1. Top 3 at a glance
2. Best Thailand VPN overall
3. Best VPN with antivirus
4. Best cheap VPN
5. Best of the rest
6. How to pick a Thailand VPN
7. FAQs
Since the 2006 military coup d'état, online censorship and surveillance have been growing year by year in Thailand. From solely adult content, restrictions are now targeting government's criticism in all its forms. The situation got even worse following the 2020 pro-democracy protests, with authorities increasingly arresting and harassing dissidents. That's why get one of the best VPN services for Thailand is a very good idea—whether you live in or just passing by.
A virtual private network (VPN) is security software that spoofs your real IP location to make you appear as if you're browsing from an entirely different country in no time. This allows you to access the open internet or stream your favorite TV series and sport matches as you would do at home. It even encrypts all the traffic leaving your device to secure your anonymity against the government's prying eyes.
VPNs aren't made equal, though. Yet, experts at TechRadar have 15 years of experience in trying and testing a ton of security software to recommend only the best. Keep reading as I've compared the security features, performance, usability, and unblocking power of the industry's top names, and shortlisted my top five Thailand VPN services on the market right now.
Today's top 3 best Thailand VPNs:
In a hurry? Check out today's three best Thailand VPNs.
Recent updates
We periodically review the content of our buying guide to ensure all information is up-to-date and reflects the changing VPN industry and global need for digital privacy. During the latest round of updates, we included adjustments to the overall on-page structure and layout, but the provider rankings remained the same.
The best Thailand VPNs in 2024
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See how my top picks for Thailand performed in my most recent tests, and what I liked (and disliked) about each provider.
The best Thailand VPN overall
✔️ You want easy-to-use apps: ExpressVPN's apps have a fresh and modern design that's easy to navigate, even if you're totally new to the world of VPNs.
✔️ You want access to international content: thanks to a broad network of servers across 105 countries and great unlocking track record, you'll have no trouble unblocking content at home and on holiday.
✔️ You need a VPN you can trust: ExpressVPN sets the bar for security, with regular audits and a no-logs policy that ensures your information is always in safe hands.
❌ You're on a tight budget: ExpressVPN is a pricey option, and though it's stuffed with features, you might want to check out Surfshark for a more affordable alternative.
❌ You need a full security suite: ExpressVPN is a solid service that focuses on being the best VPN, but it does lack a built-in antivirus solution.
🔒 ExpressVPN is my top pick for Thailand right now due to its great care of privacy and security, vast server network and user-friendly applications. See why it claimed the #1 spot with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Head on over to our ExpressVPN review for a more in-depth look at the industry's top dog.
There are many reasons why ExpressVPN keeps being our favorite VPN for Thailand, and best overall.
For starters, the provider boasts helpful 24/7 live chat support across powerful user-friendly apps for all the major platforms—its own VPN router Aircove included. It boasts a great unblocking record, too, whether that's for accessing censored sites or streaming catalogs. We also praise its commitment to transparency, counting 11 independent audits in 2022 alone.
► Try ExpressVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Express' network coverage includes over 3,000 speedy international servers dotted across 105 countries worldwide. Some of these are physically located in Thailand, meaning you can safely browse the internet locally during your stay. It even integrates obfuscated servers for extra security and reliability.
Looking at its features, it is evident the provider's commitment to users' privacy and security. Our favorites include a no-logs privacy policy, enterprise-grade AES-256 encryption, numerous protocols to choose from (including its very own speedy and open-source Lightway protocol), a kill switch on most platforms plus IPv6 leak protection. A new ad and adult-site was also launched with its last feature-packed update, adding on the advanced protection offering started off with its anti-malware tool Threat Manager. The latter finally landed on Windows, too.
Speed-wise, we were happy to see its top speeds improved during our last review (from 560 to 750Mbps with Lightway). Despite this still not matching the fastest software, it's more than enough to enjoy quick connections across the board, and even stream 4k content.
Talking about content unblocking, it delivered brilliantly with all the streaming platforms we tried last time we checked. These include the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ and even BBC iPlayer. This means you'll be able to stay up-tp-date with all your favorite content during your stay in Thailand.
Anyway, you don't need to take our word for granted with its 30-day money-back guarantee. There's even a special offer for TechRadar readers only...
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Apps are fresh and fun, no matter which device you're using | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Features are easy to find and use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | A speedy provider, but slower than NordVPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more with ease | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Packed with security features and robust encryption | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | 24/7 live chat support never disappoints | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | A pricey pick, but feature-rich | ⭐⭐⭐ |
The best Thailand VPN with antivirus
✔️ You want a solid all-rounder: with a long list of features and tough encryption, NordVPN is the total package—and won't break the bank.
