In Thailand, utility bills for electricity, water, internet and phone can be paid over the counter at banks and convenience stores, online through internet banking, or via a mobile banking app. Setting up reliable bill payment is one of the first practical steps for anyone renting or owning a condo in Bangkok, and most condominiums route water and common-area charges through the building’s juristic office.
The Best Ways To Pay Your Utility Bills in Thailand
Paying bills is part of settling in — see our guide to living in Bangkok and our full guide to the regions of Bangkok for the bigger picture on day-to-day life across the city.
The best ways to pay your utility bills in Thailand are via service counters, internet banking, and mobile banking. Each of these methods are straightforward and allow for maximum convenience for condo tenants or homeowners. In most cases, apartment tenants pay their utility bills directly to the building management office.
There are other ways to settle utility bills, too, like credit cards, debit, paying via ATM, or even IVR (Interactive Voice Response) payments. These are viable options, but you can simplify the process even further in the Land of Smiles.
1. Pay Bills Over the Counter
Paying bills over the counter in Thailand is easy because there are so many places to do it such as convenience stores, bank counters, post offices, and department stores. Some specific store brands that process utility payments are:
- 7-Eleven
- Family Mart
- Tesco Lotus Express
- True Money
- True Express
- Any Thai banks such as Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn Bank, Siam Commercial Bank (SCB), and CIMB Thai
You can also take your bill directly to the Metropolitan Electric Authority (MEA) if you live in Bangkok or the Provincial Electric Authority (PEA) if you live outside of the metropolitan region. Present your utility bill slip at the counter, make your payment, and you’re finished. You’ll save a few Baht on the convenience fee, but wait times can be longer there as they are usually processing many different utility-related requests.
For those living in a condo, the water payment method is slightly different and should be done directly at the juristic office.
2. Pay Bills in Thailand via Internet Banking Linked to Your Account
Paying bills in Thailand can be made easier by setting up internet banking with your savings or current bank account. All major banks offer this service, and after the initial setup you can simply log in and make payments.
To set up internet banking and make payments, take the following steps:
- Open a bank account with a major Thai bank such as Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn Bank or SCB. The account must be either a savings or current account.
- Have your ATM card and bankbook (or checkbook in the case of a current account) ready and set up internet banking on your bank’s website. Joint account holders or those on a tourist visa may need to visit the bank in person with all listed on the account.
- Follow the steps to set up a user ID and password linked to your bank account. You’ll then be able to bank online.
- Add a payee to your account from the website which typically has a huge list of companies in a drop-down menu. Enter a confirmation code sent to your phone and the payee is registered.
- Make payments to your registered payees simply by adding the amount of money and creating a confirmation number.
3. Paying Bills via Mobile Banking in Thailand
Paying bills via mobile banking in Thailand offers the following benefits:
- Saves time as it can be done with a few taps on your smartphone.
- Provides peace of mind – once you’ve registered a payee you simply input the payments.
- Payments can be made while overseas.
- Fewer service fees.
Mobile banking is just as convenient as internet banking, if not more so. You can do so by downloading your bank’s app, connecting your account, and registering payees.
How to Register Your Electricity Payment Bill With the MEA Smart Life App?
To register your electricity payment bill with the MEA Smart Life app take the following 4 steps:
- Download the MEA Android app or the MEA iOS app depending on whether you’re using an android or apple device.
- Open the app and input your phone number and citizen ID or passport number. If no account is found, you will be prompted to register. Tap “OK” to proceed.
- Agree to the terms and conditions, receive a one-time password via your phone, and input it along with any other registration information requested.
- To receive e-bills instead of paper ones, input the CA reference number and installation numbers listed on your electricity bill.
MEA (Metropolitan Electric Authority) is the exclusive electricity provider to the Bangkok Metropolitan Region. If you live there, you can use their app to receive and keep track of e-bills, power outage notifications, bill payment locations, and link your credit card to the app for direct payments.
For those living outside of the City of Angels, the electricity provider is the Provincial Electric Authority (PEA) which has its own similar billing app called “Smart Plus.”
What Happens if You Forget To Pay the Electricity Bill?
If you forget to pay the electricity bill within the usual 7 or 10 day period, your electricity provider will send a second alert letter in your mailbox. Failure to pay the second notification within the specified time frame will result in the MEA cutting access to power.
You’ll have to pay an extra fee on top of the original bill if the MEA cuts your power supply. Once you pay this, they’ll restore your access to electricity.
