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Choosing the Best VPN for Thailand: A Look at the Law, the Risk & the Solution

Internet connection seem a bit sluggish? Pages timing out? Facebook functionality acting strangely?

That's because you're being watched. And that's why you need a VPN for Thailand.

Everything you do online in Thailand is tracked and logged.

In 2015 the following statements began to appear in the media.

Thailand’s prime minister has defended plans to introduce tough new cyber laws, which would give authorities the right to access emails, telephone records, computer data and even postal mail without court approval. ~ AFP News

Seven major Thai online service providers are working with the Thai government to create new guidelines for tackling the spread of illegal content on the web. The group are regulating content related to pornography, terrorism, drugs, spam, phishing and copyright infringement. ~ Bangkok Post

And a recent report by Privacy International concluded the following:

Privacy International has conducted previous investigations into the Thai government’s surveillance of social media as a tool of intimidation. This report demonstrates how the practice is not only expanding, but the government is also experimenting with other forms of surveillance.

Privacy International is concerned about the increasing monitoring of social media and other internet-based communications.

I must note that the government has strongly denied these allegations.

The PI report uncovered the use of fairly low-grade tech, so the nature of these surveillance methods means you can safely say that a VPN like this will keep your privacy safe.

=> Click here to get a free 3-day trial on VYPR (the VPN I use)

Old Vs. New Thailand

Thailand has cracked down on dissidents in recent years. You only have to check the news reports to see evidence of this.

But it's not just about those criticizing the country and its politics, Thailand is also getting tougher on spammers, lawbreakers and of all things, copyright infringers.

I know. Thailand is the last place on earth you’d expect to get in trouble for copyright infringement, particularly when this has always been the one place people come to get their yearly supply of fake handbags, bootleg DVDs and Polo shirts.

But Thailand has had to step up its game in this regard.

It had become a safe haven for internet spammers, web fraudsters, hackers, those selling prescription drugs online, everyday torrent users and basically anyone doing any kind of online activity considered illegal in the western world.

But under pressure from the international community, Thailand is getting tougher with its online security. It wants to ensure that it is in favour when it comes to trade agreements and diplomacy with Europe and America.

To fall in with the big boys, Thailand is expected to start regulating online copyright infringement, and help the NSA gather information by invading the privacy of its citizens and guests by investigating their online activity and reporting back to big brother.

The aptly named “snooping initiative” began in 2013.

The Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) began working with the PKI Association, the TISA (Thailand Information Security Association), THE Internet Foundation for the Development of Thailand, THE Thailand ISP Association, the Thai e-Commerce Association, Google Asia Pacific (yes, you know it's serious when Google is involved) and eBay to create the country's first self-enforced code of conduct for preventing illegal content on the web.

The US National Security Agency uses computer servers in Thailand to help run a massive collection of information about internet users, and to store and analyse the data”.

~ Bangkok Post

A Very Real Risk to Your Privacy

So what does this mean for you?

Well, as you know, Thailand doesn’t mess around when it comes to enforcing the law, particularly where foreign nationals are concerned. Get caught doing something illegal and end up in prison. Simple.

But just how serious will this crackdown on online activity get?

I mean, we’ve heard the word “crackdown” bounded around in Thailand so many times over so many issues that it doesn’t really hold much weight in our minds anymore. And what does “preventing online illegal content on the web mean?”

Well, remember the spate of ridiculous court cases brought by the RIAA in the US?

Remember 12 year old Brianna LaHara who was fined $2,000, or Wisconsin grandfather Fred Lawrence who ended up smacked with a $60,000 lawsuit, or how about 66-year-old grandmother of three, Lola Scruse, who, in 2006, was fined $6,000 because her grandchildren downloaded songs onto her computer – she was on dialysis and lived off of Social Security checks at the time.

None of us know just how serious online security will become in Thailand, but the last thing you want is the police to come to your apartment or hotel with a piece of paper from the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) that says you need to pay a fine or go to jail.

I can see it now, expats and travellers paraded on Thai TV by police officials as online pirates attempting to use Thai web space illegally.

Far fetched? It really isn’t.

Thailand is adopting the policies of the western world, and what might seem like a harmless download of a movie may end up costing you time in a cell.

arrested thailand online activity

Even powerful Pirate Bay owener & Internet guru Hans Fredrik Lennart could not buy off the Thai police.

Mind What You Say: This isn't Just About Illegal Content

Let's face it. The owners of torrent sites, illegal rackets selling steroids online and running cross-territory hacking syndicates aren't going down.

It will be the guy that downloads a few movies, or visits a couple of sites deemed “unsuitable” that gets made an example of .

It will the buy who responds to a comment on a forum criticizing the government.

Oh, and that Thai guy that sells all those fake DVDs at your local market, yes, he'll still be there while you're negotiating your fine.

It's not just about illegal content though. It's about dissent.

The authorities want to get past the political problems of the past few years, and part of that means making sure people don't share negative media or write negatively about Thailand on social networking platforms and forums.

 This means that dissidents and their friends are being monitored; so be careful who you're friends with on Twitter and Facebook, and what you watch, share and download.

It might sound a bit like I'm fear-mongering here, but this is the reality. And not just in Thailand but the world over. Instability and insecurity is making the powers that be very paranoid, and as such they need to see what we bad citizens are up to at all times.

Even if it sounds over the top, it doesn't hurt to protect yourself. You have a right to privacy, too.

