Charging your mobile phone from a power outlet in Thailand

A guide showing how to recharge your mobile phone with a Thai power outlet using USB Micro type B cord with a three pin Type C USB adapter, how to charge any mobile phone using a Type A USB plug and how to power any mobile phone using a Type B USB plug

Thai power outlet

If you are packing for a holiday to Thailand it can be helpful to know if you can use any essential devices that you are bringing with you. But by not knowing which power supply is used you could end up either over packing with too many adaptors or bring the wrong power charger, therefore leaving you needing to buy or borrow a suitable charger when you need to recharge which might be incompatible. Various combinations of standards and voltages can all be daunting when planning on staying in another country especially if you've never been there before. However this isn't as complicated as it appears, with only a handful of different types of common standards being used throughout the world this guide tells you exactly what you'll need to buy in advance to charge the mobile phone . These instructions have been specifically written to prevent you having to worry if you'll be able to charge the mobile phone when staying in Thailand.If planning a vacation to Thailand the following useful instructions show how to charge the mobile phone by using their standard Type B, A or C 220 volt 50Hz wall outlets, a majority of Thai will normally use Type B plugs in their wall outlets. When travelling to Thailand from a different country please make sure your mobile phone can be charged using a 240v supply. If your mobile phone was purchased in a country which uses a lower voltage such as 110 volts check that your mobile phone is dual-voltage (marked with a 100-240 volt notation) otherwise you may need to use an additional converter to prevent the device from overheating whilst powering it up.

These instructions are for a generic mobile phone and assume the phone has a standard micro USB port, Bluetooth connectivity and a headphone socket. For all the latest phones visit the Mobile phones page for a full list of makes and models.

Charging any mobile phone in Thailand

Can the mobile phone be used in Thailand?

Yes, you can connect any mobile phone to a Thai power outlet by using the correct power adaptor.

What is the best power adapter for any mobile phone in Thailand?

If you are travelling with more than your mobile phone the best travel charger for Thailand to buy is a multiple USB charger which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are three different standards of plug sockets in Thailand (B, A and C) and using a power charger like this will ensure that you are covered for both types A and C. As these chargers are supplied with interchangeable plugs and handle from 100 volts - 240 volts it makes them ideal for over 100 countries around the world just by switching the included heads. If your mobile phone is compatible with Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much quicker recharging times by using one of these USB power chargers, plus additional support for certain power hungry devices.

This will allow you to power more than one device simultaneously without needing to pack multiple power adapters or occupying additional power sockets. Only bringing a single international travel charger will help keep the overall weight down, making it ideal to store in hand luggage while travelling and on hand for recharging your mobile phone at an airport or on your flight. Due to their versatility these types of chargers can be used back at home not just abroad so when you’re not on holiday they can sit overnight charging multiple tablets and phones without needing an additional plug socket.

If you travel often we suggest searching for this type of flexible power adapter online. The multipurpose power charger illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested with multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries with good reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Thailand

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world who only have USB devices such as the mobile phone, but for those also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power adapters offer surge protection which is useful when visiting regions with unreliable or unstable power supplies. These power adapters are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both Thailand and over 150 destinations:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK travel adaptor has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the most popular portable option for travellers originating from America going to Thailand.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Similarly having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the travel adapter from Orico is also aimed at travellers originating from America using type B plugs and is a much cheaper alternative to the BESTEK with just one less AC outlet at almost half the price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has just 2 AC outlets but offers 5 USB charging ports. This versatile power strip is compatible with both American plugs and popular plug types A, D,E/F, G, H, I, L and N making it suitable for a majority of travellers from around the world visiting Thailand. [9] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for any mobile phone in Thailand?

Charging any mobile phone from a Thai power outlet by using a two pinned Type A USB adapter

Instructions on how to recharge any mobile phone from a Thai power outlet with type B USB micro cable and a Type A USB charger.

