You are here: Home / Travel / How to Watch Netflix in Thailand & Bypass GEO Restrictions

How to Watch Netflix in Thailand & Bypass GEO Restrictions

Watching Netflix in Thailand is as simple as logging in. But when you do, you'll quickly discover that you only have access to the Thai provided content.

You won't be able to watch content from your country: I'm potentially talking about series like Sex Education, Narcos, re-runs of The Office, Stranger, Breaking Bad, or Better Call Saul.

But don't worry. In this post I'll show you how in just a few steps you can watch your favorite series on your laptop, phone, or tablet from your beach bungalow.

netflix-thailand

I love Better Call Saul!

How to Watch Netflix in Thailand

To be clear, the Thai Netflix will have some English speaking content but you'll be shocked when you see just how much is missing from your account.

In short, you will need a VPN. But the good news is that it is super easy to get and use.

A VPN is a Virtual Private Network that enables you to bypass GEO restrictions, such as those put in place by Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu / Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming content providers.

The reason you can't access your usual content in Thailand is because the Netflix policy states the following:

4.3. You may view the Netflix content primarily within the country in which you have established your account and only in geographic locations where we offer our service and have licensed such content. The content that may be available to watch will vary by geographic location and will change from time to time.

A VPN gives you online privacy and keeps you anonymous. Netflix won't even know you are bypassing the restriction because you will appear as if you are in another location.

The not so great news is that you're going to have to pay a little to do this.

You see, a VPN masks (keeps private) your IP address, known as your Internet protocol (IP) address. This makes anything you do online untraceable.

A VPN connection is secure, and will give you even greater security than a secure Wi-Fi hotspot.

This means that not only can you stream Netflix while on holiday but you can securely login to your bank account online, chat on forums and social media safely, and do anything online without the fear of prying eyes or hackers.

Will US and UK Netflix Work in Thailand?

Yes. Whether you are from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Switzerland, or anywhere else, you can get access to Netflix content and watch your favorite series.

A good VPN provider will have lots of different server locations in different countries. You can connect to any one of these serves and pretend to be in another country and city.

Here's how to do it.

How to Login and Get Streaming

What you do is this:

  • Register an account.
  • Download and install the software to your device (computer, phone, or tablet).
  • Close your browser (Safari, Chrome, or Firefox).
  • Login and select a server location (choose your home country, or one not restricted by Netflix).
  • Press connect and open your browser.
  • Go to Netflix and login.

Voila! Any service you connect to thinks you are in that country. So, for example, if you connect to New York, the Netflix server thinks you are in New York.

> I use this VPN 

stream-netflix-in-thailand

Trust me, a Netflix binge is a lot better than watching Thai soap operas!

What's the Best VPN for Netflix?

You want a VPN that provides a steady, uninterrupted connection and offers good server speeds on a daily basis.

Forget free ones. Sometimes computer and phones come bundled with a VPN, but these generally offer poor connections and limited server locations. Free apps are no better.

You want a specialist company that has an ongoing commitment to ensure the service works at military grade, and provides good customer service – should you need it.

I use Vypr and have done for years. I use it for all my internet activity in Thailand and anywhere else I travel to.

Getting in the habit of using a VPN means you're privacy is protected at all times, on mobile or desktop.

What if Netflix Blocks the VPN?

This can happen with a VPN, particularly the free ones and the weaker ones. You'll often read reports of this happening.

And that's one of the key reasons I recommend Vypr  – because they use Chameleon technology. This is a specific technology designed to defeat VPN blocking and censorship.

The new Chameleon 2.0 is the most advanced VPN protocol ever made, giving users the power to dodge VPN blocking more efficiently than ever before

A professional grade VPN unlocks geo-blocks and lets you stream Netflix whenever you want without limitations, no matter what part of the world you may be in.

Once you connect, streaming services such as US and UK Netflix or Netflix Canada are available to you on demand.

vpn-screenshots

Here are screenshots of me connected to New York via my VPN, on mobile, while in Thailand.

