Is there a high speed Wifi cafe in Bangkok?

[Bear0Mack]

I'm looking to download a set of large files via web and BitTorrent which is going to be way too much for my 4G service, especially after having just formatted my laptop. Does anyone know of a high speed Wifi cafe in Bangkok where I can download at least 1MiB/s/8mbps+? Would love to be using True/AIS/3BB Wifi but I can't get a connection where I live.

I guess some might block BitTorrent, but I have a VPN. Not sure exactly how fast the VPN is though.

Thanks guys!

Edited January 1, 2016 by Bear0Mack

[RichCor]

If you already have a mobile phone SIM with AIS, DTAC or TRUE you can subscribe to a supplementary WiFi access package on your phone, then access that service via any WiFi enabled device that is in range of that service.

AIS and DTAC offer bundling of 3BBs WiFi Hotspot service in 80,000 locations in 77 provinces for 99 baht/mo. The network generally provides 10-100mb/s unlimited transfer.

Though last time I used it they did block direct torrenting.

TRUE also offers WiFi Hotspot service.

Almost every cafe has WiFi service that's either offered for customers, or service can be purchased separately.

If it's a private WiFi service using TOT adsl or Fiber then torrenting should work fine.

[Bear0Mack]

Thanks for the advice Rich. An excellent suggestion, but unfortunately I have yet to find a hotspot that can achieve much more than 300KiBps, which doesn't quite cut it for 3-4GiB files. If only I could get it in my apartment the slow speed wouldn't be so much of an issue.

Any idea where I can find one of these fiber cafes?

[RichCor]

If you have a mobile smartphone, try walking around your neighborhood and see what WiFi signals are available.

Look for open (unencrypted) WiFi and see if they belong to a commercial WiFi Hotspot provider.

If you do find one or two you can then purchase a USB WiFi stick with an external antenna, or USB WiFi directional 'panel' antenna that you could use in a windows of your apartment to snag the signal (even from a distance of a kilometer away).

I purchased a TP-Link, pictured below, and connected to a 3BB Hotspot on a tower about 500m away from the rental house I lived in for 6 months. Though, if I did it again I would go with a USB WiFi adapter with a 'panel' antenna instead of an 'omni'.

True likes to locate their WiFi Hotspot basestations at local 7-Eleven stores.

Using Google Maps or HERE should give you some idea of where to find some of the local cafes when you type that into the search windows.

As 'Bangkok' is a rather large geographical area, take a look at this Google Search for High Speed WiFi Cafe in Bangkok and see if any of the results work for you.

[Bear0Mack]

I just tried Starbucks at Central Lat Phrao. 150 baht for a KSC Hotspot card for 5 hours! Not a problem if it's good. But the speed is only 0.12mbps, or about 16 kilobytes per second. It's like being on dialup again.

[Bear0Mack]

Hi Rich,

Excellent suggestion, in fact I have already tried this with an high gain omni similar to what you have. However, even though I can get a reasonable 3/5 bars for True, I can't even connect, whereas I normally would be able to if I was in a True cafe. I tried 3BB as well, and got up to 4/5 bars (-70dBm) on a window and got a connection for a little while, but it drops out regularly. I speed tested it at 1.4mbps (175KiB/s). I'm guessing that the huge number of access points (50+) and the fact that many of them also use interfering channels is just too much to maintain a connection. Maybe a panel antenna might help focus the device in on the actual AP I want to pick up, but I can't actually see where the AP is.

I'm still searching (Google), asking friends, forum members if they know any high speed fiber WiFi cafes in Bangkok. I'm not too picky exactly where in Bangkok, but somewhere central would be good.

Bear

[RichCor]

When I did a google search for Bangkok Cafe the results also came back with suggestions of using a Co-Working Space or the Business Lounge of a Hotel.

[ExpatOilWorker]

http://www.stickmanweekly.com/WiFi/BangkokFreeWirelessInternetWiFi.htm

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Just a possibility...

True has a chain of True Coffee outlets located around Bangkok. And, at least the one not far from my home on Sukhumvit Road on the Suk Soi 21 side of the street has a sign out daily advertising free wifi for their customers.

Presumably it's a decent connection, since it's coming direct thru True. But I don't know, just how fast of a connection they're providing there.

True also used to be promoting very fast internet connections at their Digital Gateway shop adjacent to the BTS Siam Station. I think there is or was a True Coffee shop there also. But, while the building is still there, someone posted that the whole Digital Gateway project has been dropped in favor of teen clothing shops, so I'm not sure what's still there in terms of tech services.

Another suggestion would be to get an AIS SIM with their unlimited SuperWifi service which is accessible at many of the major malls and supposedly is much faster than their separate, regular mass market wifi. Also, right now now until Jan. 10, AIS is offering their customers a 4 GB free trial of their LTE service, which is definitely fast in Bangkok with download speeds of 30-60 Mbps.

