Internet has evolved by leaps and bounds in the last five or so years here in Thailand. About eight years ago dial-up was about the best there was to be had. Today I see promised speeds of 12Mbps which I think some people get and then others don't. Some people are lucky to even get dial-up speeds or worse from some of these services. Streaming video has become a reality here with a good solid 2Mbps you can stream most content. I really like watching reruns of Gilligans Island while I am here in Thailand.

Signing up for internet service can be an experience in itself. If you are here on a short term visa like 30 days you will probably need a Thai friend or your landlord to get you set up with service. If you have a more permanent visa then signing up probably won't be a problem. Below I will include some of the more popular ISP's and from my research will rate them in the table below.

If you don't have to have internet in your home then you could use any of the thousands of internet shops in Pattaya. Most of the internet shops will allow you to use your own laptop if you wish. Away from the tourist areas cost for one hour is only 20 to 30 Baht per hour. Many of the bars around town also feature free WIFI for their patrons.

Most popular ISP's in Thailand ADSL and Cable       3bb Broadband Good value sometimes blazingly fast sometimes slow Triple T Again good value, good service. Cat Telecom Public Company Ltd Most reliable, if you have to depend on a solid connection True Internet   Banglamung CATV internet   Buddy B Broadband   Jasmine Internet Co   Ksc Commercial Internet Co. Ltd   Loxley Information Company Ltd.   TOT Sometimes your only choice, maybe they have improved? Wireless Hutch GPRS   not rated yet DTAC Pretty good speed for over the air internet AIS Good value, mostly slow, good alternative if you have no fixed line.

Cost will vary depending on speed and quality of the service. Most of the ISP's offer premium packages which during peak usage times may give you closer to their promised speed. During peak usage times an 8meg non premium service may be slower than say the 2meg premium service. I have also heard the opposite where one person has the cheapest package and it is faster than someone that pays much more, so I hate to say that luck has allot to do with it.

Service providers don't have access to all areas. You should live within 2 to 3 Km of a telephone switch for a good connection. If there is no telephone or cable service then you can still opt for satellite internet service but it does cost more.

To establish an account the following documents will probably be needed:

Computers cost about the same here as they do in California (after tax) so if your coming here for just a holiday bring a computer with you. Don't expect to get a big discount on computers here to bring back home. If you intend to stay long term here then by all means buy it here. I always say buy it where you use it. There are many computer shops here in Pattaya, most notably Tucom on South Pattaya Road being the largest. Tucom is run like a department store with many independent vendors providing services. Not all of these vendors are the same, but for the most part I have had pretty good luck buying from them. At Tucom you can mix and match components or opt to buy a ready made system.

Another option is Wantana Computers on Central Pattaya Road across from Food Land. They are geared more for business needs than Tucom, but are all to happy to serve the home user as well. I believe there prices to be slightly more than the vendors at Tucom but their reputation is top shelf. If I were a dummy with computers I would personally choose Wantana.