Be Anonymous: Get a VPN for Thailand

I don’t download music or films illegally, but I do enjoy my privacy. I believe strongly in exercising my civil rights.

I also require a VPN for my work because I have to access sites at times from US and European servers. Plus, having a VPN also gives me the added benefit of being able to watch TV channels from my home country.

I’m glad I have a VPN in Thailand too, as these new laws concern me. I don’t want to be accused of spending time on inappropriate sites after innocently clicking a link sent to me in jest by a friend from the other side of the world, or in Thailand.

Moreover, I have been hacked before, and it isn't a nice experience when all your personal information finds its way into the hands of a criminal network. A VPN helps prevent this.

thai internet law

Don’t Know What a VPN Is? Let Me Explain…

A VPN is a Virtual Private Network that secures your computer's internet connection to guarantee that all of the data you're sending and receiving is encrypted and secured from prying eyes.

Without a VPN in Thailand, your data can be logged, monitored, analyzed and stored by the authorities or your network administrator.

You're also at risk of being hacked or spied on by your network peers: those in your apartment complex, or at the café, airport or any other public place.

Your ISP or network administrator may also be limiting or restricting your access to certain websites and services. And then there’s the wider issue that sites you visit are probably collecting your personal data for advertising purposes.

The worrying thing about being in Thailand is living in a condo block and sharing a network with many others, a network that is sub-contracted to an amateur web guy who sells on the services of True, 3BB and alike to folks like you and I.

This means that your network administrator or condo building peers could be spying on your computer. I know this because I had someone in my building trying to connect to my Mac last month (“name wants to join your network” – no thank you!)

There are thousands of hackers living in Thailand, and your unsecured connection is easy fishing for them, especially if they have a deal going with the network manager which allows them backdoor access to the system.

And then there are those public places with free access to unsecured WiFi connections. These are prime hacking spots for hackers to gain access to your email account, online bank accounts and other confidential information.

A VPN is also an essential tool for writers, journalists, whistleblowers, forum users and anyone conducting online research, because it is a very real possibility that writing, commenting on or viewing the wrong thing online in Thailand will put you on the radar.

So for the sake of a few dollars a month, it’s an essential investment.

With a good VPN, you simply eliminate the risk or being spied on, hacked or having your data collected as you surf. You remain anonymous, closing the door on prying eyes. Period.

What's the Best VPN for Thailand?

If you’ve seen any of those review sites that list top 5 VPN’s for Thailand or similar, don’t bother.

These sites are just recommending their preferred VPNs in general. The reviews aren’t Thailand specific and they recommend pretty much the same services for each country.

Trust me, I work online and I’ve used 6 VPN services since moving to Thailand, so I know what works well here inside the Land of Smiles.

Not all VPN’s are created equally, either: There are 4 key things you need to consider:

  1. How many countries the company has servers in: This determines how many countries you can pretend to be connected in. So, while you might be staying in Thailand, you can pretend to be in Italy, for example.
  2. How fast the connection is: Some VPN’s take ages to boot up once you click on the software that you have to load once connected to the web. The better services take less than 20 seconds on average.
  3. How the VPN performs inside the country you are based in: Some just didn't work well for me in Thailand. One free service was in fact blocked by True internet.
  4. How secure your information is: Some VPN services store your browsing history and location details for lengthy periods of time, and some even share this data with government authorities. I won't use a VPN company that stores anything for more than 30 days (locally), and certainly not one that shares my information with third parties.

Here's a breakdown of the 2 VPN services that I currently use, and will work brilliantly for you while staying in Thailand:

Recommendation 1: VyprVPN

Based out of Switzerland, VyprVPN has moved into my #1 recommendation spot in the past year because the service is just superb.

It boasts 700 servers and handles data end-to-end with no third party involved. This means the highest level of privacy and security are guaranteed.

Everyone in the game knows that Switzerland is notorious for being privacy conscious.

Coverage & Ease of Use:

Vypr has solid coverage in Asia, with servers in Thailand, Singapore and Australia. The latter two I use regularly, as the speeds are very good.

Here's a screenshot of VyprVPN on my desktop/laptop:

vypr vpn dashboard

Now I'm in New York (hehe). You see the kill switch? It automatically stops all traffic if Vypr becomes disconnected. And switching on the site blocker helps you avoid malicious sites. Easy to use, self-explanatory, and very secure.

vyper-vpn-kill-switch

VyprVPN can be used across all your devices, and simultaneously too. Here's some screenshots of the VyprVPN app on my iPhone (they cater for Android devices, too):

vyprvpn app Thailand

Pricing:

VyprVPN used to be a tad more expensive than other VPN providers because they maintain all their own software and hardware, but recently that changed and, because of such high user numbers, they have brought out two new irresistible pricing plans.

If you pay for a year up front you get it far cheaper and, if you break the price down annually, I'm sure you'll agree that it's peanuts for such great cyber security.

You get a free 3-day trial on both the plans below, too.

If you don't like it, you don't have to keep it. Your card is not charged until the trial ends.

You still get the extra security features too. These may or may not mean much to you, but let me run through them quickly:

Basically, Vypr's OpenVPN gives you the option of choosing from 3 levels of encryption, and the Chameleon technology you get on the premium plan uses scrambled metadata to prevent VPN blocking, something that some VPN users are coming across more frequently these days in Thailand, China and other countries.