✔️ You value connection speed: NordVPN currently tops my list of the fastest VPNs, making it ideal for streaming, gaming, torrenting, and hopping into video calls.
✔️ You appreciate dedicated IP option: either you're a business or individual, you can enjoy the perks of a fixed IP with the security of a VPN for an extra tiny fee
❌ Simplicity is everything: The NordVPN apps have a sleek design, but the map-based interface can be tricky to use on smaller screens.
❌ You use port forwarding: it allows for optimized connections, faster downloads and improved overall torrenting performance, which Express VPN offers.
🔒 NordVPN is the perfect blend of functionality, performance, price, and security. Put its 30-day money-back guarantee to good use and see why it's such a close runner-up.
Visit our NordVPN review for a deeper dive into the provider's all-in-one security solution.
A reliable, fast and privacy-focused experience across all major platforms is what you'll get by downloading NordVPN on your device. It's also one of the top VPN providers, together with ExpressVPN and Surfshark, to have been recognized as a secure and ethical product.
Our favorite features include double kill switches, DNS leak protection, and a Double VPN which encrypts your internet traffic twice. Its new addition Meshnet is also ideal for those digital nomads working in Thailand who want to secure their workload across multiple devices. Even better, the new feature is now free of charge for all users.
▶ Try NordVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
An impressive network includes over 6,000 servers across 61 countries worldwide. Some of those are physically located in Thailand as well as some neighboring countries like Malaysia and Vietnam. Plus, its obfuscated servers are specifically configured to bypass network firewalls in countries with the toughest restrictions. This makes it even easier to bypass the government's censorship.
Unblocking geo-restricted content with ease is another point in favor for the Lithuanian provider. NordVPN can indeed be used as a reliable Netflix VPN or BBC iPlayer VPN, as well as with virtually all other streaming platforms around.
Its speeds were also very impressive last time we checked. It matched, in fact, the #1 fast VPN Surfshark with peaks of 950+Mbps with WireGuard.
To be honest, we aren't huge fans of its map-based interface on mobile. We also found its browser extensions pretty basic. However, its speedy 24/7 live chat support is super useful in case you run into some issues. Again, you can try out NordVPN yourself for 30 days risk-free.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Apps look great, but can feel busy on some devices | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Most features are easy to find and use, though the map interface can be off-putting | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | The quickest VPN I've tested | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Unblocks a wealth of content via Netflix and more | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Tough encryption, double kill switch, and transparent audits | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Live chat support is quick to respond and professional | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Low-cost plans pack a lot of value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The best cheap Thailand VPN
✔️ You are on a tight budget: Surfshark is a low-cost provider that holds its own against its premium counterparts—for a fraction of the price.
✔️ You have a lot of devices: secure all of your favorite gadgets, and your friends and family's devices, with unlimited simultaneous connections.
✔️ You need an inexpensive security suite: just like NordVPN, Surfshark comes with a stacked roster of privacy-enhancing tools.
❌ You need an infallible kill switch: I was able to break the Surfshark kill switch on Windows during my testing. This probably won't happen in real life, but is still a concern.
❌ You need advanced customization options: for specific features that are not available in Surfshark, we advise looking into NordVPN.
🔒 Surfshark's blazing speeds, great unlocking power and unlimited device allowance prove that a premium VPN doesn't need to come with a premium price tag. See why it's my favorite budget option with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
For more details and insight into this bargain VPN, visit our Surfshark review.
The best cheap VPN out there, Surfshark is anything but low in performance. Plus, its easy-to-use apps are perfect for those new to the VPN world.
As one of the secure VPNs, it offers an impressive list of features including a DNS leak protection, kill switch and an AES-256 encryption with double-hop for extra safety. Powered by its innovative Nexus technology, an IP rotator and Dynamic MultiHop option to make it even harder to track your online activities. Its security suite Surfshark One with a newly added Alternative ID tool is also ideal to secure your digital life on all fronts.
▶ Try Surfshark with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark boasts more than 3,200 international servers spread across 100 countries, Thailand included. For better security and unlocking results, we recommend switching on its obfuscation option (here called Camouflage mode). Its No Borders feature is also handy to navigate in restricted online spaces as it connects you to the servers performing the best under network disruptions by default. For an extra fee, you now ask a Dedicated IP, too, for extra VPN usability.
Surfshark's unblocking capabilities are quite impressive, too. From Netflix and Hulu to iPlayer and Peacock, it managed to unlock everything we tried last time we checked.