  1. To charge any mobile phone from the Thai power outlet you will need to use a Type A USB power plug adapter [3] and a USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable [4].
  2. Start by plugging the Type A USB power plug adapter into the wall supply. You can identify this plug supply by the 2 thin slots next to each other where the twin pins sit.
  3. Connect the USB end of the micro USB Type B connector into the bottom of the USB power adapter and the other end into the USB charging port on any mobile phone. These instructions assume your phone uses a Micro USB type B port. Please refer to the instructions supplied with your mobile to check this is correct and visit the Mobile phones page to see if your model is listed (please note that you can usually connect the cable supplied with your mobile phone to charge with any USB adapter).
  4. The USB charging port can typically be found either on the bottom or side of the mobile.
  5. Turn on the Thai power outlet.
  6. The battery indicator on the mobile phone will indicate that the phone is charging, refer to the phone`s instruction manual to find out how long it will typically take. [AD]
Charging any mobile phone from a Thai power outlet by using a two pinned Type A USB adapter

Charging any mobile phone from a Thai power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

Using type B USB micro connector with a Type B USB adapter to power any mobile phone from a Thai power outlet.

  1. If you want to supply power to the mobile phone using a Thai power outlet you'll need a Type B USB power plug adapter [6] and a USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable [4].
  2. Start by plugging the Type B USB power plug adapter into the Thai power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the two thin slots for live and neutral blades with a semicircle hole below for the slightly long grounded pin.
  3. Connect the USB end of the micro USB Type B connector into the bottom of the USB power adapter and the other end into the USB charging port on any mobile phone. These instructions assume your phone uses a Micro USB type B port. Please refer to the instructions supplied with your mobile to check this is correct and visit the Mobile phones page to see if your model is listed (note that you can usually connect the cable supplied with your mobile phone to charge with any USB adapter).
  4. The USB charging port is normally located either on the bottom or side of the mobile.
  5. Turn on the Thai power outlet.
  6. The battery indicator on your mobile phone will indicate that the phone is charging, refer to the phone`s instruction manual to find out how long it will typically take. [AD]
Charging any mobile phone from a Thai power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your mobile phone from a Thai power outlet

A guide showing how to recharge your mobile phone with a Thai power outlet using USB Micro type B cord with a three pin Type C USB adapter.

  1. In order to supply power to your mobile phone from a Thai power outlet you'll need a Type C USB power plug adapter [8] and a USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable [4].
  2. Start the process by plugging the Type C USB power plug adapter in the Thai power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the two round adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  3. Connect one end of the USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable into the mains power charger and the other end into the USB charging port on any mobile phone. These instructions assume your phone uses a Micro USB type B port. Please refer to the instructions supplied with your mobile to check this is correct and visit the Mobile phones page to see if your model is listed (note you can usually connect the cable which came with your mobile phone for charging with any USB charger).
  4. The USB charging port can typically be found either on along one side or on the bottom of the mobile phone.
  5. Switch on the Thai power outlet.
  6. The battery indicator on your mobile phone should indicate that the device is charging, refer to your phone`s instruction manual to find out how long it will take. [AD]
How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your mobile phone from a Thai power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia entry about Thailand
  2. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  3. Type A USB power plug adapter - With its two-blade, ungrounded design, the Type A USB power plug adapter offers a straightforward way to convert electrical outlets in countries like the United States and Canada into USB ports for easy device charging..
  4. USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable - Used to connect USB devices which have a USB Mini-B port to computers, power supplies and other devices.
  5. iec.ch - Type B power outlet
  6. Type B USB power plug adapter - A Type B USB power plug adapter conforms to the NEMA 5-15 specifications, featuring 2 parallel flat blades and an extended grounding pin. Rated at 15A and 125 volts, suitable for use in the United States and Canada for converting domestic outlets to USB..
  7. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  8. Type C USB power plug adapter - Conforming to Europlug specifications, the Type C USB power plug adapter incorporates two 4 mm rounded pins spaced 19 mm apart. It is engineered to adapt electrical outlets commonly found in Europe, converting them to USB-compatible charging ports..
  9. 4 Port USB Wall Charger - A 4-port USB wall charger is an electrical device that provides simultaneous charging for up to four USB-compatible devices. It often includes interchangeable international plug adapters for global use..