If you want to bypass geo-restrictions to watch BBTV Channel 7, MCOT, Channel 3, and other Thai TV services on vacation, you will need a VPN. Geo-restrictions prevent international viewers from watching Thai TV abroad. Thai TV providers enforce these restrictions to comply with local licensing agreements. A VPN bypasses this geo-blocking by providing you with a valid Thai IP address.
The websites you visit constantly track your IP address, which means they know which country you’re in. When you connect to a VPN and get a Thai IP address, you can instantly watch Thai TV shows abroad. However, not all VPNs work to access Thai streaming services. This means you must pick a VPN carefully to watch Thai TV on vacation.
Best of all, a reliable VPN encrypts your data, meaning you get solid online privacy in addition to extra internet freedom. This stops snoopers from seeing what you do online. This is useful if you’re on vacation as there’s no telling who might be monitoring or hacking on public Wi-Fi hotspots.
Below you can see our list of the best VPNs for watching Thai TV abroad. Scroll down for in-depth summaries that will help you pick between them.
Best VPNs for Thai TV:
- NordVPN: The best all-round VPN for Thai TV. It boasts solid speeds, impressive security credentials, a no-logs policy, and the ability to unblock all kinds of Thai services abroad.
- Surfshark: Best Budget option. A security-conscious provider that works with Channel 3, ThaiPBS, and more. It keeps no logs, doesn’t limit your number of connections, and offers steady, reliable speeds.
- ExpressVPN: Strong security offering. This reliable, versatile service offers high speeds, exceptional unblocking ability, and a great range of security and privacy features.
- CyberGhost: A novice-friendly service with excellent speeds and the ability to unblock many popular Thai TV channels. It offers comprehensive security and privacy with just one click.
- IPVanish: A zero-logs VPN that’s more than fast enough for live streaming Thai TV. With no connection limits, powerful security features, and decent unblocking ability, it’s a strong choice.
- PrivateVPN: This exceptionally speedy service comes packed with security features and can unblock almost any major streaming platform. Keeps no logs at all and even works in China.
- Hotspot Shield: This quick and reliable VPN has no problems unblocking Thai streaming services abroad. Further, it offers a wide range of security features so you can watch TV online safely.
Looking for a VPN to use while living or traveling in Thailand? Check out our dedicated article on the best VPNs for Thailand. If you’re visiting Thailand for the first time, we recommend you read our guide on security and privacy online in Thailand.
How to watch Thai TV abroad using a VPN
Live streaming TV from Thailand doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, you can unblock your favorite channels and start watching in a matter of minutes.
Here’s how to watch Thai TV online overseas:
- First, decide which VPN you’d like to use and sign up (we recommend NordVPN).
- Download and install the VPN app. Most providers allow five or so connections at once, so you may as well install it on any devices you use regularly.
- Log in and connect to a server in Thailand.
- Try using a previously inaccessible Thai streaming service. You should find that it loads immediately, without any issues. If you’re still having trouble, clear your cookies and cache then reload the page. Alternatively, contact your VPN’s support team.
Which Thai TV channels can I watch free overseas?
You’re in luck: many of Thailand’s largest broadcasters allow you to watch their content online. Better still, several of their live streams are free to watch. Below, we’ve listed a few of the most popular Thai TV channels you can watch online:
There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.
- Channel 7
- MCOT
- One 31
- ThaiRath TV
- Channel 3
- ThaiPBS
How we found the best VPNs for streaming Thai TV
While you’ll see a lot of VPNs advertised, not all offer the same level of service. Many simply aren’t capable of bypassing the region-locking used by major streaming platforms. It’s not just about unblocking ability, either: a good provider should also strike a balance between speed, network size, security, and privacy.
Criteria for selecting VPNs
- Has plenty of servers to choose from including at least one in Thailand
- Provides speeds high enough for live streaming
- Can reliably unblock Thai streaming services from abroad
- Uses effectively uncrackable encryption and various other security features
- Doesn’t keep any logs that could identify you
- Offers apps for all major operating systems
To find out more about how we test and recommend VPNs please check out our VPN testing methodology article.