Its top speeds were also amazing (950+Mbps), as the provider confirmed itself among the fastest VPN services around when connected to the WireGuard protocol—although the results with OpenVPN were still below average.
It's worth keeping in mind that we found Surfshark's kill switch had some troubles on Windows. Despite these being observed only in extreme situations, they are still worth considering. Nothing to worry about if you use it on mobile or as a reliable Mac VPN, though.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A fresh, modern design that's easy on the eyes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Straightforward and intuitive | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | A super-fast service ideal for streaming in HD | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Unblocks in-demand services from around the world | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Come with ad and malware blocking, but kill switch has issues | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Customer support is friendly and fast, though support articles could be improved | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Budget-friendly and excellent value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The best of the rest
✔️ You want a free VPN without limits: While some free services impose harsh data caps, Proton VPN free comes with unlimited-bandwidth, 100 servers and great security.
✔️ You need advanced security: its Secure Core servers route internet traffic via multiple privacy-enhancing servers in different countries for extra protection.
✔️ You're a Linux user: Proton VPN is one of a handful of services that supports Linux with a full GUI.
❌ You want the quickest VPN around: Proton VPN can handle HD streaming, but its connection speeds can't keep up with NordVPN.
❌ You rely on customer support: you'll only be able to reach the Proton VPN support team during business hours (9am to 5pm), which is a bit disappointing.
🔒 Proton VPN has made a name for itself amongst privacy purists for its watertight apps, unblocking power, and awesome free plan—so you can try it for yourself without parting with a penny.
Visit our in-depth Proton VPN review for more information about its commitment to privacy.
When it comes to users' privacy, Proton VPN shows some serious commitment. First, its apps are all independently audited and open-sourced. Its free VPN even passed from only 29 to over 100 free servers recently. The provider built its very own "world-first" censorship resistant CAPTCHA system, too, to grant access to its services without compromising users' privacy.
Proton also offers some solid security features like terrific kill switches, powerful encryption, DNS leak protection and built-in Tor support for accessing Onion sites. Even better, we couldn't find any trackers on its website nor Android VPN apps last time we checked.
▶ Try Proton VPN's unlimited free plan.
Despite a slightly smaller network—around 3,000 now across 71 countries, Thailand included—we've never found any issues regarding server overload. Paid subscribers can even connect to its Secure Core option for extra security, to reroute internet traffic via ultra-secure servers based in Iceland and prevent Thai authorities from intercepting any data. Plus, due to a partnership with Deutsche Welle, Proton now boasts special servers to access censored news content worldwide as well.
Proton is also great for bypassing any other geo-restrictions online. You can use it both as a circumventing tool to access censored sites as well as a reliable streaming VPN to watch all your favorite series during your stay. It is worth noting, though, that its top speeds dropped again last time we checked (from 510 to 460Mpbs with WireGuard). However, these results should still translate into decent connections overall.
On a negative note, Proton doesn't have a 24/7 live chat just yet. We recommend trying out its free version first and see if it's the right software for you. But, remember that you need to upgrade to its paid plans to benefit from its advanced features like P2P and streaming unlocking. All Unlimited, Family and Business subscribers at higher risk of cyberattacks can even enroll to its new Proton Sentinel program for extra security.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A sleek and stylish dark mode is the star | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Great mobile apps, but the desktop version can be complex | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | A decent performer that doesn't top our rankings | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Paid plans can unblock a ton of services and sites | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Lots of security add-ons, an audited policy, and open source apps | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Support can be patchy and hard to get hold of | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Premium plans aren't exactly cheap, but the free plan is fantastic | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
✔️ You want an easy-to-use VPN: a clean and intuitive interface makes CyberGhost VPN an excellent choice for beginners.
✔️ You need a budget VPN: around $2 USD per month makes it an excellent cheap pick.
✔️ You want more than a month to test it: CyberGhost VPN offers the longest money-back guarantee on the market at a spectacular 45 days.
❌ You need a Disney Plus VPN: in our latest round of testing, CyberGhost VPN struggled to unblock the popular streaming service.
❌ You need in-depth support: while the customer support agents are friendly and helpful, CyberGhost's support site lacks the depth on offer with PIA, ExpressVPN, and NordVPN.
🔒 CyberGhost VPN is a popular choice for beginners with easy-to-use apps and a whopping 45-day money-back guarantee.
Check out our in-depth CyberGhost VPN review to find out more about this popular VPN provider.
Keeping security and functionality at the core of its software, CyberGhost comes with easy-to-use apps and speedy live chat support to suit anyone, even beginners, seeking to boost their digital privacy at ease. Among its lengthy list of security features, we really love its Smart Rules panel which allows users to automatically connect to their preferred server every time they launch its apps.