Edited January 2, 2016 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[dddave]

The True Coffee cafe's is a good idea but they are very popular, especially with students, most of whom are either on mobiles or laptops. While the Wi-Fi may be strong, the multitudes using it simultaneously significantly dilute it.

Most internet cafe's have followed video & DVD rental shops into oblivion and the few that remain are mostly populated with maniacal youngsters blasting the universe.

[ExpatOilWorker]

Thanks for the advice Rich. An excellent suggestion, but unfortunately I have yet to find a hotspot that can achieve much more than 300KiBps, which doesn't quite cut it for 3-4GiB files. If only I could get it in my apartment the slow speed wouldn't be so much of an issue.

Any idea where I can find one of these fiber cafes?

3-4 GB really isn't that much, I usually get 30 GB/day out of my ADSL connection.

[Bear0Mack]

I think we have a winner! Thanks TallGuy. I just got myself some AIS Superwifi. 50 Baht for a new SIM and you get free Superwifi for 6 months. Limited to 7 days access per month up to 20GB. After that which you can pay to access it further for 100 Baht per month.

Do note that you'll likely need to get yourself an 802.11ac compatible WiFi card for your laptop. If you can't see the SSID this will be why.

The WiFi isn't very ubiquitous like the normal AIS WiFi so you'll need to check the coverage with the team at the shop first though. But you can apparently find it at Central Lat Phrao and The Emporium. I haven't tested the speeds yet but I saw some screenshots of users getting 100mbps+ while speed testing it.

ExpatOil, that's certainly true that a few 4GB files isn't that much. But I live in a rented apartment, so I don't have a line into my apartment as is common in many apartments.

Thanks for all the great suggestions guys!

[Bear0Mack]

Would also like to say great ideas regarding using the coworking space! As it's oriented towards business in a casual atmosphere, you're almost certain they'll have a high speed quality internet connection. You also get to meet so many interesting people there too!

[RichCor]

SuperWiFi was listed in the first AIS link I sent you.

WiFi at speeds from 10 – 650 Mbps

Locations can be found by selecting Service Area, then scroll down and click the labels in the header of the graphic.

Poor interface, I just click a type then select ALL and scroll the list till you find a SuperWiFi listed.

Department Store:

Community Mall

Siam Future - La Villa (Phaholyothin), Phaya Thai

Department Store

Central - Ladprao, Chatuchak

Central - Silom Complex, Bang Rak

King Power Complex - Rangnam, Rat Thewi

Silom Complex Plaza, Bang Rak

Entertainment:

Cinima

Major - Ramkhumheang, Bang Kapi

Suzuki Avenue, Chatuchak

Travel:

Walking Street

Chatuchak Market, Chatuchak

[yimlitnoy]

Any bar in Bkk has WIFI.

[Bear0Mack]

Yes. Indeed you did point out AIS, Rich. I discounted it too early after my experience with AIS at McDonald's showing it not to meet my speed requirements. Didn't know they had Superwifi.

Isn't the AIS coverage map just terrible? I laughed when I saw that cartoon map. Also it's not up to date. Add Emporium to that list of locations as well.

[RichCor]

Yes. Indeed you did point out AIS, Rich. I discounted it too early after my experience with AIS at McDonald's showing it not to meet my speed requirements.

I discounted it because, as Bangkok is a large place (~1,569 km²), they really have too few locations running AIS SuperWiFi to be considered a viable service.

Yea, I can download really, really fast while I'm shopping, watching a movie at a theatre, or browsing walking street. Yea, Yea, I'm sure there are a few quiet places to sit while you fill up on your Internet addiction, but not very practical. It's more a token extreme speed mark for marketing purposes.

And, hey, they spent money on that cartoon-ish animated graphic. There are even people playing tennis, probably while they're connected to SuperWiFi.

Just found this AIS link specifically for AIS Super WiFi.

I like TallGuyJohninBKK other idea of taking advantage of the free AIS 4G/LTE service, well IF you have an 1800MHz capable smartphone or USB AirCard.

Edited January 3, 2016 by RichCor

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Re the AIS Super Wifi, a couple of issues:

1. Bear mentioned above that you'd probably need to have AC band wifi in order to use it. I see, they talk on the AIS website about using AC wifi to get the fastest speeds with their Super Wifi service. But from looking at the AIS Super Wifi website that Rich linked above, it looks like an AIS Super Wifi account would work fine albeit somewhat slower with regular N band wifi.

For an AIS Super Wifi account, their website seems to show top speeds up to 650 Mbps with their Super Wifi network, and up to 225 Mbps if a Super Wifi account holder logs in to the regular AIS Wifi network. But if a regular AIS wifi account holder logs in to the regular AIS Wifi networks, they're saying speeds up to only 100 Mbps.

But what I can't tell, and don't know, is whether the AIS Super Wifi network itself ONLY supports AC wifi connections, or it supports both AC and N, with faster and slower potential speeds depending on what band of wifi your device is using.