Best VPNs for Thai TV
Below, we’ll review the best VPNs for watching TV from Thailand in greater detail:
1. NordVPN
Jan 2023
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- Background
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
With a wealth of security and privacy features, NordVPN ensures you never have to worry about who might be watching. There’s a customizable kill switch, 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a malware-scanner to begin with, as well as obfuscated servers for another layer of privacy. NordVPN accepts three cryptocurrencies and doesn’t keep any logs. Support staff can be reached 24/7 via live chat and email.
NordVPN provides Android, iOS, MacOS, Windows, and Linux apps. It can be manually installed on select network routers, allowing you to protect all of your devices at once.
BEST VPN FOR THAI TV:NordVPN might be inexpensive, but it’s a solid option for streaming Thai TV thanks to its huge network, fast speeds, and powerful security features. It also boasts a 30-day money-back guarantee and a true no-logging policy.
Pros:
- Thousands of high-speed servers
- Easily unblocks a wide range of geo-locked sites
- Packed with high-end security features
- No-logs policy
Cons:
- Desktop apps sometimes take a little longer to connect
Our score:
Read the full NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Surfshark has more than 3,200 servers in 65 countries, including Thailand. This service is known for its strong unblocking ability and reliable speeds, so it’s a natural choice for anyone looking to stream Thai TV while traveling. Best of all, while many VPNs restrict you to five or so simultaneous connections, Surfshark is happy for you to connect every device you own at once.
This VPN helps keep you safe online using 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, malware-scanning, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection. You can also take advantage of a NoBorders mode that’s designed to circumvent even the strictest geographic restrictions. Surfshark is a zero-logs provider, so it can’t reveal details of your browsing habits under any circumstances. It’s unlikely you’ll run into problems but in case you do, Surfshark operates a 24/7 live chat-based help desk.
Surfshark has apps for iOS, MacOS, Android, Windows, and Linux systems. Additionally, select internet routers are supported through manual configuration.
HIGH QUALITY BUDGET OFFERING:Surfshark has excellent unblocking ability and is fast enough for lag-free streaming. It pays particular attention to user security and privacy too, plus there’s no connection limit. As if that wasn’t enough, it even offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Steady speeds and unlimited bandwidth
Great unblocking ability and no connection limits
Strong security and privacy credentials
Low cost
Some servers are much slower than others
Check out our complete Surfshark review.
3. ExpressVPN
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
ExpressVPN provides access to 3,000+ servers in 94 countries, including Thailand. Its consistently high speeds, wide network, and strong unblocking capabilities have made it extremely popular with people who stream regularly. In fact, it’s a solid choice whether you want to watch BBC iPlayer, Netflix US, or One 31. Users can secure up to five devices at once.
When it comes to security, this VPN has you covered. It includes 256-bit military-grade encryption, protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks, and a kill switch that stops sending data the moment your connection drops. Best of all, ExpressVPN refuses to log any personally identifiable data. Users looking for even greater privacy can choose to pay in Bitcoin. Help is available 24/7 over live chat, should you need it.
ExpressVPN comes with apps for Windows, Android, MacOS, iOS, and Linux. There’s also custom firmware that greatly simplifies the process of installing this VPN on your home router.
FAST AND SECURE:ExpressVPN is another good option. This veteran provider combines speed, security, and unblocking ability to make it as easy as possible to stream Thai TV abroad. What’s more, it comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Steady speeds and unlimited bandwidth
Works with Channel 7, One 31, and more
Doesn’t compromise on security
Pay anonymously with Bitcoin
Costs slightly more than some others in this list
Check out our comprehensive ExpressVPN review.
4. CyberGhost
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost has a truly expansive network, with7,700+ servers in 90 countries and almost a dozen in Thailand alone. It provides unlimited bandwidth, very fast speeds, and one-click unblocking for major services including Netflix and Hulu. It also works with Thai channels like ThaiRath TV and MCOT, and with up to seven simultaneous connections allowed, you’re free to watch wherever you like.
The great thing about CyberGhost’s security is that it all comes pre-configured. In other words, you’re secured with 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, an ad-blocker, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks from the moment you click connect. Crucially, CyberGhost doesn’t log any info that could be traced back to you. Further, its support team is ready to help around the clock via live chat and email.
CyberGhost apps are available for Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS, and Linux. This VPN can be manually installed on select network routers too.
STREAMING IN SECONDS:CyberGhost offers very high speeds, easy-to-use apps, and one-click unblocking for major streaming services. Additionally, it comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee, a no-logs policy, and a huge selection of security tools.
