Spent three weeks testing every network across the island. AIS wins by massive margins on the routes that matter.

AIS from any 7-Eleven: 20GB for 299 baht works perfectly from Patong Hill to Big Buddha summit. True drops completely on the Chalong-to-Kata coastal road and goes dead on the back route to Nai Harn Beach.

The airport counter is convenient but 7-Eleven locations are everywhere — There's one at Chalong Circle, another at Karon Beach Road intersection. Staff will activate it properly and test signal strength before you leave.

Pocket wifi rental costs 200+ baht daily and you're carrying another device that dies during those brutal afternoon thunderstorms. Only makes sense if you're sharing with 4+ people doing serious data work.

Pro tip: AIS signal reaches inside the limestone caves at Phang Nga Bay while other networks fail completely. Learned this the hard way on a sea kayak tour.