To date, authorities have been unable to block Vypr in Thailand under any circumstance — it even gets past the great China firewall, if you decide to visit there.

The cloud feature on premium gives you your own dedicated server and IP address, which makes the service even faster.

If you want to go for Vypr, I've reduced the slight difference in price for you even more by reaching out to the owners and securing a special discount for my readers (click the pricing table below to get that special deal).

If you’re serious about protecting your privacy from the authorities and want a steel wall to hide behind, Vypr is the bulletproof option.

vypr-vpn-thailand

=> Use this link to get the Special Price above

Standard Plan:

  • $3.75 per month
  • 3 simultaneous connections
  • PPTP, L2TP/IPsec, OpenVPN 160/250
  • NAT Firewall
  • VyprDNS – Encrypted, Zero-Knowledge DNS

Premium Plan:

  • $5.00 per month
  • 5 simultaneous connections
  • PPTP, L2TP/IPsec, OpenVPN 160/250, Chameleon
  • VyprVPN Cloud access
  • NAT Firewall
  • VyprDNS – Encrypted, Zero-Knowledge DNS

=> Click here to trial VYPR VPN

Recommendation 2: HideMyAss

Based in the UK, the Hidemyass network just keeps growing and growing. It's reliable and super easy for non-techies to use, but because of this lacks that cool kill switch and auto-malicious sites blocker that Vypr boasts.

Some don't like the idea that HMA is based in the UK because they assume HMA passes logs to the UK government, but despite the rumors this isn't true.

They keep username, timestamp, and IP for 60-90 days and then delete it. They DO NOT store details of, or monitor, the resources (including websites) you connect to or any of the data sent or received over the network when using the VPN service.

Coverage & Ease of Use:

HMA has got 865 servers in 193 countries around the world, and recently added a ton of USA servers and more in France and Australia – bringing the total number of IP address to 116,000+.

There's also a server in Thailand and every other country in the region, so you can pretend to be in Thailand even when you aren't here. Here's a screenshot of my desktop HMA dashboard:

hidemyass vpn dashboard

It’s super-fast and can be used across multiple devices, so you can install it on your mobile and tablet devices, and that of your partner’s too.

To use Hidemyass, you simply load the software on your computer, or the app on your phone or tablet, select the country you want to hide in and press connect.

Here's some screenshots of the HMA app on my iPhone (they cater for Android too):

hidemyass vpn app thailand

Pricing:

Price wise, HMA is coming in a little more expensive than Vypr these days. The extra is for the infrastructure: they have 940+ VPN servers, located in 340+ locations, across 190+ countries, with a total of 120000+ IP addresses. That's a lot of ways to stay anonymous!

HMA-pricing-thailand-vpn

Recommendations in Summary

  • Both companies are based in Europe: HMA in the UK and VyprVPN in Switzerland. This means they don't have to pass user data activity to the authorities like US-based VPN companies do. This fully protects your privacy.
  • Both are military grade encrypted. You cannot be recognized, anywhere!
  • Both work very well in Thailand, due to the volume of available servers scattered around the world.
  • Both are super easy to use: simply download the software (desktop) or app (mobile), boot up, choose your location and start surfing anonymously.

VPN in a Nutshell

A VPN is essential for avoiding hackers, and for browsing and downloading files anonymously. If you often access your bank accounts online while abroad, it will also provide an additional layer of security against the bad guys.

A VPN lets you conceal your personal information and your location (IP address) online from snooping by your internet service provider. This means they can't pass your information to local and foreign authorities.

Furthermore, you can also watch and read restricted content without it being blocked by the Thai authorities. Additionally, you can bypass territorial restrictions on Netflix, Amazon, BBC iPlayer, etc., and stream movies and series from wherever you are.

>Click to visit VyprVPN<

>Click to visit Hidemyass<

Last Updated on

Comments Sort by : newest | oldest

  1. Wayne says

    Hi, great to find this review as I will be running my e-commerce business from Thailand soon. Also being from the UK I will want to watch English TV channels. I'm not sure how old this blog is, so is VYPR still the number 1 VPN you would recommend for Thailand in 2019?Thanks
    Reply

  2. Mary says

    I am wanting to move to Thailand soon but I work online. Should I be worried about Thailand’s online laws if I am using a VPN. Will they detect if I am streaming or doing other things? Will a VPN protect me from getting in trouble?
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Generally I use my VPN as much as possible: for online banking, streaming football, etc. For me the legal side is a concern but not a huge one because I don't really visit naughty sites or get into online debates about sensitive subjects. Security is the biggest concern for me, particularly condo internet systems where everyone is sharing a central connection off the same router, and connections in public places like coffee shops. A VPN is inexpensive and totally worth having.
      Reply

  3. Colin Chepstow says

    I am a bit of a tech novice and surprisingly found VYPR very easy to use. I installed it on my desktop first and explore the settings on one side they mastered I installed it on my Android phone. I feel much better about checking my online bank accounts now. Best, Colin.
    Reply