VYPR VPN Benefits Overview

As you can see from the screenshots, I genuinely use this service. I recommend it to all my readers. I use a VPN for work purposes too, so I need a really reliable service.

Here's what Vypr offers:

  • Vypr is the first publicly audited no-log VPN. Other services may be leaking your data.
  • Vypr owns all its own servers and hardware, which makes the service very reliable and non-reliant on third party companies.
  • They have 73 server locations operating in 64 countries.
  • They offer a 30-day Money Back Guarantee.
  • Subscriptions available. 1 Month Plan. Annual Plan. 2 Year Plan.
  • Chameleon technology: a proprietary protocol which helps users in countries where VPN traffic is blocked via Deep Packet Inspection.
  • Native apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, a Command Line Interface for Linux, and a router applet for Tomato Routers.
  • VyprDNS – offers further protection from malicious, snooping 3rd parties and operates exclusively on the VyprVPN network.
  • 24/7 x 365 support via Live Chat.
  • Incorporated in Meggen, Switzerland

streaming-US-UK-netflix-in-thailand

No Logs – Privacy Guaranteed

You'll see on the list above that Vypr is the first publicly audited no-log VPN. This means they do not log your activity.

So let's say you went onto a website that you'd rather no one in the world knew you were visiting, like one of those naughty movie sites.

Not even Vypr would make a log of this. Your activity would be totally anonymous.

How Much Does a VPN Cost?

The cheapest option is a 1-year plan that works out $8 a month.

However, if you are on holiday and solely want this for watching Netflix in Thailand then maybe you just want a month for $15.

vypr-pricing-feb-2022

> Chose the plan you want here

Can I Stream Amazon Prime or Hulu / Disney+?

If you have an Amazon Prime subscription too, and the kids have Hulu / Disney+, you can access this content, too.

In fact, you can access any subscription service.

I'm from the UK so I regularly want BBC iPlayer. The same goes for reading news sites blocked in certain countries.

For example, the Daily Mail is blocked in Thailand, so I can connect to my VPN and read that if I wish.

Can My Wife and Family Watch Netflix Too?

You get 5 devices on the VYPR subscription, so you can be watching Netflix on your laptop while your wife watches it on her tablet and the kids can watch Hulu on theirs.

Remember though that Netflix states:

The number of devices on which you may simultaneously watch depends on your chosen subscription plan and is specified on the “Account” page.

So you can watch on multiple devices via your VPN, but how many will depend on your subscription with Netflix.

The only thing you need is a decent local connection, which in Thailand generally isn't a problem in hotels. The local 4G connection is good too.

Will I Experience Connection Buffering Though?

It's true that not all VPNs are fast enough to keep up with Netflix streaming, but this usually depends on the server being used.

Vypr owns its equipment / infrastructure, which means they can guarantee your connection is fast and fully secure.

Other companies piggyback on the equipment of third party providers, which is not ideal because the secure connection is being handled by multiple parties and if one party has a problem the whole system is affected.

Vypr operates a global network of 700+ dedicated streaming servers to make sure they are always fast and optimized for streaming, without interruptions or buffering problems.

What About Data Limiting by the Local ISP?

This can be a problem too and something many VPNs don't have an answer for.

Sometimes when you stream or download big files online your Internet Service Provider (ISP) sees this and limits your Internet bandwidth. This usually happens during peak usage hours, or if they see too much traffic going to streaming services such as Netflix.

VyprVPN protects you from this ISP monitoring and any interference with your streaming.

In Summary

To watch Netflix in a foreign country and access the same documentaries, TV shows, and series you do back home you need a VPN (virtual private network).

You don't need any technical know-how. It is literally register, download, install, and start. It takes two minutes.

It's worth it on so many levels:

  • Safe, anonymous watching.
  • Simple download and install.
  • Available on all devices.
  • Up to 5 connections at one time.
  • Access Netflix, Amazon Prime, Sky Go, Hulu, and more with zero hassle.
  • Be secure online.
  • Do banking, social media, naughty sites, and more.

Once you become familiar with a VPN you'll begin to understand why they are so popular. It isn't just streaming services they facilitate, but complete end-to-end security.

