Best VPNs for Thailand to bypass censorship in 2025

The best Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for Thailand allow users to access geo-restricted sites and services from abroad, while protecting privacy in a country with strong censorship. 

The internet in Thailand is highly restricted, especially if it’s content that is critical of the monarchy. As Freedom House reports; 

“Websites have also been blocked on grounds of national security, for gambling content, for alleged violations of intellectual property rights, and for hosting unauthorized virtual private network (VPN) services.”

Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society blocked over 2,630 URLs in the first half of 2022. Given that tourism is a major part of Thailand's economy, this is bad news for expats, travelers, or anyone else who wants to access blocked sites and services from abroad.

This is where a high-quality VPN comes in. It works by encrypting all data sent to and from your device, assigning your device a new IP address that matches the server location you’ve chosen. For example, you can get a US IP address from a server in the United States, and that can access blocked sites and services from Thailand. The same goes for many other countries worldwide. 

VPNs also boost privacy thanks to the encryption process, ensuring that Thai ISPs can’t keep tabs on your online activities. 

We’ll discuss each of the VPNs we’ve selected for Thailand in detail below, but if you’d prefer a short summary, here’s a quick roundup of each service.

Best VPNs for Thailand:

1. NordVPN: Our top pick for Thailand. RAM-only servers in Thailand, strong privacy features, obfuscation, built-in Smart DNS for streaming, and custom NordLynx protocol. Offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. Surfshark: The best budget VPN for Thailand. Strong security, RAM-only servers in 100+ countries, unlimited device connections, streaming support, WireGuard, and a zero-logs policy.

3. ExpressVPN: Premium provider with beginner-friendly apps for all major platforms. Works to unblock most restricted services, Lightway protocol, and servers in 105+ countries, including Thailand. 

4. CyberGhost VPN: Streaming-optimized servers, allows for P2P, virtual locations in Thailand, simple apps, ad blocking and malware filtering, and unique NoSpy servers. 

5. Proton VPN: Provider with lots of advanced features, including Tor over VPN, StealthVPN, NetShield, and port forwarding. 

6. IPVanish: Offers unlimited simultaneous device connections and fast speeds. A popular choice for streaming, torrenting, and gaming. Good reputation among Kodi users. 

7. PrivateVPN: Secure servers and strong privacy for users in Thailand. Streaming access, leak protection, and port forwarding. 

Summary Table

VPNs differ significantly in terms of performance, especially when considering servers located in a specific country, such as Thailand. We were able to significantly narrow the field with our inclusion criteria. Here are some of the non-negotiable characteristics we looked for:

• A secure network of servers in multiple countries to access blocked sites and services
• Fast speeds and reliable performance in various locations 
• Top-of-the-line privacy and security features are essential 
• Access to streaming platforms in Thailand and from abroad
• In order to qualify for one of the top three positions, the VPN provider must operate a 100% diskless server network and have had its infrastructure audited by a reputable third party

For more information about the criteria we used, check out the testing methodology section found later in this article.

The best VPNs for Thailand

We’ve taken an in-depth look at what each VPN service has to offer. Here’s everything you need to know about the best VPNs for Thailand:

NordVPN is the best choice if you’re in need of a robust service for Thailand. It has 8,100+ RAM-only servers in a total of 126+ countries, including lots of coverage in surrounding regions. 

A great pick for anyone on holiday in the country, it unlocks a large number of geo-restricted international streaming services thanks to a built-in Smart DNS feature. For example, in the UK, it works with some of the most difficult platforms to bypass, such as Sky Go and TNT Sports. It also unblocks 23+ Netflix catalogs, as well as local services. 

NordVPN comes with a strict no-logs policy. It covers the security basics with a reliable kill switch and leak protection. Advanced features include Tor over VPN, as well as the custom NordLynx protocol. The latter averaged roughly 196 Mbps down in our latest speed tests.

Obfuscated servers and Double VPN are perfect for improving online security. It’s also based in Panama, which is as good as it gets when it comes to privacy. 10 simultaneous connections are allowed.

TOP RECOMMENDATION FOR THAILAND: NordVPN is packed full of helpful features for Thailand, including obfuscation, Tor over VPN, and NordLynx. Thai server locations, streaming access, audited infrastructure and apps, and offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

Surfshark is a close second and should be seen as a viable option for anyone in need of a low-cost solution. 3,200+ RAM-only servers are found in 100+ countries, including Thailand itself. Speeds of roughly 190 Mbps are significantly faster than many premium alternatives, likely due to its use of the WireGuard protocol. 

The service allows users to connect with unlimited devices simultaneously, making it ideal for anyone in need of a VPN who wants to share it with others.

If you’re on the market for a secure option, Surfshark shouldn’t be disregarded because of the lower asking price. Its apps have been audited, and it comes with support for streaming, as well as offering protection against IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leaks. 