  4. Andrew P says

    HI,I have just started to use a VPN similar I suppose to the VPN providers above but they cannot bypass the UK blockers at BBC iPlayer or Netflix UK. Have tried all the UK servers and they get blocked. Message from BBC says "You are using a VPN blocker or ..."So the UK are introducing restrictions.Do you know how to overcome these blockers?
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Some VPN providers are unable to bypass the blocks, or occasionally the media companies find a way to detect the VPN and block it - only for the VPN company to tweak their infrastructure and bypass it again. One thing to consider is that nor all VPN companies own their own infrastructure. Many of them are using third-party infrastructure to run the service. So if one of the third parties they use is having a problem bypassing a service such as the BBC or Netflix, then they will be affected until the third parties able to solve the problem.this is why my top recommendation is VYPR. They own all their own infrastructure. For example, they are one of the few VPN providers that has repeatedly been able to overcome the China firewall system. Each time the Chinese implement a block, VYPR usually the quickest overcome it.Last night I watched the third episode of Better Call Saul on Netflix on my VPN, without an issue. I just tested BBC iPlayer no problem there either. I suggest you contact the provider and complain about this. If they can't fix the problem then switch providers.It may be the case that the platform you are using has different levels of security. For example, without getting too technical you may be able to switch between OpenVPN and L2TP/IPSec. This may make a difference and solve the problem. I would contact them about this.
      Reply

  5. Simon says

    I recently signed up with HMA, and it seems to work well, however Netflix detects the VPN and blocks me streaming and the National lottery in the UK also detected I was on a VPN and blocked me buying a ticket. I have followed all the instructions on the HMA website and even contacted the online support but to no avail. Have you managed to use Netflix? I hadn't realised that the content visible changes with location, so some movies are not available in Thailand. I have connected to the recommended server in Long Island, cleared my cache, set my clock to NY time etc but it still detects the VPN.
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Simon,I'm not currently using HMA but I still have it so I ran a test. It works.Try these steps:1. Clear cache and cookies from your browser. Delete browsing history. 2. Open a private browser tab (on Chrome it is called incognito) 3. If on mobile (tablet or smartphone) disable location services 4. Try using the Liberty Island servers, test both 1 and 2. 5. Try alternative servers. 6. If still no joy, click here to follow these steps to diagnose the issue. Select your operating system at the top of the page.
      Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      It means that you can set the VPN to connect automatically when it detects that you have connected to an untrusted WIFI connection: so that could be in a cafe, airport or any public place. You can configure the places you trust by hovering over the ? sign and clicking on the configure link. Once this is set up, simply turn the button/switch on and it will connect automatically when it detects an unsecure connection that might be a potential security risk.
      Reply

  7. gego says

    Dear mate! Thanks for this report. will use vpn soon too. What can be used for safe email sending, as I use outlook. Is a software existing that protect my emails too but still using outlook? Thank you.Gego
    Reply

    • James E says

      A VPN will protect emails but only until they come out of encryption at the VPN server you're using. Otherwise it depends on what email server you use. The big ones like outlook.com and gmail encrypt your emails from the source to their servers (using a VPN essentially double-encrypts them) but other servers may or may not by default. The best way to check is to look at your email setup in outlook and see if the parameters are using "SSL" to send and receive.Keep in mind that encryption is only sender to server. Google, et al will usually read your emails to expand your data graph and use the information to send you targeted advertising. If the recipient is not using an encrypted server then them downloading or reading your email will put it in the clear.
      Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      You would still have to pay for the VPN service on the router, regardless. Many VPN providers have a way for you to install the software on the router. You can do this with the VYPR router app.
      Reply

      • James E says

        Using the router is convenient in terms of having an unlimited number of devices that can connect through it rather than the 2 or 5 or whatever number come with your VPN subscription. However, you will lose some flexibility when you need to appear as if you are someplace other than where you are. For example, my bank website prefers that I'm in North America so when in Thailand I connect to an NA server to do banking. But for day-to-day browsing, etc. I use the Thai server as it's local and the connection speed is a bit faster. The location spoofing can also help if you stream media content.That being said I'm not sure what would happen if you ran a VPN through a VPN on your router. I'm sure it would be slower but might still work.Lastly, VPN on a router is more complicated than on a PC or app. You have to manually set everything like server, protocol, and connection properties where on a PC or app it's just click and go.
        Reply

  12. Leslie Reilly says

    G'day mate, thanks for the great info. Signed up to Vypr and its up and running. I'm no tech head, but as long as it shows it's up and running, my search engines automatically get funneled through Vypr is that correct? Thanks again, Les.
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      The thing that puts me off them is that they are based in a the USA, or US-CI-A :). Orlando, FloridaTheir parent company is on the Caribbean island of Nevis. Though this still doesn't sit well with me considering its US relations. They keep billing records on file, but claim not to log any traffic data.
      Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      PIA is not a bad service, though coverage is not as good as VYPR, and it's based in the US - which puts people off because of concerns over logging (though it claims to be logless). It doesn't have a server in Thailand, which I need. It has one in Japan and one in Singapore though. It's fairly priced
      Reply

  16. Icy says

    Hi I am not at all techy but wondering if you could help. I was given a fire stick in the UK which could give me access to all UK channels. It won't connect to our router. Do I need a VPN router or is there a way I can set it all up just with a VPN? If I need a VPN router any idea where I can get one? Thanks in advance.
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      If it is a second generation Firestick running version 2.19 or more then you can install a VPN on it and connect to the UK. You can use VYPR VPN but I'd contact them about it because if you're not familiar with the process it might be a bit of a hassle.
      Reply

