If you live in Thailand as an expat/pensioner, you will soon notice how limited the internet can be there. Many Dutch and Belgian websites are blocked, streaming services do not work as you are used to and public wifi networks are anything but safe. A good VPN is therefore not an unnecessary luxury, but an indispensable tool. With it you protect your data, get access to Dutch content and surf a lot more safely.
In this article you will discover the three best VPNs for Dutch people in Thailand. Whether you tv Whether you want to watch, bank online or just surf the internet safely, these tools make it all possible.
Why a VPN is essential in Thailand
Thailand has strict online rules. Websites can be blocked without notice and your internet traffic can be monitored. Also services like NPO Start, Ziggo GO, Videoland and even internet banking do not always work well abroad.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet traffic and makes you appear online as if you were in the Netherlands. This gives you access to Dutch content, allows you to bank safely online and stays protected on unsafe wifi networks.
Comparison: Best VPNs for Expats in Thailand
| VPN | Speed | Dutch servers | Streaming works | Price from | Multiple devices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | ✔️ | ✔️ | €3,79/mo | 6 devices |
| Surfshark | ★★★★ ☆ | ✔️ | ✔️ | €2,49/mo | Unlimited |
| ExpressVPN | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | ✔️ | ✔️ | €6,67/mo | 5 devices |
1. NordVPN – The Most Reliable Choice
Benefits:
- Very high speeds, even on Thai networks
- Works flawlessly with Dutch streaming services
- Extra security such as Double VPN and malware blocking
- Dutch language apps and customer service
Why choose?
NordVPN offers an excellent combination of speed, security and reliability. Whether you want to watch Ziggo GO, NPO Start or Videoland: it all works without any hiccups. This VPN is also stable and safe for online banking, DigiD or tax matters.
Price: From €3,79 per month with a 2-year subscription
Trial period: 30 money-back guarantee
2. Surfshark – Best value for money
Benefits:
- Unlimited devices simultaneously
- Fast servers in the Netherlands, Thailand and Singapore
- Works well with all Dutch TV services
- Very affordable
Why choose?
Surfshark is ideal for families or couples. You can protect your laptop, phone, smart TV and more at the same time. Also handy if you live in Thailand with your partner or children. The user-friendly app also makes it easy for everyone.
Price: From €2,49 per month with a 2-year subscription
Trial period: 30 money-back guarantee
3. ExpressVPN – Fastest for Streaming
Benefits:
- Blazing fast, even on slow WiFi networks
- Excellent access to Ziggo, NPO, Netflix NL and Videoland
- Installation on router possible
- Very stable connections
Why choose?
ExpressVPN is the best choice if you value speed and ease of use. You will notice the difference, especially when streaming video. Extra handy: you can install the VPN on your router, so that all your devices are automatically protected.
Price: From €6,67 per month with an annual subscription
Trial period: 30-day money back guarantee
What is important when choosing a VPN in Thailand?
As an expat, pay attention to the following points:
- Dutch servers: for access to websites and streaming services from the Netherlands
- High speed: especially with video streaming or online calling
- Strong security: encryption and protection against data leaks
- Ease of use: apps that work easily on mobile, laptop and TV
- Customer Support: preferably also available in Dutch
Frequently Asked Questions About VPN in Thailand
Which VPN works with Ziggo GO in Thailand?
Both NordVPN and Surfshark work great with Ziggo GO. Choose a Dutch server, log in and watch live TV or catch-up TV right away.
Is a VPN legal in Thailand?
Yes, a VPN using it is legal. You just can't do illegal activities with it.
Can I use DigiD with a VPN?
Yes. If you connect via a Dutch server, DigiD usually works without problems. This also applies to internet banking and filing taxes.
Can I watch Dutch TV with a free VPN?
In practice, no. Free VPNs are slow, often unsafe, and are usually blocked by streaming services.
Conclusion: Which VPN is right for you?
Are you looking for maximum reliability and ease of use? Then choose NordVPN.
Do you mainly want a cost-effective solution that works on multiple devices? Then Surfshark ideal.
And if speed is most important to you, then you're in good hands with ExpressVPN.
Tip: Try NordVPN or Surfshark's 30-day trial first. Don't like it? Get your money back.
Don't wait until your data is on the street. Protect yourself today with a VPN and stay connected to the Netherlands and Belgium, safely and without restrictions.
About this blogger
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This article was written and checked by the editors. The content is based on the author's personal experiences, opinions and own research. Where relevant, ChatGPT was used as an aid in writing and structuring texts. Although the content is handled with care, no guarantee can be given that all information is complete, up-to-date or error-free.
The reader is responsible for the use of the information on this website. The author accepts no liability for any damage or consequences resulting from the use of the information provided.
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All very interesting...but now someone needs to install it all.
Videos on YouTube indicate that it is not that easy, it does require knowledge of installing VP.
Normally you will be guided through the entire installation process by the person offering the VPN program.
Just like with any program you install.
Those are some basic actions like Download from their site, when ready click install. Then execute what comes on your screen. Basically comes down to you being asked to click OK or you have to disagree with something of course. And pay of course if that is a paid VPN.
