So hopefully you know what a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is, if not, let’s try to explain in layman’s terms.

VPN’s explained in simple terms.

Every time you connect to the internet your internet service provider issues you with an IP number, this number is normally the same each time and is like a postcode/zip number in computer language. And just like a Zip number, the IP number will show your exact location and who you are connecting with.

Your IP number is visible to everyone and is often used to track you to provide specific information based on your location. For example, if you visit a weather site it would show you weather based on your location, also some internet services such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer and other TV sites will have specific content which is only available to people in that region. Someone in the USA would have different content to someone in the UK.

A VPN acts like a special Hub or Service which allows you to use their IP address instead of your own so you appear to be in another location.

Think of it like getting on a number 4 bus…. You are always on the Number 4 bus and no matter where you go people will only see the number 4, they will not know where you got on the bus.

When you use a VPN, your computer connects to the VPN service, and then you can choose which country you want to appear to be in. The VPN service has a collection of IP numbers (zip codes) from different countries such as the UK, USA, France, Germany, Thailand, Etc. and whenever you visit a website it will show the IP number of the VPN selected and not your original number so the website will think you are in a different location.   

This allows you to remain anonymous on the internet and access content that would only be available if you were in that country. As with anything is can also be abused. Hackers and other criminals use VPNs to hide their locations.

So why do I need a VPN?

As we mentioned before many services have specific content available to people only in that region, the biggest examples are the online TV/Movie platforms such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, TCM Movies, Amazon Prime, HBO, etc. These will only let you watch certain content if you are in a specific country.

Another example is sites like ticket sellers, airlines, trains, etc. You will often find that prices vary depending on where you are located. Someone buying a train ticket in the UK may have access to cheaper rates than someone booking from overseas.

Internet Banking is another area where VPNs can be useful. Many banks will add extra security checks if you try to access them from overseas which can cause all sorts of headaches especially if you cannot get the mail or pass the security checks, also some of the internet banking services may be unavailable when overseas. The VPN allows you to access all the services as though you are in the same county.

Should I Use a Free VPN?

There are 1000s of VPN services available and the price range is anything from Free to $20 per month. A free VPN is OK if you do not plan to use the service very often and are only using it for basic services.

Most Free VPNs will give you a time limit per day, maybe 1 hour or less. Also, the free VPNs have adverts and pop-ups which can be annoying. Ask yourself if a VPN is free how do they keep in business? The answer is they need to generate revenue from another source, advertising, or selling your data could be the main reasons.

If you plan to use the VPN regularly and want to be sure you have a secure connection without time limits we would suggest paying for the service, after all, you get what you pay for.

Most VPNs will have a free trial so you can test before committing to a payment plan.

The top VPN’s to use in Thailand

Ok so here we go, we have tested many of the VPNs out there as well as ask many people located in Thailand which they prefer and below are the most popular ones used.