Designed with beginners in mind
Plenty of high-speed Thai servers
Fantastic set of security and privacy features
Doesn’t offer much control over advanced features
Take a look at our in-depth review of CyberGhost.
5. IPVanish
Website: www.IPVanish.com
IPVanish has over 1,900 servers in more than 50 countries (including Thailand). With very high speeds, unlimited bandwidth, and no connection limits, it’s understandably a popular choice for streaming. That said, this service is just as comfortable helping you torrent anonymously or bypass country-wide censorship as it is unblocking Thai TV channels from abroad.
This VPN may offer lightweight apps, but it somehow manages to pack them full of top-notch security features like 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and OpenVPN traffic scrambling. There’s also DNS and IPv6 leak protection, plus the ability to block local connections outright. IPVanish does not keep any logs at all. If you’re having issues, you can reach customer support, day or night, over live chat.
IPVanish offers desktop (Windows, MacOS) and mobile (iOS, Android) apps. You can manually configure it for use with Linux systems or supported wireless routers.
HIGHLY VERSATILE VPN:IPVanish is a fast, lightweight VPN that puts your privacy first. As such, it’s an excellent choice for watching TV from Thailand or just browsing anonymously. This zero-logs provider has no connection limit and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Consistently high speeds
Connect as many devices as you like
Strong security and privacy focus
Struggles to unblock larger streaming platforms
Find out more in our full review of IPVanish.
6. PrivateVPN
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
PrivateVPN has fewer servers to choose from (roughly 250 in 63 countries) but to its credit, it’s far faster than many others in this list. Plus it boasts fantastic unblocking capabilities, making it highly suitable for streaming live TV from abroad. Up to six simultaneous connections are permitted, meaning users can secure all of their favorite devices at once.
This is one of the strongest providers around from a security perspective. Your data is kept hidden from snoopers using 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks. Additionally, there’s a stealth mode that lets you get around especially strict geo-blocking. Most importantly, PrivateVPN doesn’t keep any logs whatsoever. With live chat available for 22 hours each day, help is never too far away.
PrivateVPN provides easy-to-use apps for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS devices. Routers are supported via manual configuration.
FAST, ZERO-LOGS SERVICE:PrivateVPN is fast enough that you shouldn’t have any problems, even when streaming 4K video. Further, it works with stubborn platforms like Netflix and Channel 7. It comes with plenty of security features and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Extremely fast connections
Among the best at unblocking region-locked services abroad
No-logs VPN with plenty of security features
Fairly small network
Live chat goes offline for two hours per day
For more details, check out our complete PrivateVPN review.
7. Hotspot Shield
Website: www.Hotspotshield.com
Editor’s Note: Hotspot Shield is owned by Pango, Comparitech’s parent company.
This VPN’s security features include 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. It offers split tunneling functionality and an automatic connection setting that’s especially useful if you’re traveling and reliant on public Wi-Fi networks. Hotspot Shield doesn’t keep any identifiable data beyond the duration of your session. Users can get help 24/7 via live chat.
Hotspot Shield has apps for MacOS, iOS, Windows, and Android. If you’d prefer, it can be manually installed on Linux PCs and supported routers. 45-day money-back guarantee.
SPEEDY AND SECURE:Hotspot Shield offers access to high-speed servers all over the world and reliably unblocks stubborn streaming services. It’s security-conscious too, so you can rest assured that your activities will remain private. A 45-day money-back guarantee is included.
Very fast speeds for streaming HD content
Excellent unblocking potential
Good range of security settings
Doesn’t accept cryptocurrency payments
Some past privacy concerns
Interested? Why not read the full Hotspot Shield review?
The main objective of a VPN is to improve your online security. However, many free VPN apps fail to encrypt your traffic, meaning they’re effectively useless from a privacy standpoint. Additionally, cybercriminals have been known to disguise malware as free VPN apps, which often make it onto major app stores undetected. In other words, using a free VPN is extremely risky. To keep yourself safe while watching Thai TV, it’s best to use a reputable no-logs VPN instead.
Let’s say you want to log in to your Bank of Thailand, Kasikorn, or SCB online banking service from abroad. The problem is that these services usually have fraud prevention systems that will lock your account automatically if you try logging in from a foreign country. However, if you use a VPN to get a Thai IP address first, this becomes far less likely.