    • James says

      I also tried PureVPN. It's a bit less expensive and has the same number of connections but I ran into all sorts of instability issues so quit that and got on Vypr. From my experience the key things to look for are: Server locations - you want to be able to appear to be in the places you need to be, Stability - utmost importance - When Vypr runs into a problem it's lights out, warning up, and everything is safe. When I was using PureVPN it would crash but still appear that it was working regardless of the kill switch settings. And, who owns the servers. With the major companies, Vypr, Pure, etc, the people you give your money to also own and manage the servers your data runs through. With the free VPN services they are a network of dedicated volunteers providing the servers out of the goodness of their own hearts. Which is all well and good but with (2n+1) different operators and architectures and connections you won't get the same speed, stability, and security you're probably hoping for.
      Reply

  18. John Keast says

    Can both VPNs be configured into routers, so that when the router is turned-on, a vpn is automatically created for all devices connected to the router? I don't want to use a PC to login into the service. How is the default location determined in the vpns?Next, I have a yoka tv kb2 box running Kodi and other apps connected directly to an internet modem. Can it be auto-configured to automatically to connect to a correct country server, so that I get the content. For example hulu needs USA server but others need a UK server. Do have to manually use a PC to the select the server location?Have you tried unlocator from Thailand? Could you try it and let us know how it is?Have you tried IPvanish? does it work well in Thailand?
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi John, this is certainly possible with the VYPR router app. You can extend protection to all the devices by configuring it on your home network. You can also set the server location too: https://www.goldenfrog.com/vyprvpn/vpn-routerI don't use unlocator because the VPNs I use are able to bypass all the streaming services anyway. I wouldn't use IPvanish because it is US based.
      Reply

  24. Paul says

    I read a review published in 2016 that suggested that vypr didn't work with BBC iPlayer or skyGo.. This would be a deal breaker for me. Do you have any experience accessing these services from Thailand over VPN? Thanks
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Paul, I just tested my VYPR on BBC iPlayer with no issue. I have sent you an email with a screenshot. As for Sky Go, I don't use it, but it does work. They had an issue in late 2016 with Sky Go accounts in Italy and Switzerland I think it was. This was resolved. Occasionally these issues arise due to changes with the third party companies, but they tend to solve them very quickly.
      Reply

  28. Linda B says

    Love your blog/site, TTL!!!! Will be traveling to Thailand next July and am looking to retire there. I am now eagerly devouring all your valuable information here. Do you have any experience with Silent Circle and how would you compare it with your VPN recommendations?
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Linda, from what I can see Silent Circle is not technically a VPN service. You can either buy their Blackphone with the software on it or run the software on your phone, as opposed to connecting to a VPN app as and when you need it. There's a number of upgrades available for business users too. It's certainly interesting though and I'm looking into it further.
      Reply

  29. Robert says

    I began using ExpressVPN as my first attempt at using VPN's, and noticed that my 3BB speed of 19mbps drops drastically. After I log in, which is very quick, my speed drops from 19 to a speed between 2 and 4mbps. I read your content above in the hopes to find a solution to my problem as I'm also in Thailand. I access servers in the USA to access my cable channels.When you use your VPN's, does this happen to you as well? I'm just curious...if it doesn't, then I'll definitely switch to the one's you recommended.Please let me know.
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      The drop off shouldn't be that drastic, but this is why it's important to have access to a lot of servers in different places, so that you can find the fastest one. I pretty much always use the fastest server available for minimal drop-off, unless I need to appear in a specific location for research purposes. VYPR has a really handy dashboard in that respect, which lets you choose the fastest server with one click. Great on mobile too through their app.
      Reply

    • Richard says

      I too started using ExpressVPN recently. I noticed a substantial drop in speed as well, but I suspect that many of the speed tests are not all that accurate as I sometimes get wildly different results from different tests at the same time.That said, I seem to get the best speeds by using servers in Singapore and Hong Kong for my regular surfing and only those in the US when I need to.
      Reply

  30. Daniel Morris says

    An American in Thailand says: VITAL INFORMATION. I thank you for passing this on. I was unaware of even the existence of VPNs...but am now a fervent convert and apostle of the importance of VPNs. Great and wonderful site!
    Reply

  31. Margo says

    Thanks for this great blog. I'm looking to install a VPN on my home wifi router so that all of our devices including internet TV, AppleTV etc can be connected. Are you able to point me to any guidelines on how to do this in Thailand, including whether I will likely need to buy a new router to replace the True device? Thanks in advance for your help.
    Reply

  32. Murph Ferguson says

    Great info,I would like to know how long 3BB keeps my browsing history. I'll start using a VPN tomorrow, so I'm good from now on. But how much previous browsing can the spooks sift through, using 3BB. Do they keep it for 1 year? 6 months? I hope with your contacts you can find this info out. I can't find it on the web.Thanks
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      From what I know, those considered "a risk" or to be downloading illegal content may have been monitored since 2013 under the "snooping initiative. However, in 2015/2016 the internet companies are now required to keep efficient records on everyone. Over the last few months, the single gateway is being tested, particularly in Bangkok, which would explain many users experiencing strange connection behaviour such as certain websites taking ages to load and timing out, and in particular unreliable Facebook connectivity. Despite much opposition, it seems like this will be rolled out, though I don't know when. Even if it isn't, the record keeping is now much tighter due to international pressure.
      Reply