NoBorders mode is designed to ensure that the VPN works in restrictive regions like Thailand without any issues. It’s automatic, requiring no input from the user. Surfshark comes with obfuscated (Camouflage) servers, which rotate your IP address and provide ad blocking, tracker blocking, and malware blocking. 

The Netherlands is a member of the Nine Eyes intelligence alliance, along with the US, the UK, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Denmark, France, and Norway. As such, it’s not the best place to find a VPN HQ, but Surfshark does come with a strict no-logs policy.

BEST BUDGET OPTION FOR THAILAND: Surfshark has servers in 100+ countries, allows for unlimited device connections, works with various geo-restricted streaming platforms, and offers strong security. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN is another provider with a vast network of 3,000+ servers, spanning 105+ countries worldwide. The Lightway protocol is compatible with every major operating system, including mobile and desktop devices. The VPN even has a unique dedicated app for a variety of compatible routers, including Asus, Linksys, and Netgear models. You’ll also find high-speed servers (175 Mbps average) in Thailand. 

Based in the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN is ideal for avoiding any of the more worrying jurisdictions, such as Five Eyes countries. TrustedServer is another perk, as RAM-only servers are wiped with every reboot for improved privacy. The feature has been independently audited. 

Obfuscation is on by default when you use the OpenVPN protocol, and the provider also has Smart DNS support for accessing US TV platforms. ExpressVPN can even bypass the Great Firewall of China, although it is missing out on some advanced features like MultiHop and Tor over VPN. 

There are cheaper options on this list that will get the job done to a similar standard. It’s still hard to find many faults, so it justifies an asking price that is more expensive than the average service. 

SIMPLE APPS AND SOLID SECURITY: ExpressVPN lives up to the higher price tag, including a custom protocol, beginner-friendly apps, router firmware, and the ability to unblock almost any site or service you can think of. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

CyberGhost VPN has a total of 25+ servers in Bangkok, and a large global network of 11,500+ in total. Thai servers allow for P2P, and are virtual, instead of being physically located in the country. Virtual options aren’t a real issue, aside from when you can’t be sure of where they are actually found. 

A simple service to get used to, CyberGhost still takes care to ensure that your data remains safe while in use. It comes with the basics like a kill switch, as well as ad blocking and malware filtering. You’ll find split tunneling and Smart DNS support, with capable apps for Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, and Linux.

Streaming-optimized servers are clearly labeled for each platform in the app. CyberGhost ensures reliable access to multiple popular streaming platforms, such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer. Bare metal NoSpy servers are owned, operated, and controlled by the provider. They are operated in a data center located at CyberGhost’s Romanian headquarters. 

The provider has clearly considered both security and entertainment, although it may be missing a few advanced features, such as MultiHop and obfuscation. It's ideal for watching geo-restricted content and working with numerous popular streaming services.

STREAMING-OPTIMIZED SERVERS: CyberGhost is especially easy to use, offering streaming support with apps for Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, and Linux. Speedy WireGuard connections and comes with an extended 45-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

Proton VPN is one of the few providers to offer a completely free tier, with no bandwidth limits to speak of. Free server locations are found in Japan, the Netherlands, and the United States. 

Slower speeds are a downside with the unpaid version, along with additional features that are missing unless you decide to pay up. 

For example, with the Plus tier, you’ll find 36+ servers in Thailand that offer streaming support, as well as the NetShield ad blocker. Proton also happens to be one of the fastest VPNs (320 Mbps on average) on the market, which is always helpful. Globally, it has 13,000+ servers in 120+ countries.

Advanced features include Secure Core servers, which are essentially MultiHop, or cascading, servers. Apps include split tunneling, port forwarding, Tor over VPN, obfuscation (Stealth VPN), and more. Port forwarding is good news for those who want to seed torrents.

A lack of live chat support is disappointing, especially since it’s one of the more expensive providers overall. This makes it a little tougher to recommend, but it’s still great for a restrictive country like Thailand. 

SOLID FREE VPN: Proton VPN is a great option for advanced users, or anyone who wants to try one of the best free tiers on the market. Impressive connection speeds, streaming support, Thai servers, Secure Core, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Proton VPN.

IPVanish owns and operates over 2,400 servers in 140+ locations worldwide. This includes speedy servers optimized for streaming, enhancing your experience while watching your favorite TV shows, movies, and live sports. For Thai users, it offers servers located in Thailand, allowing them to access Thai content without any issues from abroad. It also reliably unblocks international streaming platforms, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer.

Not only is it a top choice for streaming, but it's also a good shout for gaming and torrenting. This is why it's so popular with the Kodi community.

Although IPVanish is a US-based company, it offers a fully audited no-logs policy, ensuring that online activities are not tracked or user data retained. Enjoy 256-bit encryption on the OpenVPN protocol, SHA512 authentication, and a DHE-RSA 2,048-bit key exchange with perfect forward secrecy for added peace of mind. The lightweight WireGuard protocol is also available.