Perhaps CyberGhost's most notable quality, though, is its vast server network. The provider offers its users an impressive choice of international servers—more than 9,200 dotted across 91 countries around the globe. To safely browse locally, you can opt for one of its 25 Thai servers—although these are virtual servers and aren't physically located in the country. For an additional fee, you can even connect to one of its Romanian-based NoSpy servers and boost your security even further.
▶ Try CyberGhost VPN's 45-day money-back guarantee
Regarding security, it ticks all the boxes with all the standard protocols like OpenVPN and 256-AES encryption. Plus, with a no-logs policy audit carried out by Deloitte, you can rest assured that information about your online activities is not stored.
We saw a bit of improvement in its unblocking power—it managed to unblock UK Netflix this time, together with other catalogs and streaming platforms like Amazon Prime and BBC iPlayer—but it still failed to do so with Disney+. Its top speeds dropped even further, though, passing from 730 to 630Mbps when connected to the WireGuard protocol.
What worries us the most is that CyberGhost's security and apps haven't been audited yet—at the time of writing, only a no-logging audit has been released. This is becoming a bigger issue as more and more providers back up the trustworthiness of their security infrastructure by having their services regularly checked.
CyberGhost is more generous when it comes to risk-free trials as it doesn't only offer an extended 45-day money-back guarantee, but you can also get a CyberGhost free trial—though this is limited to its desktop or mobile app.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Simple, intuitive, and easily customizable | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Perfect for beginners and anyone wanting a simple experience | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Decent speeds that are great for torrenting, streaming, and gaming online | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Dedicated streaming servers, but struggled to unblock Disney Plus and Netflix UK. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Fairly reliable with a third-party audit from Deloitte | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Agents are helpful, but the on-site content could be better | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Excellent value and competitive pricing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
What makes a good VPN for Thailand?
Thai authorities are actively restricting access to tons of content branded harmful to national security—from video-sharing platforms like YouTube to news content published on the likes of BBC and CNN. It then goes without saying that the first feature you should look out for in your VPN is the ability to get around blocks and other geo-restrictions.
We also recommend picking a service that offers reliable VPN obfuscation technology. As it makes your VPN traffic look like a normal connection, it guarantees better unlocking results as well as better security.
Surfshark, NordVPN, Windscribe, Hide.me and IPVanish logged the fastest time of all the VPNs we tested with a top speed of 950+Mbps.
With the government continuing to enforce lèse-majesté charges and arbitrary arrests to those criticizing the government online, top-notch security features and a watertight no-logs policy are vital here. This ensures your anonymity is protected in the best way possible.
Great speeds don't hurt, either. You should then look out for services delivering fast connections and good network coverage (especially in and around Thailand). This will allow you to enjoy reliable connections whenever you are.
We also find 24/7 live chat support to be another really valuable factor. That's because you will have the peace of mind of knowing that if you run into problems, there is a professional that's probably dealt with them before ready to help.
Thailand VPN FAQs
Are VPNs legal in Thailand?
Yes, VPNs are completely legal in Thailand. This means that you can use such a security software during your stay without being worried of breaching the law.
It is worth noting that, even though using a VPN isn't illegal, accessing prohibited content or engaging in illegal activities online is against the law. While there's no precedent of anyone being charged for using a VPN, make sure to know Thai regulations to avoid harsh fines or, in the worst cases, prison sentences.
How can I get a Thailand IP address?
Getting a Thailand IP address is really easy. Everything you need to do is connect your software to a server based inside the country's borders. All our top five best Thailand VPN recommendations have servers that provide a Thai IP - and most have servers physically located in the country. Our top pick overall is ExpressVPN.
It is worth reminding that a Thailand IP can be used only to safely browse the web locally or grant access to Thai online services from abroad. Anyone looking to bypass censorship and/or unblock foreign catalogs on streaming platforms have to to pick a server outside the country.
Why should you download a Thailand VPN?
As outlined, there are a number of reasons having a VPN for Thailand is a good idea. The ability to bypass the strict internet censorship and access the open internet is, perhaps, what most people are using a VPN in Thailand for. We also recommend using such a software to protect your online privacy, especially when you're connected to a public Wi-Fi.
Of course, another popular perk of a VPN is that you can stream live sporting events, Netflix, BBC iPlayer and more when outside the country. Great for travelers and expats especially, this allows you to access broadcasts from your home country by virtually relocating thanks to a streaming VPN.
- Read more to learn how to breach the 'Great Firewall' with the best VPN for China
Disclaimer
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