  34. Richard says

    I signed up for a month with HMA and installed the software on my Mac desktop, then spent the better part of the morning trying to log on to one of their servers. I finally contacted the help desk and they told me my brand-new router from CAT was not compatible with a VPN and that I would have to purchase a new router.I think your readers should be aware of this before going ahead with a VPN provider.I would also like to mention that one of the reasons I selected HMA is because of the good-looking interface you showed. Their dashboard really looks impressive. Well...on my Mac there is no such thing! Only a little window to turn on or off the VPN and select from a long list of countries. Not very helpful!
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hey Richard, I've never experienced a problem with a router and I've used HMA all over Thailand on all kinds of connections. Router's are pretty inexpensive so shouldn't be a massive deal. Perhaps CAT are supplying a router with a block on VPNs as part of this initiative with the single gateway to track everyone's activity -- even more reason to get a new router in my opinion. This might actually have done you a favour long term.In terms of the dashboard, I use MAC too. It's the same dashboard on every MAC. Feel free to drop me an email with a screenshot of what you are seeing. info at thethailandlife.com. Cheers!
      Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Richard, this is one of the key differences in the better providers who continually work to optimize speeds, but also note that some VPN services just don't work well inside Thailand, which is why I've tested a fair few over the years. The difference on VYPR and HMA in speed to a standard connection is minimal. It might take longer to load on certain sites, but generally I don't even notice it is on. Of course, when on mobile there are certain areas in Thailand where connectivity is poor, and having the VPN on exacerbates this.
      Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Yes, with a VPN, you boot it before you start browsing. Once connected, you are secure. If you tether from the connection that i encrypted by the VPN, the tethered device will also be secure because it is using that connection.
      Reply

  38. Paul says

    Hi I have been retired in Thailand now for 4 years and are using 3bb,have been having issues with paypal in north America ,they are saying that it is against there policy to be making purchases while being in thailand,after being a customer for 11 years,funny I have made over 300 transactions with ebay and they are now catching on,they have looked up my ip address,I am really considering getting hma,I am just uncertain and don't want to break any thai laws using this download,is this 100% within thai laws?
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Sid, it's just a portable router. They can be handy if you are travelling in a group because you can connect to an Internet source and make it a WiFi hotspot, which allows multiple devices to connect at once. That said, if you have an unlimited 4G package, multiple devices could tether off that connection.
      Reply

  41. tom says

    Hi Keith,I'm glad I ran across your article - very informative. I'm relatively knew to Thailand (moved here 7 months ago) and am looking for security as well as a virtual phone for folks back in the USA to reach me through.There are a few differences between HMA & VyprVPN that I ran discovered while purchasing:1. VyprVPN allows more simultaneous connections - as long as everyone is in the same geographical location (the Terms of Service state otherwise). This means that when I travel outside Thailand, my wife and I can not enjoy VPN protection at the same time.HMA will allow 2 simultaneous connections regardless of where you are.2. VyprVPN 12 months, one shot payment is $120 USD, HMA is (as of tonight) is $78.66 USD. Interesting though, the link in this article brought me to a more expensive page. A search on HMA Pro took me to the 5.99 price.Hopefully, this information will be of use to those who travel outside the country. I went with HMA!Pro for that reason.Thanks again for the great information.
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Tom, Glad the post could help. Just a couple of corrections to your comments:1. My friend was logged into my Vypr VPN account in China yesterday and talking to me on my Vypr connection in Thailand. He shares my login while on holiday there due to the great firewall they have.2. The current lowest HMA deal is not $5.99, it's $6.55 ( $78.66 for 12 months). I have just confirmed this with their support. The $5.99 deal was at Christmas.
      Reply

    • Tron78 says

      Google voice works well for a free phone service. I still have my account from when I lived in the states and I can now receive phone calls through hangouts on my cell phone. Free calls to an US or Canadian number and it works well enough for all my teleconference calls :)For VPN, I use AirVPN. They permit 3 connections from anywhere in the world. My daughter in TX uses one of my 3 connections and I use the other 2 here in Thailand. Loads of servers all around the world so you can appear anywhere you like.
      Reply

      • TheThailandLife says

        AirVPN is not a bad shout, but I think the dashboard is a tad old school and somewhat techie for many of my readers; compared to Vypr's it looks ancient. I also found the connection inconsistent in Thailand. Good call on Google Voice (no pun intended!)
        Reply

  42. Ken says

    Great article! I have never really felt the need to bother with a VPN in the past here in the States, and only vaguely considered it in Thailand, but after reading this I will definitely be using one when back in Thailand. And I don’t even plan on doing anything online that would raise any red flags anywhere but the possible consequences of making an honest mistake just seem to severe to risk right now.
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      I think VPNs are fast becoming the norm in many countries anyway, simply because people value their privacy. Moreover, VPNs provide an extra layer of security when online in cafes and public areas. For example, I visited a cafe in a mall the other day. I asked for the WIFI password and was told there wasn't one. It was an open connection. It really wouldn't take much for the right person with the right know-how to exploit this opportunity.
      Reply