IPVanish includes a kill switch in case your connection drops out, as well as leak protection to ensure your location is never exposed. Plus, it has an Advanced plan, which includes 1TB of cloud storage and a sandboxed secure browser.

Apps are available for iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS. Connections for Linux and routers can be configured manually. Finally, IPVanish allows you to connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously, which is great news for large families and users with numerous gadgets.

UNLIMITED SIMULTANEOUS CONNECTIONS: IPVanish allows you to connect as many devices as you like at the same time. Solid security and privacy measures, and it works perfectly well in Thailand and abroad. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

PrivateVPN has servers in Bangkok, and it is based in Sweden. It’s adept at unlocking region-locked content and overcoming VPN blocks in Thailand (TrueID, Line TV, and AIS Play), along with various international streaming platforms, such as Hulu, HBO Max, YouTube TV, CBS, and NBC in the United States. You'll be able to access your favorite content while it offers robust security.

You’ll find a kill switch and port forwarding, while Stealth VPN (obfuscation) is designed to conceal VPN use from your ISP. 

Apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android are well-designed, and PrivateVPN includes live chat support. It allows for 10 simultaneous connections, and it comes with a strict no-logs policy. 

Average speeds of 38.4 Mbps are significantly slower than the other providers mentioned, and it’s disappointing considering the service has a smaller network of 200+ bare metal servers in 63+ countries. It still helps to improve online privacy, even without a vast server network. 

IDEAL FOR PRIVACY: PrivateVPN is great for seeding torrents, and lives up to its name due to features like Stealth VPN, and a strong privacy policy. No IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks, streaming support for Thailand. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

Methodology: How we chose the best VPNs for Thailand

Rather than picking out providers at random, we’ve compiled a comprehensive VPN testing methodology. We test and compare the best VPNs in the business. 

Our strict criteria mean that only providers dedicated to digital privacy, with excellent usability and optimal performance, can make it onto our list. Below, you can see the criteria we used to pick the best VPNs for Thailand:

• Servers: Servers in Thailand are a good place to start. We’ve looked at the entire network, including locations expats and travelers would connect to. The VPN must offer unlimited bandwidth, allowing access to international sites and numerous streaming services.
• Speeds and performance: Whether it’s streaming, torrenting, gaming, or browsing, slow connection speeds should be avoided. We’ve noted the average global speeds for each provider above and only recommended the fastest VPNs. 
• Privacy and security: Especially relevant in Thailand, the VPN connection must offer strong digital security and privacy protections, enabling the user to access blocked sites and services anonymously.
• Third-party audits: Trust is the foundation of the value that VPNs provide. You are essentially placing more faith in your VPN provider than you are in your ISP. Almost every provider says they are a ‘no logs' VPN. The only ways to test this claim are either through the courts or through audits. We will only consider providers for our top three positions if they have undergone infrastructure audits from a reputable third party. While this isn't foolproof, it's the closest the industry has to a verification process for logging policies.
• Diskless infrastructure: Again, this is a prerequisite to be considered for one of the top three positions on BleepingComputer. While the data stored on a VPN server should be minimal, it could, theoretically, be accessed if the servers were seized or hacked. Moving processes to RAM means that no information can be physically taken from servers, and it is wiped on shutdown. It can also easily be wiped as part of regular security procedures.

How to access websites in Thailand with a VPN

The majority of VPNs are relatively easy to install and use. We’ve put together a quick step-by-step guide to show you how to get started.

How to use a VPN to access blocked content in Thailand:

1. Sign up with a VPN that offers secure coverage for users in Thailand. NordVPN is our top recommendation, thanks to its extensive server network, fast speeds, excellent unblocking capabilities, and advanced security features. Plus, it comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. You’ll then need to download the VPN app to your device. Surfshark and IPVanish allow you to connect an unlimited number of devices.
3. Sign in to the VPN using your memorable login credentials.
4. Select a server location that you want to connect to. You’ll now be assigned an IP address that matches the region you’ve chosen. For example, if you want to access restricted content in Thailand by connecting to an IP address in South Korea, then connect to a server located in South Korea. If you're outside Thailand and want to access content from back home, connect to a Thai IP address.

If this doesn't work, try clearing your cache and cookies, then reload the page. Still experiencing issues? Speak to a member of your VPN provider's customer support team.

Why use a VPN in Thailand

Thailand is a popular destination for travelers, who might not be used to the high levels of online censorship and other restrictions seen in the country. For example, this includes bloggers, journalists, academics, and other activists being subject to strict surveillance, as well as a 2016 law recommending harsh prison sentences for online crimes. 

