Utilities in Phuket: What You Need to Know

Electricity

What it is?

Electricity in Phuket is supplied by the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA). Most homes and condos are already connected, but if you’re moving into a new build or unfurnished rental, confirm the account is active before moving in.

How it works here?

This is one of the easier utilities to deal with in Phuket. Payments are straightforward, and besides the very rare occasional outage (sometimes announced in advance), it’s pretty much a non‑issue. That said, electricity is not cheap.

Costs

Rates vary depending on how you’re billed:

– 4.5 baht per unit if you’re paying the government rate directly.
– 7–10 baht per unit if your landlord charges you directly instead of letting you pay the bill yourself.
In most cases, you’ll want to pay the bill yourself — but not all landlords allow this.

Setting it up

If you’re renting, your landlord will usually keep the account in their name and you’ll receive the bill in the last week of every month in a small PEA electricity post box. If you own your home, register the account in your name at the local PEA office with your passport, proof of address, and house registration.

Payment options

– In person at any 7‑Eleven, Tops Daily, or PEA office (bring your bill to scan).
– 7‑Eleven and Tops Daily only accept cash for electricity payments.
– At Tops Daily, show your The1 card to collect reward points.
– Online via your bank’s app or the PEA app.
– External payment apps and partners such as TrueMoney Wallet, Rabbit LINE Pay, mPay, Counter Service Pay, Sabuy Counter, Big C, Central Pay, and others.
– Corporate banking for businesses.
(also see the image on DB)

Seasonal pricing

Some days during the year are billed at higher rates. These can change annually, and PEA updates the dates on their official website: www.pea.co.th

Insider tips

– If your bill suddenly spikes, check your AC efficiency and hot water usage.
– Scheduled outages are posted on the PEA Phuket Facebook page — worth checking before you panic.
– Golden tip: Add the installation technician or PEA contact to your LINE or WhatsApp. Most won’t speak English, so have a translation app ready. Having them on your phone will make solving future issues much faster.

Emergency contact

Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) Phuket: 1129

Internet & TV

What it is?

True, AIS, and 3BB are the main internet providers, offering fiber in most built‑up areas.

How the internet works in Phuket?

Speeds are generally good for Phuket, but outages can happen during storms or maintenance. Most residents choose fiber packages with 300–1000 Mbps. In many rentals, internet is already included in your monthly rent. However, this is usually a basic package – fine for casual use, but not always ideal for heavy streaming, gaming, or multiple people working from home.

Setting it up

If you want faster speeds, extra connection points in the house, or a private line, you’ll need to arrange and pay for the upgrade yourself or discuss it with your landlord. Either way, ask the landlord which company is already in the house – they’ll either help you set it up or point you directly to the internet provider. Bring your passport, address, and sometimes proof of residence (rental agreement or house book) to your chosen provider. Installations are usually within a few days.

Payment options

Usually included in your rent – or paid to the company

Insider tips

– True tends to have wider coverage in rural areas, AIS has excellent mobile integration, and 3BB is known for fast service in town centers.
– Ask neighbors which provider works best in your area before signing up.
– Golden tip: When the technician comes to install, add them on LINE or WhatsApp so you have a direct contact if your internet ever goes down.