  43. sidney leonard says

    I am test-driving vyprVPN and so far find it easy to use and the customer support acceptable. Thank you for your input re: same. I am definitely not tech-savvy, so I will have questions to ask of you as I use it, if you please.Another topic on which I need help follows.My wife and I will soon be moving permanently to Thailand (Hua Hin) and will be taking unlocked dual sim smart phones with us. We will be purchasing dtac or some other company sim cards here in the US and activate our phones when we arrive in Thailand. We would like to use our phones as a wifi hotspot and to tether w/computer and tablet and need to know what sim cards to purchase in order to do. Please advise. - Also do you have an opinion as to the best ISP for Hua Hin?Thank you so much for your time and expertise,
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Sid, glad to hear you have your VPN working now.I use a DTAC sim card and generally have found it very good. I tether from my phone for internet and this often turns out faster than my home internet! If you have a DTAC sim you can also use DTAC WIFI when out and about, depending on your plan.In terms of ISP. I use my condo WIFI which I pay the office for monthly. I think it's 3BB. It's not bad but not great, but then they may have a cheap package. I am planning a post that covers all the ISPs soon so I will keep you posted.
      Reply

  44. Brian says

    I have been a happy user of ExpressVPN for some time, but recently it has stopped working. I can connect to a server outside Thailand, but I can not access the Internet after the connection has been established.. Some time back I changed ISP to AIS - do you know if AIS have blocked usage of VPN? If I connect through my 4G connection (True) there's no problems
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      This sounds like it could be a local server issue. Do you have WIFI installed in your home/condo or are you using shared WIFI in a condo? Does it work again when you restart your computer? I can't say for sure about AIS.
      Reply

  45. sidney leonard says

    TheThailandLife/Peter (I'm not sure who I should address my inqueries to.First, thank you for your very prompt reply. I'm liking this blog a lot.Before I subscribe to a VPN, I want to be as knowledgeable about VPN options is as possible for this novice. So, a few more questions, if you don't mind.1.) You said that you have more than one VPN installed on you computer at the same time, so I assume I could do the same. Would it be a good idea to install a Free VPN (please recommend one) and one for pay to see if the former would suffice for my computer use? 2.) You said that either HMA and Golden Frog (VyprVPN) are your favorites for use in Thailand; are they equally easy to install and uninstall and to unsubscribe to, and can they both be installed using Windows 10 VPN settings window? Please bear in mind that I am a not particularly tech-savvy senior citizen. 3.) Does GoldenFrog (VyprVPN) work as well as HMA on US servers?I'm sure that is enough questions for now. Later I will picking your tech-savvy brain on other matters of concern as my wife and I prepare for our move to Thailan - I greatly appreciate having you and your blog as a resource for my technical education; as a former school principal, it is my goal to be a little more tech-savvy each day; I thank you for your assistance in this endeavor. Sid Leonard
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Sidney,1. I use 2 VPNs because my work is based online and I travel around a lot. Having two ensures that wherever I am I can get the fastest VPN connection I can. I also do some consultancy work where I will connect multiple devices (more than 6) on a network to VPNs and therefore I will split this between the two.2. Both are easy to use and designed for non-tech-savvy users. The interfaces are intuitive. You can cancel at any time on a month-by-month plan, but the best deals are usually when you buy a 6-month or yearly package.As a standard web user, one VPN will be adequate for you. You can trial both for free. Vypr does a 3-day free trial.I don't know what the Windows 10 VPN setting is, but I think you can probably bypass it, or just switch it to on, if necessary. As mentioned in my post, when you get one of these services, you simply download the software (desktop) or the app (on mobile), choose the location you want to appear in and connect. I've added some extra screenshots today which will give you an overview of what the dashboard of each VPN looks like.3. As of today, Vypr is working well for me all around the world, including USA, as is HMA. I actually found that on my mobile phone (4G connection) both are giving me faster speeds than my home Internet connection. This is not unusual in Thailand though because often ISP speeds are weaker than mobile.I hope this helps, and glad to be of assistance.
      Reply

  46. sidney leonard says

    สวัสดีครับPeter,First, I should state that I am a not particularly tech-savvy computer novice, so please bear that in mind when you respond to my inquires. - My Thai wife of 23 years and I will be moving to Hua Hin within a year or so, and I am doing my due diligence in preparation for our move. I have bookmarked a number of blogs and just discovered yours which seems to have certain information I have not found on any of the others; also, you strike me as being a very knowledgeable, plain-talker. I like your style and would like to avail myself of your Thai expertise in a number of areas, the first of which is my concern about secure use of my computer while in Thailand, particularly my online banking (bill paying, transferring funds from US to our Thailand bank account, etc.). I have read all you have written here about VPN and have a couple of questions: 1. Can I install HMA on my Windows 10 OS using the built-in format in settings, or must I download the app from the HMA website? 2. Are you familiar with GoldenFrom VPN, and, if so, what is your opinion of same? 3. Is there a FREE VPN that you consider good enough for home use? 4. Can I install a VPN here in the US (CA) and use both here and in Hua Hin? - Thank you or any assistance you can give me in this matter. Sid Leonard
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Sid,Welcome to TTL.HMA provide a lightweight piece of software (program) that you download to your computer, and an app that you install on any mobile devices you have. When you want to connect to the VPN, you simply boot up the program or app, choose the location you want to appear (hide) in and click connect.Your message is very timely because this morning I have updated the post to include Goldenfrog (which is VyprVPN). I have been trialling the service for the last 3 months because they have great server coverage and offer some advanced privacy features. It's as good as HMA and I am using both going forward. I previously recommended Cyberghost for basic users but the service has become somewhat unreliable in the last 6 months, which is why I trialled alternatives.Lastly, yes, you can use the VPN wherever you are based. However, bear in mind that some VPNs just don't work that well (poor connectivity) in certain countries because they have limited coverage. Both of these work a treat inside Thailand, and will do so from the US too, where they have multiple servers in different states.All the best with your move to a Hua Hin. I have been there a number of times. It's a delightful town.
      Reply