Consider when you are using WIFI in public places. If the router is compromised in a cafe or airport, then so is your data. This is one way a computer can be hacked.

Consider internet service providers that log your location and activity and pass it to government authorities.

If you want secure, private browsing, a VPN is the way to go.

> Click here to get your VPN 

The Thai Bites Newsletter
Receive my monthly roundup of posts with tips on living and traveling in Thailand.

Last Updated on

Comments Sort by : newest | oldest

  1. JamesE says

    My primary VPN (SurfShark) has announced a new type of VPN service that looks like it could be a game-changer. It's basically a VPN *network* connection, rather than a single *server* connection. In the existing VPN world, you establish an encrypted connection in the country of your choice - so you aren't geo-stomped when you want to watch football or Game of Thrones, or log into your bank. With the new model the connection is made into a network of servers where you can choose your entry point - to get the best local connection speed - and an exit point - where you appear to be located from a geographic standpoint. They're calling the upgrade "Nexus" and their description is:Nexus is a network built out of interconnected servers. It ensures that you’ll stay continuously connected to the secure, private, and performant VPN network. Key features:IP Rotator - changes your IP address every 5 to 10 minutes without disconnecting you from the VPN network.IP Randomizer  - gives you a new IP address every time you connect to a different website without disconnecting you from the VPN network. (Coming soon) Dynamic MultiHop -  manually choose where your internet traffic enters and leaves (e.g., connect from Austria to the US). Key feature #2 is very interesting from a data-security standpoint. It means that a website you have open cannot track you on the back-end by matching IP addresses. Each website you have open will appear to be a separate device.See it here.
    Reply

  2. sidney leonard says

    My Thai wife and I, after residing in the US since our marriage 28 years ago, will be moving to Thailand post-pandemic and I will be posting a number of concerns/questions on this blog par excellence as I do my due diligence in preparation for our move, the first of which concerns my desire to view US TV programs. I know that I can view YouTube programs in English without using a VPN, as my wife has been, for years, watching Thai TV channels on YouTube, downloaded from the Apple Store, without a VPN service. Furthermore, it is my understanding that I can view subscription programs such as NETFLIX, HULU, AMAZON PRIME, etc. in English by subscribing to them on my notebook, accessing the sites using a VPN service and then projecting (mirroring) them to my TV using an HDMI cable (with an adapter for my notebook micro HDMI port). However, I have been told that I can not do screen mirroring using wireless connectivity such as Chrome Cast due to problems caused by using a VPN to access the programs – is this true? Regardless, do you agree that the most reliable method of doing screen mirroring is by use of an HDMI cable? Lastly, comparing and contrasting VyprVPN, ExpressVPN, and NordVPN (number of servers in US, speed, encryption, geo-restrictions, etc.) do you still believe that VyprVPN is the best for use in Thailand, and, if so, why?

    This not particularly tech-savvy senior citizen, future expat, would greatly appreciate any insights you, and others, can offer as I struggle to adapt in this age of digital technology.
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Leonard, I use a HDMI cable to connect from my computer to a bigger screen or TV and this works well for me. You can buy a wireless HDMI port, though I haven't used one. This shouldn't be affected by a VPN, and if it is that would be a router issue (I think).VYPR is still my go-to VPN, but you can try Nord too, as I also recommend that. VYPR own all their own resources, all their own servers and infrastructure. This is important because they have total control over security. And if something were to go wrong, such as being blocked in China, they can solve the problem in-house without needing to rely on third parties, which would take longer.
      Reply

    • JamesE says

      The only issue you run into with streaming is geo-restricted content. For example, Netflix has a movie they licensed only for streaming in the US. You'll still be able to access your Netflix account from Thailand but you won't see all of the content you can in the US. But the content you see in the US is different from the UK, Australia, EU, etc. already. So a VPN opens that up as well.

      Chromecast - that should work as long as you're on the same local network. We do it all the time. The VPN is only concerned with network traffic outside of your local network.

