T-Mobile network in Thailand: Koh Phayam?
I've read mobile data coverage is spotty on Koh Phayam.
I plan to use the "free" international roaming my American T-mobile plan includes (Simple Global at "2G speeds"). What networks do they use in Thailand?
They mark the island as covered but I'd like to try and find some more specific accounts of using their service or the networks they roam on.
Best Answer
Difficult to know for sure as nearly every foreigner I've run into uses a local sim, but it likely will be AIS or TrueMove (True or True-H or TrueMove H).
Other than for accepting an SMS or emergency call, you may be better off with a local SIM (50-100 baht [$1.6-$3.2]). It will usually come with some call credit + free internet for a couple of days, possibly a week or so. You can get extra monthly packages for 200+ baht or the "pro second" plan where you pay internet per mb (25 satang per MB) and voice (1.2 satang per second) for local calls (100 satang = 1 baht; 30 THB ? 1 USD); no monthly fees.
If you don't have a dual-sim phone, you would need an extra phone for this strategy if you wish to have both sims active at the same time.
edit: after evaluating T-mobile's roaming packages for Thailand, it would seem that you have the "T-Mobile ONE and Simple Choice North America" plan, then your Text and internet is covered (calls are $0.25/min).
But those with "other" plans must first sign up for "World Class Service". You get $15.00/MB (fifteen USD per Megabyte). $0.50/SMS (outbound) / domestic plan balance (inbound). Voice calls still $0.25/min.
The coverage area seems to be consistent with AIS/True:
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Can you use T Mobile in Thailand?
T-mobile will work all over Thailand with the T-mobile free data, BUT it will be incredibly slow (128 kbps). If your phone is unlocked and you use it for anything other tha messaging/e-mails, I recommend buying a Thai sim upon arrival. It will only cost about $10/week, and you will get blazing fast speeds (40+ mbps).How do you get to Koh Phayam Islands?
In high season, slow ferries will take you to Koh Phayam from Ranong Pier at 09:30, 10:00 and 14:00 (200 THB, about $7) and they take two hours. You can also take a speedboat (45 minutes) at least every two hours from 09:30 to 16:30 (350THB/$11).Amazing Thailand: Koh Phayam (GoPro Hero+ LCD)
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Images: Tracy Le Blanc, Dan Cristian Pădureț, Yan Krukov, Yan Krukov