Is Starlink available in Thailand in 2025?

Is Starlink available in Thailand in 2025? — Full guide, regulatory status, and pricing

Is Starlink available in Thailand in 2025? Read the up-to-date guide on Starlink’s regulatory status in Thailand, the results of trials, alternatives, how to check availability, and what the likely prices would be based on Starlink’s global plans.

As of November 2025, Starlink is not officially available for general commercial/retail service in Thailand. SpaceX ran government-supervised trials in 2024, but Thailand’s regulators have not granted a licensing framework for Starlink to operate as a fully foreign-owned telecom operator — and Thai authorities recently rejected SpaceX’s proposal tied to 100% foreign ownership. That means ordinary Thai consumers cannot yet order Starlink residential service in country-specific pricing and receive guaranteed legal support in Thailand.

1. What happened so far — timeline and regulatory status

• Trials in 2024: Starlink equipment was used in trial projects in Thailand (April–September 2024) under the supervision of Thailand’s communications authorities. The trials focused on search & rescue, remote education and medical connectivity for remote communities.

• Licensing and regulation (2025): After the trials, SpaceX sought a regulatory arrangement to offer commercial service. Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society / NBTC and other bodies reviewed proposals, but the ministry has raised legal and security concerns — especially around foreign ownership in the telecom sector. Thai law restricts 100% foreign ownership in certain telecom activities, and recent official statements show Thai authorities rejected Starlink’s proposal that required full foreign ownership. That rejection effectively blocks Starlink from setting up as a typical local telecom operator on the terms SpaceX requested.

Bottom line: No full consumer rollout has been authorised. Any public claims of “Starlink available in Thailand” should be double-checked against official NBTC statements and Starlink’s availability map.

2. Why regulators are cautious (short, plain reasons)

1. Foreign ownership rules: Thai telecom law limits foreign ownership and places national security conditions on critical communications infrastructure. This is the main sticking point in negotiations.

2. National security & data concerns: Officials have flagged concerns about control of satellite links and national digital security.

3. Existing licensing framework: Thailand’s telecom regulators prefer to license and partner local operators for nationwide services, rather than allow wholly foreign-owned ISPs to run independent telecom infrastructure. This can make approvals slower and conditional.

3. Can I use Starlink in Thailand right now — practical options?

• If you are a resident: Official retail/residential Starlink service is not authorised in Thailand for general consumers (November 2025). That means you can’t reliably order and expect local technical and legal support.

• If you are a traveler or on a boat: Some travellers and marine users use Starlink hardware bought abroad or use “Roam/On-the-Go” services when physically located in countries where Starlink is permitted. However, using Starlink hardware in Thailand without proper licensing can be legally risky — Thai authorities have in recent times acted to crack down on illegal low-earth orbit kits and unlicensed satellite setups. If you plan to use Starlink while travelling, check entry country rules and bring the right documentation.

• If you are a business or government entity: Governmental or emergency trials may be possible under specific agreements (as happened in 2024). Businesses should pursue formal partnerships or wait for an authorised local partner.

4. How to check availability for your exact location

Starlink publishes an interactive availability map and a service-plans page where you can enter an address and see if the area is “available,” “pending regulatory approval,” or “at capacity.” If Thailand is listed as “pending service coverage or regulatory approval” for your area, it means signups are not active. Always check Starlink’s official map before you take any purchasing steps.

5. What would Starlink cost in Thailand if it becomes available? 

Starlink’s global pricing model varies by country and by plan type (Residential, Roam/On-the-Go, Business, Maritime). Because there’s no official Thailand retail launch, there’s no country-specific Starlink Thailand price list published — but you can infer likely ranges from Starlink’s published service plans and observed reseller rates in the region:

• Starlink service plans (global examples): Starlink’s public service-plans page shows a range of monthly fees depending on plan and country; common residential plans in many countries have monthly fees roughly equivalent to $40–$120 USD (currency and plan differences apply). Hardware (the user terminal) is typically a one-off purchase and has varied historically depending on region and shipping. These are approximate global figures and may not match a potential Thai retail price.

• Reseller / specialised packages: Companies offering Starlink for boats or enterprise customers in Thailand (or nearby markets) sometimes show much higher monthly packages because they include data buckets, installation and specialised hardware. Example commercial packages for marine connectivity listed by regional providers show monthly fees like USD 300 for 50 GB or USD 1,100 for 1 TB — these are commercial reseller bundles, not Starlink’s advertised consumer monthly fee, and usually include installation and local support. If Starlink arrives via a local partner, expect business/marine/reseller prices to include similar markups.

Important: Because Thailand does not have an authorised consumer rollout, any firm “Starlink Thailand price” advertised by local resellers should be treated cautiously — it may reflect grey-market hardware, temporary roaming arrangements, or added reseller charges. Verify whether the provider is an authorised reseller and whether the service is licenced locally.

6. Alternatives to Starlink in Thailand (if you need satellite or rural internet now)

• OneWeb & local partners: Other LEO operators (e.g., OneWeb) have worked with local telcos to launch services via local partnerships — for example, OneWeb announced partnerships to use local telecom operators in parts of the region. These alternatives may be available sooner because they can be structured as licensed local services.

• Local ISPs & mobile broadband: For many rural users, local 4G/5G fixed wireless options from Thai carriers (TrueMove, AIS, dtac) are often the most practical interim solution — check carrier fixed wireless coverage maps.

• VSAT / geo-stationary satellite providers: For remote enterprise or government needs, VSAT providers and GEO satellite services remain available, though they often cost more and have higher latency than LEO options.

7. What to watch for (how this could change)

1. Regulatory negotiations: If SpaceX and Thai authorities reach a local partnership model (for instance, a joint venture or partnership with a Thai telecom operator) Starlink service could be licensed — watch for official NBTC statements.

2. Legal rulings or policy changes: If telecom ownership rules or national security interpretations change, approvals might follow.

3. Authorised reseller announcements: Starlink sometimes launches in new countries via authorised resellers or local partners — these announcements will appear on Starlink’s official site and Thai government press releases. Always rely on official channels.

8. Practical advice for readers (step-by-step)

1. Before buying any Starlink kit in or for Thailand: Check Starlink’s official availability map (enter your address). If the system shows “pending regulatory approval,” do not assume legal retail service is available.

2. If you see third-party sellers: Ask for proof of local licensing and authorised reseller status. Don’t buy hardware or services that claim to be “official” without documentation.

3. For businesses needing urgent remote connectivity: Contact licensed VSAT providers or negotiate a formal trial arrangement with regulators — these routes are safer until a clear Starlink licensing pathway exists.

As of November 2025, Starlink is not officially available in Thailand for ordinary consumers because regulatory approval and a workable local licensing/ownership arrangement have not been finalised. SpaceX conducted trials in 2024, and discussions continued through 2025, but Thai authorities rejected the company’s proposal tied to 100% foreign ownership — leaving Starlink’s full commercial launch in Thailand unresolved. If and when a formal agreement or partnership is announced, Starlink will update its availability map and publish local pricing; until then, users should rely on authorised local options and official statements.