eSIM not working Thailand

Traveler in Thailand checking phone with eSIM signal but no internet

Why Is My eSIM Not Working in Thailand? (Fix Guide for Travelers)

If your eSIM isn’t working in Thailand, you’re not alone.

Many travelers arrive and suddenly notice:

  • Signal but no internet
  • No signal at all
  • Slow connection

They immediately ask: Why is my eSIM not working in Thailand?

  • 👉 The good news: Most issues are simple settings or network selection problems that can be fixed quickly.

In this guide you’ll learn:

  • The most common causes in Thailand
  • Step-by-step fixes
  • Thailand-specific tips
  • How to reconnect fast

Most common reason: wrong network selected

Thailand has multiple mobile networks:

  • AIS
  • DTAC
  • TrueMove

Your phone may automatically connect to a weaker one.

Fix:

  • 1. Open network settings
  • 2. Disable automatic selection
  • 3. Select another network manually
  • 4. Test connection

Often this solves the issue instantly.

Roaming is turned off

  • Many travelers think roaming should stay OFF abroad.
  • For travel eSIMs, it must be ON.
  • Fix: Settings → Cellular → eSIM → Data Roaming → ON

Roaming guide: 👉 https://novesim.com/do-you-need-roaming-for-esim/

eSIM installed but not activated yet

  • If you installed your eSIM before departure, it might not activate until it connects to a supported Thai network.

This is normal behavior. Activation timing explained: 👉 https://novesim.com/does-esim-work-immediately-after-landing/

Mobile data line is set incorrectly

Your phone may still be using your physical SIM for data.

  • Check: Settings → Mobile Data → Data Line → select eSIM

Switching guide: 👉 https://novesim.com/how-to-switch-between-esim-and-physical-sim-while-traveling/

APN settings didn’t load

Rare but possible.

Symptoms:

  • Signal bars visible
  • No internet

Fix:

  • Restart device
  • Toggle airplane mode
  • Reinstall eSIM profile
  • Ask for APN settings

Device compatibility issue

  • Some phones support eSIM but not all network frequencies used in Thailand.

Compatibility guide: 👉 https://novesim.com/compatible-devices/ 

Data plan expired or used up

If your data plan ended, you may still see signal but won’t have internet.

Check notifications for:

  • Activation alert
  • 50% usage
  • 80% usage
  • Data finished
  • Expiry reminder

Usage guide: 👉 https://novesim.com/what-happens-when-your-esim-data-runs-out/

Quick fix checklist

Try these steps:

  • Turn roaming ON
  • Restart phone
  • Toggle airplane mode
  • Switch network manually
  • Confirm data line = eSIM
  • Check remaining data

Most users fix the issue within minutes.

Thailand-specific tip

In Thailand:

  • AIS usually provides the strongest nationwide coverage
  • TrueMove often performs well in cities
  • DTAC may be weaker in rural areas

If connection is unstable, try switching networks manually.

When to contact support

Contact support if:

  • No networks appear
  • Activation fails
  • QR install fails
  • Profile missing

These cases are rare and usually require profile reset.

Biggest misconception

  • Myth -> eSIM doesn’t work in Thailand.
  • Reality -> eSIM works perfectly in Thailand — most issues are settings or network selection.

Real traveler scenario

  • Traveler lands in Bangkok.
  • Phone shows signal but no data.
  • They manually switch network from DTAC → AIS.
  • Connection works immediately.

Final verdict

If your eSIM isn’t working in Thailand, it’s usually caused by:

  • Wrong network
  • Roaming disabled
  • Incorrect data line
  • Activation delay

Most issues can be fixed in seconds from settings.

Check compatible plans for Thailand: 👉 https://novesim.com/destinations/

Frequently asked questions

Why is my eSIM not working in Thailand?

Usually because the wrong network is selected or roaming is disabled.

Yes. Most travel eSIMs support Thai networks.

AIS often provides the strongest nationwide coverage.

This usually means your phone is connected to a weak or unsupported network.

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