      HDMI - is a two-edged sword. It's fast but your source device will be mirrored, not streamed. Depending on the source's and the destination's resolution you can end up with a small box in the middle of a big screen or spill over the edges. Also, it works better with a PC than it does with many tablets. Bottom line is you'll be happier streaming your phone or tablet to a Chromecast and (probably) happier mirroring your PC via HDMI.

      VPN - I use two: VYPR and SurfShark. SurfShark I find *much* better than VYPR BUT - and it's a big one - their customer support is horrible. I use two because some streaming services (because of geo-restrictions) are constantly battling with VPNs and blocking known VPN IP addresses. The VPNs are, of course, fighting back, the end result being that you'll have to reset your VPN connection from time-to-time to get a new IP address that the streaming services don't yet know about. US banks also hate VPNs so you'll have to jump through some hoops for that as well. Sometimes, if refreshing doesn't work, switching to a different service does. No VPN is as user friendly as the ads imply and you'll have a bit of a learning curve regardless of which you choose.
      Reply

      • sidney leonard says

        Thank you for your help as this analog senior citizen continues his journey on his digital learning curve. Regarding which VPN to use, is the number of servers available in the US an important consideration, particularly for needing to reset server locations? Also, I assume that using an HDMI cable to screen mirror programs which do not require a VPN service (e.g., YouTube) from my notebook to my TV will not affect the quality of same.

        You mentioned the importance of the source device when screen mirroring using an HDMI cable. Please tell me if you think my Zenbook: ASUS Zenbook UX305FA-RBM1 Ultrabook PC - Intel® Core™ M-5Y10 Processor, 800MHz, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, 13.3” 1920x1080 (Full HD), Intel HD Graphics 5300, Windows 10 64-Bit – UX305FA-RBM1-GD is sufficient for high quality screen mirroring.

        Lastly, my bank in the US, Bank of America, told me that they do not allow use of a VPN when accessing my online account. I assume that I can simply disconnect my VPN when accessing my account to avoid any problems with my BOA connectivity.
        Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          More servers means more choice, more choice means more choice of speed and the chance to locate a faster server. Looking at my VYPR I have 8 US servers available. From Austin to NY to Washington to LA to Seattle, etc. This is plenty.HDMI mirroring won't affect quality, as it is simply routing the signal to a new monitor. However, if you are mirroring to a much bigger screen, then the resulting quality of your picture being blown up in size will depend on your internet connection and on the original signal being sent through that connection. For example, you can choose to play most YouTube videos in a range of quality settings to suit the stability of your internet connection. If you are playing the video in 720p, when you mirror it to a much bigger screen it may seem lower in quality (somewhat pixalated). But if you set the resolution higher to HD the quality will improve.I don't see a problem with your computer.You can disconnect when connecting to your bank if you want, but I'm quite sure you can connect to your bank using the VPN. I've never had a problem.
          Reply

          • sidney leonard says

            Thanks, Peter. Regarding using a wireless HDMI dongle rather than an HDMI cable for screen mirroring: I understand that it connects via a microwave frequency rather than WIFI; you said you have not used one for screen mirroring, but have you any information regarding the use of same compared to using an HDMI cable?

            Again, thanks to you, and others, for your efforts in dragging me up my rather steep digital learning curve.
            Reply

        • JamesE says

          TTl's correct. More servers=more choices. If, say, I'm connected to Seattle (notoriously problematic on VYPR) I can switch to San Francisco and get a booming connection. What you want are more West Coast US connections as those will be fastest from Thailand. VYPR has Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles. SurfShark has those plus Bend, Oregon, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.

          I also use BOA and had (past tense) occasional problems using a VPN. On VYPR I found I could get to them from San Francisco pretty reliably, with SurfShark they have specially configured the Las Vegas server to work with banks (don't ask me how) and I have no problems at all connecting to any banks or financial institutions I use.

