How to access USA channels in Thailand

You may wish to curl up in bed, grab the popcorn, and binge-watch some of your favourite US TV shows on Hulu, Netflix, or Max. However, soon, you will be disappointed when you can’t watch these channels from your home country.

If you’re residing in Thailand, it may be disheartening to realise that many channels in the US aren’t available to watch in Thailand. However, not all hope is lost, as there is an easy way to work around this issue and quickly gain access to geo-restricted content.

Simple, by investing in a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

Have you ever wondered how a VPN works? They encrypt your internet traffic and mask your IP address, offering protection from malicious actors and assigning you a different IP address (one in the country for which you hope to trick Netflix into believing you’re located in!), allowing you to watch geo-restricted content easily.

How to access USA channels in Thailand | News by Thaiger
Netflix is the most popular streaming service globally

In this guide, we will also discuss all the factors you must consider when choosing a VPN to bypass geolocation restrictions and watch US channels in Thailand. So, if you’re curious, let’s get started.

Why Are Some USA Channels Georestricted In Thailand?

There are multiple reasons why some US channels are geo-restricted in Thailand, and some of these major reasons include:

1) Licensing Agreements

Content providers have licensing agreements that specify where their content can get legally distributed. These agreements restrict content availability to specific geographic regions to enhance profits and adhere to contractual obligations.

2) Copyright Laws

Copyright laws differ by country. To comply with all these laws, broadcasters need to control where their content can be accessible. Allowing unrestricted access can lead to legal issues and financial penalties.

3) Broadcast Rights

Some specific content, including live sports and major events, is sold with broadcasting rights specific to certain countries and regions. Georestrictions ensure that these exclusivity agreements are abided by.

4) Regional Regulations

Different countries have specific regulations regarding media and broadcasting. Content providers must comply with regional censorship laws, content standards, and other regulatory requirements, leading to geolocation restrictions.

Squid Games was banned in many countries, but those using VPNs were able to circumnavigate this rule.

How to access USA channels in Thailand | News by Thaiger
Squid Games was banned in many countries

5) Market Segmentation

Companies often segment their markets to control pricing, distribution strategies, and advertising. By restricting content, they can tailor their services and offers to specific regions and other demographics, allowing them to optimise their business models.

Which Top US Channels Aren’t Accessible In Thailand?

Unfortunately, if you’re living in Thailand, you can only access services that support Thailand. If you’re using Netflix in Thailand, you’ll only be able to access a content library that’s specific to that location. Netflix, Apple TV+, and Prime Video are all supported in Thailand. However, they won’t have access to the US content library. Hulu, on the other hand, is not supported in Thailand. If you want access to all of these channels and all the US shows, you will need to use a VPN. Using the VPN will allow you to connect to a server location in the US, bypass geolocation restrictions, and gain unlimited access to US channels.

How to access USA channels in Thailand | News by Thaiger
Sex Education banned in many conservative countries

Why Do I Need A VPN To Access US Channels In Thailand?

You need a good VPN software having USA and Thailand servers in order to access US channels and other content in Thailand as well for many reasons. The main reasons include:

1) Privacy and Security

VPNs allow you to enhance your privacy and security. They encrypt your internet traffic and offer extensive security features like a Kill Switch and No Logs Policy, ensuring malicious actors and other cyber criminals cannot intercept sensitive and confidential data. It also prevents ISPs and other third parties from snooping on your online activities.

cybersecurity
VPNs are one of the most effective cybersecurity tools available

2) Bypassing Censorship and Geolocation Restrictions

One of the biggest benefits of using VPNs when accessing geo-restricted content is that they allow you to bypass these restrictions. So, if you’re in Thailand, you can easily connect to a VPN server location in the USA, and this will allow you to access the US channel’s content library and other US streaming services that aren’t available to watch in the USA.

3) Bypassing ISP Throttling

ISPs (Internet Service Providers) can sometimes throttle your internet connection when they find that you’re using programs and applications that consume a lot of bandwidth. Since streaming TV shows and movies will consume a lot of bandwidth, your ISP will throttle your connection, causing it to perform slower and causing buffering issues when you’re streaming. By using a VPN, you connect to a server in another country, allowing you to conceal your IP address and preventing ISP throttling.

Factors To Consider When Choosing A VPN To Access US Channels In Thailand

When choosing the best VPN for Thailand, there are multiple important factors that you need to take into consideration, including:

  • A wide range of security features include a Kill Switch feature, Smart Mode, DNS leak protection, robust encryption protocols like StealthVPN, Wireguard, OpenVPN, and AES 256 Encryption. The VPN provider should also adhere to a strict No Logs policy, which means it does not track your data and online activities when using the VPN. Your data and browsing history will automatically get deleted once you log out of the VPN.
  • The VPN provider should also have an extensive range of servers. It should have many servers in the US. The more servers there are, the more straightforward it is to bypass geolocation restrictions. Plus, more servers mean there are fewer chances for server overload, and this will enhance your streaming experience.
  • The VPN provider should be compatible with multiple operating systems, including Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It should also offer simultaneous connections for maximum protection.
  • It should provide excellent customer service. Their customer service representatives should be available round the clock to answer any technical queries you may have. They should also be available through different modes of communication, including phone, email, and live chat. They should also offer helpful tools and resources to help you use their features easily.
How to access USA channels in Thailand | News by Thaiger
Protect today with a VPN

You cannot access all of the US channels and content from Thailand. However, not all hope is lost because all you have to do is invest in a reliable VPN, connect to a server in the US, and you’re all set. You can watch all the content you desire without worrying about geolocation restrictions.

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Mitch Connor

Mitch is a Bangkok resident, having relocated from Southern California, via Florida in 2022. He studied journalism before dropping out of college to teach English in South America. After returning to the US, he spent 4 years working for various online publishers before moving to Thailand.

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