VPN for Thailand:

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024 Works In ThailandTested Nov 2024

NordVPN is our top choice VPN for Thailand. It operates more than 6,000 servers in 100 countries, including 10+ servers in Thailand. You have the option 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 content, such as iPlayer, without any problems.

This is a 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.

Want to know more? Read our full review of NordVPN here, or watch the video review below.

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2. Surfshark

Works in ThailandTested Nov 2024

Surfshark is a highly versatile service with over 3,200 servers in more than 100 countries. It offers decent speeds, unlimited bandwidth, and the ability to access major platforms like Netflix US, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world. While most VPNs only let you connect six devices at most, Surfshark has no limit and, as such, allows you to protect all of your devices simultaneously.

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 a 30-day money-back guarantee, this service is well worth your time.

Read our full review of Surfshark here, or check out the video review below.

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3. IPVanish

Works In ThailandTested Nov 2024

IPVanish servers are optimized for speed, stability, and security, with around 2,000 of them spread across more than 60 countries. There are servers in Bangkok for users looking to access Thai content from abroad. This provider can also access multiple streaming platforms from abroad, 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 lets them download the Android APK directly to their device. The interface is also remote control-friendly for Kodi devices without 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. Allows unlimited device connections and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

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4. ExpressVPN

Works In ThailandTested Nov 2024

ExpressVPN operates more than 3,000 servers spread across 100+ 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.

Read our in-depth review of ExpressVPN here, or check out our video review below.

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5. CyberGhost

Works In ThailandTested Nov 2024

CyberGhost offers an easy-to-use interface and a fast, reliable service. It has an extensive network of more than 10,000 servers in 100+ countries, including over 25 VPN Thailand servers. The service works with multiple streaming platforms, including Netflix and BBC iPlayer, and has speeds more than fast enough for uninterrupted streaming.

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. An internet kill switch is also 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.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

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6. PrivateVPN

Works in ThailandTested Nov 2024

PrivateVPN is a strong choice offering exceptional security, reliable performance, and excellent streaming capabilities for users in Thailand, whether they’re traveling or residing there.

One of the standout features of PrivateVPN is its ability to unblock popular Thai streaming services such as TrueID, Line TV, and AIS Play, making it easy to access your favorite content from anywhere. A strict no-logs policy keeps your online activities private and secure.

PrivateVPN’s network comprises servers in 63 countries, providing a wide range of options for bypassing geo-restrictions. Its generous 10-device limit ensures that you can protect multiple devices simultaneously.

The VPN employs military-grade 256-bit AES encryption to safeguard your data, giving you peace of mind while browsing the internet. In addition, PrivateVPN’s apps are user-friendly, making them perfect for beginners, while its live chat support is available for selected hours to assist with any concerns or inquiries.

PrivateVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test the service risk-free and decide if it fits your needs correctly.

EXCELLENT PRIVACY OFFERING:PrivateVPN includes a 10-device connection limit, beginner-friendly apps, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

7. PureVPN

works in ThailandTested Nov 2024

PureVPN is a provider popular with people looking for a fast, budget-friendly VPN. The VPN has servers in 65+ countries, including Thailand to access home services while on vacation. The VPN has apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, meaning you can install and use it on all your devices, whether at home or using public wifi in Thailand.

The VPN starts at a low cost of US$1.96 per month, and in our tests, it worked to watch platforms like AIS PLAY, TrueID, MONOMAX, WeTV, LINE TV, and iQIYI Thailand. You can also connect to servers around the world to watch Netflix US, Hulu, HBO Max, or streaming services in other Asian countries, such as South Korea.

PureVPN’s Thai IPs are perfect for accessing home services on vacation or for bypassing restrictions at work and in school. The encryption provided by PureVPN will allow you to bypass any blocks with complete privacy. You can also use a VPN to access Thai internet banking, Google search results, Thai shopping services, or any other Thai services while traveling or living abroad.

PureVPNs speedy WireGuard protocol makes it perfect for streaming, gaming, torrenting, and making private video calls. The VPN is easy to use, but you can ask questions if you have issues, thanks to its live chat support. In terms of privacy, the VPN has a watertight no-logs policy, a kill switch, and a choice of protocols. DNS leak protection and reliable AES encryption.

The worst thing about the service is the live chat, which has agents who are very busy and take time to respond. Other than this, however, the VPN is incredibly good value for money. We think it is worth testing on your devices using its 31-day money-back guarantee. One of the best low-cost VPNs for Thailand.

GREAT VALUE VPN:PureVPN represents incredible value for money. Reliable privacy makes it perfect for using public wifi safely. Prevents ISP and government snooping. It has IPs in Thailand and 65+ other countries. Fast speeds for streaming and gaming. Allows torrenting. Port forwarding is available but costs a little extra. 31-day money-back guarantee to try it risk-free.

Find out more in our PureVPN review.

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8. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN has one of the best reputations on the market because the same team behind Proton Mail developed it. The service is based in Switzerland, a country renowned for its stringent privacy laws. The VPN has a fully audited no-logs policy, and the applications come with advanced features such as AES encryption, a kill switch, a variety of protocols, obfuscation, multi-hop connections, and Tor over VPN. To gain additional security, you can also connect to self-owned Secure Core servers in 60 locations.

ProtonVPN is known for its speed, thanks to the WireGuard protocol, which is particularly efficient for streaming, gaming, torrenting, and private video calls in Thailand. Its servers in Thailand provide local IP addresses, allowing you to access Thai streaming services and overcome any blocks at work.