          Okay... Just my take on your PC... You want a new one. Here's why. The best way to watch streaming content like movies and TV is to download it first. No lag, no buffering. Your storage (256GB) is going to fill up in a few weeks. Netflix, HBOMax, VDU, AppleTV, Google Play, etc. will all allow you to download content for "offline viewing". You can decide on what you and your lovely bride want to watch, download a ton of it overnight, and watch at your leisure. This really works with Netflix who are constantly pulling shows or changing their global availability. You want (IMO) at least a 1TB drive for that. When you get to Thailand and buy a TV it will most likely be 4K. Your screen will mirror at FHD and will either be an FHD box in the middle of a 4K display or be spread across the 4K screen and be about 1/4 quality. A new PC would be a small price in the overall scheme of things.
          Reply

          • TheThailandLife says

            That's true. If you find yourself with a bad connection on day, or in a hotel, then streaming is affected. Having more hard disc space will allow you to download more. However, it depends how much stuff you have on your computer already. If you still have 150 GB or so spare then that's enough to download anything you want to watch. By the way, if you're after more US servers, Nord VPN have 15 in Atlanta, Buffalo, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, Virginia, New Jersey, Miami, New York, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, St. Louis.
            Reply

            • sidney leonard says

              Thank you Peter & James. A couple of clarifications: My Asus Zenbook has served me well with its only 256GB of storage as I don't do games, etc.; it still has OS 55GB & Data 127GB unused = 182GB. However, it is 7 years old (I suppose ancient in this age of rapidly advancing digital technology, eh? My first computer (1988 pre-internet), an Apple MacIntosh, had 4 MB or ram and 20 MB hard drive. My "lovely bride" of 28 years is completely satisfied with whatever she wishes to view on her, soon to be 5 years old, ipad Pro, although she may enjoy screen mirroring; I believe there is a HDMI adapter for her ipad. Bottom Line: 1.) I know it's just a matter of time before we need to purchase new devices. 2.) I am hopeful that a wireless HDMI dongle will fit the bill for screen mirroring; I will try both. I will also do trials with the VPN services you have recommended. Am I correct in expecting that what works here in CA with both VPN services and HDMI devices will work in Bangkok, or should I wait until when we get there to check them out?

              More questions to come as we prepare for coming to Thailand.

              Thank you; it's great to have the benefit of your expertise and kindness.
              Reply

              • JamesE says

                Sidney, All that you say is true but you'll run into a couple of things within the first year. First, taking pictures and videos of your new adventures will take up a bunch of space. Second, VPNs will take a bite out of your network speed so the faster the network your PC supports, the happier you'll be down the road.

                For the iPad, I'm going through that same thing now. spend the extra $ on the Apple version. The knock-offs are hit and miss.

                And yes, if it works in California it'll work in Bangkok, you might have to tweak some settings on your VPN.
                Reply

  3. James E says

    I've been using VYPR for about three years and it does work well for bypassing geo-restrictions. But there are a few things you'll have to be aware of. First, Chameleon is a slower protocol than Open-VPN. All VPNs are slower - by up to 50% - than a bare WiFi connection - so you can lose enough bandwidth to make streaming impossible if you're on a marginal connection. The good news is that VYPR offers higher speed/lower security protocols if you run into this. Second, in addition to deep packet inspection, some servers use statistics to determine if you're running through a VPN and will block your traffic. I find that this happens with some travel services, the servers that host ThaiPod101, and Microsoft account servers (I'm constantly losing connection to my OneDrive because of this). If this happens you'll have to try jumping around to different servers in your target country, if they have more than one or just repeatedly connect/disconnect/connect until you get assigned an address that your target doesn't know is a VPN address. Third, if you need to get back into Thailand for banking, phone, whatever, and the site rejects you just because they think that any out-of-country IP address is a hacking attempt just use your VPN going through the Thailand server. This is also VERY handy if you want to compare prices on Agoda or 12GoAsia to see where - geographically - the best deal is.
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      It's true that you should expect a slower connection when connected to a VPN but you should try to select servers highlighted with a green speed, as these will be quicker. For streaming movies, as you say, you can switch from Chameleon to IKEv2 for a faster speed. Of course your connection ultimately relies on your base connection, so that needs to be stable to start with. If your connection is 20 MBPS to start with, you're unlikely to have any issue. Generally I see 20-30 percent less speed when connected through VPN.
      Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.