  47. Jay says

    Great write up. i'm in the market of getting a VPN shortly. I've been using VyprVPN on their free plan for the last few weeks.I also tried Ghost after reading your review - although only on the free plan, it was horrid compared to VyprVPN on thier free plan.Have you tested VyprVPN? I'm curious to see the difference between VyprVPN and HMA.
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      I tested VyprVPN and it's great; works well from here in Thailand. You're right, Cyberghost has gotten slower. Remember though that free plans usually limit performance anyway by restricting bandwidth. I still use HideMyAss too because it is so damn reliable.
      Reply

  48. Buck says

    I have been in Thailand for a few weeks now and am using ExpressVPN which seems to working ok. However, I just had a client contact me and there admin website was hacked and the password changed to Swaneeboomrxy123 so it's pretty easy to guess where the hack originated from. Are they using some type of key logger or something? I may or may not have had my VPN running (there were a couple times I turned it off when sending/receiving Outlook Mail). Are there any other security holes I should plug other than using a VPN? Thanks.
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      I can't see why they would hack your client's site. The gov will be monitoring use but not hacking in. It was most likely a coincidence and a hacker made easy work of a plugin security flaw in Wordpress, or was successful in a brute force attack because of a weak username and PW combination. There are a lot of hackers operating out of Thailand, so that could be the reason for the name used. Be careful when using open WIFI networks here, like those in many cafes. There are guys who hack the local router and then sit in the cafe all day accessing each person's computer that logs on. Run a test on your computer for a keylogger just in case.
      Reply

  49. Chris says

    Hi, I use Outlook to manage my mail on my computer and Expressdata services for my email address. I use a VPN but am now finding that I can't send emails out through Outlook though I receive them fine. When I called Expressdata to ask for help they said the problem lies with my ip address and that I should contact my ISP provider to sort the problem. The problem also occurs when my VPN is turned off. I'm not sure that if by contacting the ISP they can find out that I'm using a VPN and if so, whether they may have objections to that.
    Reply

  51. Jon says

    I use ProXPN, which offers a limited free service for trail, I pay about $10 a year and get about 30 locations (they just expanded it quite a bit) but lately found that all of them run really slowly and I'm wondering if this is because an ISP can notice when you are surfing anonymously and therefore throttle the bandwidth, I eventually managed to access the page I was looking for, it was a page that the govt definitely don't want me to see, and when I tried accessing other normal news sites it was slow and when I typed in dailymail.co.uk which is banned was surprisingly was taken to the ICT 'blocked' page even when using a VPN, what's that all about? So, to be sure, when using a VPN app to dial in, the ISP absolutely can't see the url I was accessing, right?
    Reply

  52. Matthew says

    I am looking at moving to TH and I need to work online via VPN and remote desktop back to the US. Once the VPN is fired up, how is your connectivity back to the states? In the EU the infrastructure is pretty solid in most places but I have heard to many horror stories about the quality of service in TH...BTW, thanks for the post :)
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      The majority of connections are slower than I experience back home, but still fast enough and some as good. I go to a few co-working spaces where the internet is super fast and download speeds second to none. Sure, occasionally you get a cafe or hotel connection that is terrible, but it's just a case of getting the best you can for home and knowing the places close by that have the best connections when you want to venture out. It's worth bearing in mind that upcountry is bound to be worse than the big cities.When I hit a cafe or hotel with a bad connection I just teather on my DTAC 4g and it's good enough to work with.In terms of using a VPN in Thailand, Hide My Ass works a fine on the US servers they provide. I'm based in Bangkok and I use it regularly here.
      Reply

  53. Sandra Piers says

    I’ve been using Ivacy VPN for a while for torrenting. Except for a few glitches which the support guys fixed straight away, the service works fine. Previously they were offering volume-based packages, now they are offering monthly, semi-annually and annual subscriptions which is a I think an improvement. Does HMA have P2P optimized servers in Switzerland?
    Reply

  54. Nat says

    Hi Keith,May we also suggest to your readers the benefits of installing VPN on the WiFi router?1. Connect many WiFi devices to VPN using a single account 2. All devices are secured all the time 3. Convenience 4. Stability 5. Any WiFi device can connect even those that can't normally install VPN (eg., AppleTV, Roku, SmartTV, security camera, etc.)You readers can search tutorials on how to do this by upgrading router firmware to DD-WRT or Tomato and integrating the VPN on the router (note risk to "bricking" router). Or try www.freedomrouters.com for plug and play routers. We support CyberGhost as well.Thank you, Nat
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Keith,They are quite different. A proxy is browser based and is only as secure as the server providing the proxy. HTTP traffic is not encrypted, so government surveillance systems and your ISP can still see what you are doing. If connected through HTTPS (SSL) then traffic cannot be monitored, but the IP of the HTTPs website can still be logged.A VPN encrypts all of your traffic, replacing your ISP and routing ALL traffic through the VPN server, including all programs and applications. It also used the benefits of the VPN server such as Speed, Geopgraphic Location and Security.
      Reply

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