In 2017, a Thai man was jailed for 18 years for posting six video clips deemed to be insulting to the monarchy, so there are potential real-world consequences if you don’t abide by the rules in the country. Freedom House states that Thailand is “not free”, so you should plan accordingly.

A VPN stops you from being tracked by the government, your ISP, or any other interested parties. You’ll be able to access blocked content, while obfuscation can be used to trick your ISP into thinking that you’re not using a VPN in the first place. 

Thailand VPN: FAQs

Can I use a free VPN for Thailand?

Given the current political climate in Thailand, it’s inadvisable to use a free VPN in the country. Some free VPNs are unable to perform the basics, whether it’s encryption or leak protection. Free providers have also been known to sell user data or infect devices with malware. 

Performance also tends to be an issue, with free servers frequently overloaded due to the high number of users. Speeds are often capped, and the same goes for bandwidth. If you’re in need of a free VPN for Thailand, Proton has a decent tier with some limitations.

Are VPNs legal in Thailand?

Yes, VPNs are legal in Thailand. The internet itself is highly restricted, but most VPN sites are freely available. ISPs have been known to block VPNs in the past, so it might be a good idea to download and set up the service before entering Thailand just to be safe.

Is it possible to access adult content in Thailand?

Yes, it’s possible to use a VPN to access adult sites anonymously. However, this is expressly forbidden in Thailand, which banned over 190 related sites in 2020. The country’s Ministry of Information and Communication Technology is particularly concerned with enforcing this ban. 

We’d advise you to take the time to get to know the local laws properly, as we aren’t equipped to give you legal advice.

What websites are restricted in Thailand?

We’ve discussed how Thai law restricts content that goes against moral and cultural standards, and it casts a wide net when banning sites and services. Adult content has been blocked for over two decades, but thousands of additional sites and services have been restricted in recent years. 

Here’s a roundup of some of the different types of online content that is likely to be censored in Thailand:

• Political articles and web pages on websites like BBC News, CNN, Yahoo! News, the Post-Intelligencer newspaper (Seattle, USA), and The Age newspaper (Melbourne, Australia)
• Video sharing sites, including videos on YouTube and Camfrog
• Internet discussion groups that discuss Thai politics, such as Midnight University, Prachatai.com, and Pantip.com
• Websites and web pages that criticize the monarchy
• Wikipedia articles
• Wikileaks
• Wayback Machine and archive.org
• Pornhub, and other adult sites
• Select Twitter accounts
• Gambling sites and online casinos

Make sure you find out exactly what is blocked in Thailand before using a VPN, as you don’t want to fall afoul of local rules.

Are VPNs blocked in Thailand?

Some VPNs have been blocked by ISPs in Thailand in the past. According to a study by the Open Observatory of Network Interference, Hotspot Shield is one such example, having been blocked by TOT and 3BB. However, the majority of VPNs are still accessible, while many services provide mirrors or other ways to sign up and download the software.

Can I get an IP address from Thailand with a VPN?

Yes, as long as the provider has server locations in Thailand. Connecting to a VPN server will mask your real IP address, although your ISP will still be able to see that you’re using a VPN. Obfuscation is a potential solution to this problem. 

Can I access Thai TV with a VPN?

Yes. You can access Thai TV and streaming services by using a VPN to get a valid IP address in the country. This conceals your real location from the websites you visit, which allows you to enjoy Thai TV while on vacation or traveling overseas.

You can even use a VPN to access Thai TV inside of Thailand if you need to. For example, if your school network or workplace blocks streaming services, game servers, TV platforms, or social media, you can easily bypass those blocks with a VPN. And thanks to the encryption provided by the VPN, nobody will know that you bypassed those LAN restrictions. 

The only consideration is that most VPNs have been blocked by streaming services. This means you must stick to our recommended VPNs for Thailand. It is also important to remember that each VPN is different and may work with different streaming services from around the world. For this reason, we recommend that you check your preferred VPN with your own streaming services using the money-back guarantee.

Below, we have included a list of Thai streaming services that you can access by using a VPN:

• LINE TV
• GMM 25
• Channel 3
• Channel 7
• Workpoint TV
• PPTV
• TrueVisions Anywhere
• One 31
• Amarin TV
• Bright TV
• Mono29
• Spring News
• Nation TV
• TNN24
• MCOT HD
• ThaiPBS
• TV5
• NOW26
• Voice TV
• Ch8
• Netflix
• Disney+
• Amazon Prime Video
• HBO GO
• iQiyi
• Viu
• Apple TV+
• WeTV
• AIS PLAY
• HOOQ

Can I watch Netflix US in Thailand with a VPN?

Yes. If you are on vacation in Thailand, have traveled there for work, are an expat who has moved there to live – or are in Thailand for some other reason – you can regain access to Netflix US by connecting to a VPN server in the US. Just remember that most VPNs have been blocked by Netflix so you must stick to recommended services that have streaming-optimized servers in the US.