Dear Jan,
No IT panic, no worries, my experience with installing NordVPN is that you don't need to be a Great Wizard or hire one. Just sit down, turn on the cooling air conditioning or fan, have a nice cup of coffee or tea, and do what the app tells you step by step. It will definitely work out fine.
And another note: the VPN also works for other countries, not just the Netherlands. You have worldwide choice. For example, for those who want to watch Formula 1 for free: set the VPN to Austria, Luxembourg or Belgium, go to the site of the channel, log in if necessary (like with RTBF) and watch live car racing, for free!
I used ExpressVPN in Thailand to watch Eurosport programs via Ziggo Go, that worked reasonably well for a while, but suddenly stopped because Ziggo blocked the thing. No matter which location within the EU I set, it didn't work anymore. I got all kinds of tips via the ExpressVPN helpdesk, but nothing worked permanently. So I didn't renew my subscription.
Many broadcasters are one step ahead of these VPNs and block everything.
I often get the message “this program is only available within the EU” while my VPN is set to Belgium.
So they know exactly where you are, so take that security with a grain of salt!
I have been using ExpressVPN since 2018 and it still works fine. I am satisfied with it.
It also has a PasswordManager with Express VPN Keys which I also use.
Some other websites/services do this. They search for all IP addresses of VPN locations and block them.
After using multiple VPN services, only Nord VPN is perfect for me.
Stream Dutch TV from Ziggo, KPN and Delta without any problems.
Streaming services Viaplay and Videoland also work well with Nord VPN.
I stream on my computer, laptop and/or tablet.
Streaming from Ziggo-go and Viaplay does not work on my (Samsung) smart TV despite VPN connection (I have not found out why because I do not use it anyway, as it has IPTV with all possible channels).
I don't need a VPN for DigiD, tax authorities and banking, they work without them too.
Nowadays the apps on your iPhone or iPad detect that a vpn is being used and block access. Even a router with a vpn client that sets up a vpn with a server is detected by some apps like Canal+. Not everything is blocked in the Canal+ app you can watch channels but not movies.
So a VPN is useful but certainly does not solve all problems.
I'm a bit surprised that Proton VPN isn't mentioned. This Swiss company is synonymous with privacy and good software..
They also have very good mail and storage options.
Let me put it simply: As an IT guy with 45 years in the business I prefer Proton. Not only technically but also like to support their fight for privacy. (Even though I run my own VPN servers)
For testing there is a free version which is a bit slower and a 30 day trial of the full version.
There are APPs for AppleTV / AndroidTV, all phones and computer systems, Windows, OSX and yes even for Linux.
It can also work directly from most browsers. In short, include this in your checks.
Bastian
The monthly prices here are calculated on the basis of a (multi)annual subscription.
For those who only want a VPN for a shorter period (e.g. a month's holiday)
and don't want to be dependent on the whims of free VPNs,
is Mullvad vpn a good alternative (€5/month)
I had Express VPN for a while until it stopped working for certain sites (Dutch TV). Based on a post on this blog I then took GooseVPN, a Dutch company. It has been working fine for a few years now and I just got a lifetime subscription for 139 euros. They have the best helpdesk I have ever seen for an online service. Very prompt and personal response and excellent problem solving.
I use VPNNederland. Works well with Ziggo and internet banking. Six months ago Ziggogo suddenly stopped working. Sent an email and indeed it didn't work with their servers anymore. Within two hours it was solved and lots of viewing pleasure! Currently 48 euros for the first year.
I have been using VPN Nord for years, works fine. Sometimes ZiggoGo suddenly blocks, then I choose another Dutch connection and I can continue watching without any problems. Installing/downloading is simple. Also very easy to use. My laptop is set so that NordVPN starts automatically.
Every now and then I notice (e.g. paying at Lazada) that it doesn't work, then I pause the VPN for a moment and turn it back on immediately after completing the payment.
Been a happy customer of ExpressVPN for years. It is also advisable to stay away from "free" VPNs.
Have the same problem with ExpressVPN as above. Worked well for 2 weeks with Belgium (Telenet) and suddenly everything is blocked. (despite the advice of their help desk)
So not recommended for Belgium in my experience.
Luckily I also see GOOSE vpn mentioned in one of the responses... I have been using it in Thailand without any problems for almost 1 years... so it is highly recommended
NordVPN is NOT a good VPN service in my experience, it is expensive and does not work well.
When using NordVPN, internet speeds are reduced by almost half compared to when using without a VPN.
A friend of mine also had a similar experience.
My friend, a network administrator at a school, and I are fairly knowledgeable about computers and networks.
I brought this issue to NordVPN and they responded by asking me to do some tests and measurements. Of course, I had already provided them with a set of measurements.
I obediently followed their requests up to 14 times, each time without any result.
At one point they wanted me to install other VPNs to see if it happens there too. I refused because I don't think that would solve NordVPN.
I then asked to terminate the subscription and pay back the remainder of the term.
This is not possible, I should have filed an objection during the trial period.
But during the trial period I didn't notice it because I have a high bandwidth and don't always use it.
Finally my subscription expired and I warn about this service.
I still miss the VPN from iTop in this list…
Nord is highly recommended here, but is the least good, considering the cost vs quality.