Dtac.. stay away

[inventorinthailand]

I have had my Dtac prepaid account since 2003. I have been ripped off many times but never put any words behind it till now... Today i had 1.60 bath left on my account. I went to 7/11 to top it up with 100 baht as i couldn't send a local sms. I got my 100 bahr and did send ONE sms. Then i sent a second one.... And it didn't work again. Checked my balance again and it said 0.60 baht...

[trd]

I have had my Dtac prepaid account since 2003. I have been ripped off many times but never put any words behind it till now... Today i had 1.60 bath left on my account. I went to 7/11 to top it up with 100 baht as i couldn't send a local sms. I got my 100 bahr and did send ONE sms. Then i sent a second one.... And it didn't work again. Checked my balance again and it said 0.60 baht...

Do you have mobile data switched on. If you don't have an Internet package you will be paying 1 baht per megabyte. Is your phone doing any updates or downloads without your knowledge. This is a common issue why people don't understand why their account is being drained.

[inventorinthailand]

I have a monthly internet package, last updated 10th this month. Before i always topped up 800 baht and got a 100 bahe as a bunus. But many times they were lost in a few days, spending like 1800-2700 per month. Nowadays i never top more than 100 bath at the time and my monthly spending is down to 400-500... But now it seems that doesn't work anymore as this 100 baht were lost within an hour. Can i move to another operator and still keep my number?

Edited May 16, 2015 by inventorinthailand

[inventorinthailand]

I dont think Dtac is steeling my money by purpose, but maybe some employees hacked the system and are making a lot of money.... Who knows?

Edited May 16, 2015 by inventorinthailand

[lj cm]

You might have some "promotion" where they keep taking money every month (or when you fill up).

You can change from Prepaid to Postpaid, then you can see what you pay for.

We changed our subscriptions from AIS to True (and kept the numbers), but I don't know if you can do it with Prepaid numbers.

Edited May 16, 2015 by lj cm

[Argus Tuft]

OP, have you actually gone in to a DTAC service centre to ask them to show you clearly what charges/deductions are being made on your balance, what plan you are on, whether there is any automated deductions happening?

You are doing a lot of complaining about being constantly ripped off so many times, but you haven't stated whether you have made any effort to find out where the issue is.

This has been ongoing since 2003, and you say you just kept quiet and kept loading money, why have you not done anything about it?

Show some initiative or a bit of common sense at least, and go into a DTAC office.

[BB1950]

Can i move to another operator and still keep my number?

Yes, it's called mobile number portability (MNP). The number must be registered in your name before you can switch to another operator.

[lopburi3]

But suspect you will have same issues with whatever service you use. As said internet usage/update/check of email without a package in place is often a cause. But another is those SMS messages that you get (cost is to you if you made a mistake at any point and accidentally subscribed, or been subscribed, to a horoscope or news or other such service. You need to contact DTAC to find what you are paying for and if for such a service cancel it. It is very easy with language to click on something (and indeed they are designed to do that even when you can read the language).

[siam2007]

maybe the OP hasn't actually been topping up the 100 Baht properly. did you get a confirmation sms after typing in the code of the top-up-slip ?

as Lopburi3 has already stated, the best idea is to go to any DTAC Center where they always have at least one customer service officer who speaks English, and let them investigate the top-up history of your number and which packages are associated with it.

Edited May 17, 2015 by siam2007

[inventorinthailand]

I went to a service center a few years ago. They promised me to investigate it but no one returned to me. Second time, about year ago, i went again, this time no one was willing to speak English...

Yes, i always wait for the confirmation SMS before leaving where i top up.

[kkerry]

The service centres in areas where there are lots of tourists e.g Central World or Emporium Bangkok usually have several staff who speak good English. Even with pre-paid they can check on the spot to see where your money is going. You said you recharged 100 baht, made 1 SMS and your balance reduced by 101 baht. Either your recharge didn't go through or you were charged 100 baht for some weekly or monthly internet package. You need to confirm what package you are on. No point warning people if you have allowed it to go on for years without trying harder to find out the reason behind what is going on. You could have been subscribed to some service and not realise it but only way you can find out for sure is from Dtac.

[lj cm]

I don't really see the benefit any more for prepaid Sim card (if you have a fixed address).

I have a 199 Baht subscription with True; get the bill via e-mail and pay online (with Credit Card).

Simple and easy.

[kkerry]

The major benefit of pre-paid as I see it, is if something goes wrong you won't end up with a huge bill a month later.

[lj cm]

The major benefit of pre-paid as I see it, is if something goes wrong you won't end up with a huge bill a month later.

Good point; but you can decide on a limit with your subscription e.g. 1,000 Baht.

[Argus Tuft]

I don't really see the benefit any more for prepaid Sim card (if you have a fixed address).

I have a 199 Baht subscription with True; get the bill via e-mail and pay online (with Credit Card).

Simple and easy.

My usage and requirements fluctuate often. The few times I have gone on to a postpaid account, it has ended up costing me more.

I find it easier to manage costs with prepaid, and I am always on top of the best promotions and can be flexible by changing packages as they suit

Any, each to their own!