Buying A Thai Mobile

[mckenzieneil]

Hi,

I was wondering about buying a Samsung Galaxy S with Android for my non English Speaking Thai wife whilst on holiday in Thailand (as their cheaper) to take back and use in the UK. She needs a phone with Thai in it (but not the iphone)

I have not seen Android with Thai, but I have noticed the Thai's have their own version of Android.

Is this compatible with Android in the UK.?

Does anyone know, thanks

[jackbox]

Yes, they support Thai language. The models sold in Thailand come with a Thai keyboard also. But that is the beauty of Android. Adding Thai fonts was for earlier versions of Android. Newer versions 2.2 and above come with Thai font support. Plus if there isn't a Thai keyboard in any device you buy, you can go to the Android Market and download a variety of very good and free Thai language keyboards. Popular ones are T-Swipe, DroidSans and Firesoft Thai keyboards. The Galaxy S new here is still around 18,000 baht (a bit lower if you search a lot). Is that cheaper than in the UK? High end phones tend to be expensive here as they are almost always sold unlocked to any carrier.

[lomatopo]

The Samsung Galaxy S is pretty much sold out here. Maybe you can find an 8 GB version (~ 18,000) if you look around. This model has been replaced with the Samsung Galaxy SL, which is nearly identical except for the screen, which is LCD instead of Super Amoled. The Samsung Galaxy SL (4 GB) is widely available here for 12,900 - 13,900. It is fully localized and has Android 2.2. I'd be curious to hear your wife's requirements for a phone, applications and network. There may be some better alternatives.