I'm wondering what the rules are about buying and using the Red CB Radios? And how they apply to foreigners?

Thanks, Howard

You can buy what you want but you'll need someone speaking English on the other end I presume.

As I understand it, the red walkie-talkies are certified as needing no licence, no restrictions on use. Not exactly CB mind, short range, limited channels.

Moving to the tech forum for more targeted answers.

You do need a licence to operate these transceivers, but that licence is provided by the shop at time of sale, (although I doubt you'll have any problems with the authorities if you do not have this licence).

The units operate on 245MHz (AFAIR), and are fairly low power - so the reception range is not great. In cities, you'll maybe have problems finding a clear channel and maybe jammed if others hear non-Thai language communication, (Thainess).

The only other 'licencable 'walkie-talkie' would be ham radio equipment, but unless you already have a ham licence from a limited list of home countries (UK, USA etc), you need to take a written exam in Thai to obtain the Thai licence.

don't try to bring radios of any type into into the country. they are restricted, except AM/FM.

that includes any communications receivers, short wave radios and scanners and software defined radios.

do not bring handheld ham radio transceivers or transmitters of any type.

there are only three things listed on the sign at customs at the airport and one of them is radio transceivers.

there is a man who spent 43 days in jail because he entered Thailand with family radio transceivers he was using to talk to his friends in another car.

make sure your radio is red. 245-246 mhz is the only band available for the general public. there are 80 channels spaced 12.5 khz apart.

the idea behind the red color is so the police can know at glance if you are legal or not.