In our tests, ProtonVPN successfully provided access to various Thai streaming services, including AIS PLAY, TrueID, MONOMAX, WeTV Thailand, LINE TV, iQIYI Thailand, DOONEE, and Nung2HD. It also supports streaming platforms in over 85 countries, including the US and the UK.

Torrenting users will find ProtonVPN’s split tunneling and port forwarding feature perfect for seeding. 24/7 live chat support and a 30-day money-back guarantee are available to set up and test the VPN. A highly advanced VPN that costs a few extra dollars compared to our top recommendations.

FULLY FEATURED:ProtonVPN is a highly secure and reliable VPN based in Switzerland. The VPN has a superb reputation, a no-logs policy, and more advanced features than most of its competitors. It has servers in over 85+ countries, including Thailand. 24/7 live chat support is available on its website, and it has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Find out more in our ProtonVPN review.

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Finding the best Thailand VPNs: our methodology

We understand how hard it has become to pick a VPN. There are hundreds of 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 testing method 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 most important things we tested for when recommending the best VPNs for Thailand:

• Solid security features: We check under the hood to ensure the service is implementing its VPN protocols and encryption algorithms to the highest possible standards. In this guide, we have recommended VPNs that provide OpenVPN connections with robust AES encryption and perfect forward secrecy.
• DNS leak protection: We test each VPN for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. This certifies that the VPN is living up to its privacy claims and is preventing your ISP from tracking your web visits. We also check the apps for DNS leak protection to ensure that the VPN is doing everything it can to prevent these kinds of leaks.
• A no-logs policy: It is vital that you can trust your VPN and what it does with the data that passes through its servers. We only recommend no-logs VPNs for Thailand that promise never to track what their users do while connected. Some of our recommendations even have diskless servers to further increase your privacy.
• Plenty of advanced features: For a VPN to represent decent value for money, it should have a wide choice of advanced privacy and security features. We always check for a kill switch, obfuscation, split tunneling, Tor over VPN, Double VPN, SOCKS5 proxy, Smart DNS, and other useful features.
• Global server network: We look for VPNs that have a wide choice of servers around the world. This makes those VPNs good for accessing both Thai TV channels and foreign content. We also check that those servers are fast enough for streaming, gaming, torrenting, and other important use cases.
• Devices: We know not all consumers use the internet in the same way, so you want a VPN that works with a variety of devices. We look for providers that support major operating systems like Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS at a minimum. But we also look for them to work with other platforms like Amazon Fire TV, Linux, and Wi-Fi routers. We also like providers that offer browser extensions.
• Outstanding customer care: We only recommend VPNs with market-leading customer support. The services in this guide have set up guides, FAQs, and live chat and email support to help you at any time of day.
• Excellent accessibility: Each VPN for Thailand has been tested to make sure it works to access popular services like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and iPlayer. We also checked their servers in Thailand to ensure they work to access local services like iQiyi, Tencent, and Youku Tudou.

Want to know more? Check out our article explaining our article explaining our VPN testing methodology in more detail.

How to use a VPN in Thailand

Using a VPN is easier than you might think. Just follow these simple steps to get started.

Here’s how to use a VPN in Thailand:

1. Sign up to your chosen provider (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download the appropriate VPN app for your device.
3. Connect to a server in your desired location. For example, you’d connect to a US VPN server and gain a US IP address to access US Netflix or a server in Thailand to browse securely within the country and access Thai content.
4. Navigate to the stream, and you should have unrestricted access.
5. If you’re struggling to access sites, try clearing your browser’s cookies and cache and reloading the page. Alternatively, try a different server or contact your VPN’s customer support team for assistance.

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 without missing any of the game.

How to get a free VPN for Thailand

We understand the temptation to try and get a VPN for Thailand for free, and indeed, the most cursory internet search will turn up plenty of free services. But the majority of them are just not worth using.

Firstly, free VPN services tend to cluster their servers in the most sought-after locations, such as the US and Europe, so you might struggle to find one with servers in Thailand. If you do find one, it’ll likely offer a slow, frustrating service. Free VPNs tend to have low server numbers and high user numbers, leading to long wait times, download caps, bandwidth throttling, and terrible speeds.

Also, free VPNs come with some worrying security issues. Many lack basic encryption, leaving you just as exposed as if you weren’t using a VPN at all. More worrying still, several free VPN providers have been caught mining and selling user data, while others come laced with Malware.

In short, we recommend avoiding free VPNs and coughing up a few dollars each month for a reputable VPN rather than running a huge risk. However, if you’re 100% set on finding a free VPN for Thailand, there are a few things you can try.

How to get a free VPN for Thailand:

• Choose a reputable VPN that has a free basic level. These often come with limited server locations and data caps but are at least secure and keep no logs.
• Opt for a VPN that offers a free trial. These range from 1 – 7 days, so it could be enough if you just want to be protected for a short time.
• Make the most of the money-back guarantees of the providers we’ve listed here. They range from 30 to 45 days, so they should be enough to cover you for a vacation or short work trip. Unlike free trials, you do have to pay upfront but can at least rest assured that if you’re not 100% happy with the service, you can claim a full refund. Check out our step-by-step guide to claiming a full refund from NordVPN to see how simple it is.

The future of the internet in Thailand

Thailand is a hotspot for travelers, ex-pats, 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.

See also:

• Visitors’ guide to online privacy and security in Thailand

Using a VPN in Thailand: FAQs