Internet Safety, VPNs and Online Speech Rules for Residents in Phuket

VPNs

Guides say using a VPN is generally legal in Thailand, but what you do while connected must still comply with Thai law. Typical reasons are safer public wifi, remote-work access and home-country logins. Some sources warn that using a VPN to reach blocked or illegal content can itself be an offence, so treat a VPN as a privacy tool, not a licence to ignore local rules. Paying for one from Thailand can need a card that works abroad. See the banking guides.

Posting, reviews and defamation

The Computer Crime Act and criminal defamation provisions can apply to posts, and one legal guide notes that a single post may trigger both, with section 14 of the Act the most commonly invoked against foreigners. Business disputes aired in public reviews or groups are a common trigger, as are comments on sensitive topics such as the monarchy. Think before you post, avoid naming individuals, and do not share others' private information. If you receive a complaint, get legal help. See the legal help guide and the etiquette guide.

Staying safe online

• Use a VPN or your own mobile data on public wifi in cafes, airports and hotels.
• Turn on two-factor authentication, but never share one-time codes. See the scams guide.
• Beware of fake delivery, bank and visa messages.
• Keep software updated and back up important files.
• Thailand also has a data protection law for how businesses handle personal data.

Connectivity

Home fibre and mobile SIMs are covered in the SIM and internet guide, remote work in the remote work guide and apps in the essential apps guide.