ADD: fyi, just got off the phone with AIS customer support, and they indeed confirmed that someone with their AIS Super Wifi service should be able to log into their AIS Super Wifi SSID even when using a Wifi N device (instead of AC). But, as I suggested above, they'll get a slower speed with an N device than with an AC device. However, the rep also confirmed that having a Super Wifi account with them gives you access to both their Super Wifi and regular AIS Wifi hotspots.

2. Similarly, while their Super Wifi is limited in terms of the number of hotspot locations they have, I also have presumed as an AIS customer that having a subscription to their Super Wifi service would also allow you to use their regular/slower AIS wifi service elsewhere, and AIS hotspots for that are pretty omni present around BKK. From their AIS Super Wifi website, it certainly seems to show a Super Wifi account holder would gain access to both.

Last time I looked, AIS was offering unlimited Super Wifi service as an included/free feature to any of their postpaid customers on monthly plans of 500b or more.

Edited January 3, 2016 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[bearpolar]

ais super wifi is 100mbps on international downloads, If you get 0.12mbps on it then wipe your hd and stop downloading porn

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

ais super wifi is 100mbps on international downloads, If you get 0.12mbps on it then wipe your hd and stop downloading porn

Who's talking about getting 0.12 Mbps on AIS Super Wifi??? Not me, certainly.

But FWIW, any of AIS's publicly quoted wifi network speeds are only going to be maximum speeds for Thailand domestic downloads. AFAIK, they never quote any maximum speeds for international downloads.

[Bear0Mack]

TallguyJohn, I'm surprised to hear you say that it's backwards N compatible, as I can't see it on my laptop. Unless maybe my laptop is just 802.11g, but I'm pretty sure my laptop has an 802.11n card, as it's not that old.

Note mods that Bearpolars post should be removed as trolling.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Well, that's what AIS is saying... When you're looking for AIS Super Wifi, are you trying in one of the few Super Wifi hotspot locations on the list that Rich posted above???

But more broadly, if you look at their Super Wifi website, it pretty clearly shows they're using two different SSIDs: .@ AIS Super Wifi. and .@ AISwifi.

According to AIS, if you have a Super Wifi service with them, you ought to be able to access either hotspot SSID that you can see with your device.

Clearly, the faster .@ AIS Super Wifi hotspot locations appear to be few and far between, as Rich's list posted above shows. But assuming you were in one of those few Super Wifi hotspot locations and had their service, they're saying you ought to be able to see and log into the .@ AIS Super Wifi with either an AC or N wifi device. (I didn't ask them about G devices on .@ AIS Super Wifi hotspots).

But just as clearly, their regular and slower .@ AISwifi hotspots -- if you were around one of those many many more locations -- would be able to be seen by any wifi G or N or AC mobile device.

Standard disclaimer - That's what the AIS Call Center told me in pretty clear English. Whether that's in fact true or not, is always a potential question.

PS - It would be nice to get some better clarity/confirmation on this issue, because the service is affordable and fast, if you happen to be near one of their few AIS Super Wifi hotspots.

FWIW, I looked at the device compatibility checker on their AIS Super Wifi website, and it doesn't seem very complete. For example, I have a Thailand purchased ASUS 3G tablet with AC wifi, and it and its whole series are not listed among their compatible ASUS devices roster at all.

Edited January 3, 2016 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[bearpolar]

Trolling? you guys are talking about whats written on the back of a paper offer while i have gotten 100mbps speed internationally on super wifi. All the Wifi service from the telecom are fast, if someone is getting bad speed most likely its from porn or other bad browsing habits(meaning they are used in botnets as soon as they connect online)

[Ks45672]

In mbk there is super ais wifi asverttised, I think the latest sign said up to 1ghz/per sec but may have been 650MB/per sec...

I downloaded a few torrent movies while shopping on the true wifi there, average speedtest was 60-80MBper sec down and about 50-60 on upload

Didn't have my ais sim with me to test the super wifi

[RichCor]

I think the latest sign said up to 1ghz/per sec

… It’s the ship that made the Kessel run in less than 12 parsecs.

[JJBloke]

AIS Wifi, what a great tip. Thanks! In Bangkok, it sounds like wireless internet has advanced a lot.

I would really appreciate some help with the following, and hopefully your replies will help other people understand all this:

I live, incidentally, about 80 meters from Suzuki Avenue, a listed Superwifi Hotspot. I currently get wifi from my condo, which is just about good enough to watch Youtube and talk on Skype, for 500B/month.

I have been offered online teaching work from home, but I require a fast connection to be reliable enough for that. A solution to this would make a great difference for me. Faster internet would be great also

Am I to understand that I could purchase an AIS SIM, and use the Superwifi package with my laptop (Acer 5 years old Windows 7) ??Is that service 100B per month??? What other equipment would I have to buy? Either an 802.11ac or a Panel Antenna.... I am quite uninformed, and got most of what I now know from this thread. Could someone kindly explain each step for this to a bit of a rookie, or if I'm misunderstanding, could I please be pointed in the right direction to get a good Skype signal w/o having to get my condo wired-up?

Thanks so much in advance :)