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Swedish TV in Thailand – what works outside the EU

Updated · Läs guiden på svenska

Every winter many Swedes travel to Thailand, some for two weeks and others for the whole season. And it is common to want to follow the news, Melodifestivalen or winter sports from home. But Thailand is outside the EU, and that affects what you can watch. Here is an honest walkthrough.

Outside the EU the portability rules do not apply

Inside the EU, paid services such as TV4 Play and Netflix must work when you are temporarily in another EU country. In Thailand that rule does not apply. That means:

  • SVT Play and UR Play: Programmes with worldwide rights work, just as in Spain. Live channels, much of the sport and acquired series are for Sweden only.
  • TV4 Play: According to TV4's terms you only have the right to use the service in Sweden, with an exception for paid packages inside the EU and EEA. In Thailand the exception does not apply. TV4 does not allow VPNs either.
  • Netflix and other global services: They work, but the catalogue usually follows the country you are in.
  • Swedish Radio and podcasts: Usually work well, although individual broadcasts may be restricted.

Step by step: Swedish TV in Thailand

  1. Find what works straight away. Use the "Kan ses utomlands" filter on svtplay.se/program. In the SVT Play app only available content is shown. Read Watching SVT Play abroad.
  2. Download in advance where possible. Some services let you download programmes to your phone. Do it on the hotel Wi-Fi instead of streaming on mobile data.
  3. Test the internet where you stay. Speeds vary a lot between hotels, bungalows and apartments. Ask for fibre if you are staying a long time.
  4. A Swedish IP address for Swedish sites. News sites, e-services and online shops often work best when you appear to be in Sweden. Read Swedish IP address abroad.
  5. Protect yourself on open Wi-Fi. Hotels, airports and cafés often have open networks. A VPN encrypts the traffic.

The distance to Sweden

Thailand is a long way from Sweden, so data takes a little longer to travel back and forth when traffic goes through a server in Sweden. For streaming this is rarely noticeable, because the video is buffered. For video calls and gaming you may notice it more. The most important thing for a good picture is a stable connection where you stay.

Swedish TV on the TV at the hotel or apartment

  • Apple TV: Bring your Apple TV and install the Grip VPN app. Sign in with a code at gripvpn.com/aktivera.
  • Casting from your phone: Works on many hotel TVs, but not all.
  • VPN router: If you rent an apartment for the whole season and have internet with a network port, a VPN router is convenient for smart TVs and IPTV boxes. Read A VPN router for Swedish TV in the whole home and see the VPN router. We ship to Thailand, and the shipping cost is shown at checkout.

Packing list for Swedish TV on your trip

  • An Apple TV, if you have one, and an HDMI cable. The hotel TV almost always has a free HDMI input.
  • Logins for your SVT account and your paid services, saved in a password manager.
  • An updated Mobile BankID with time left before it expires.
  • The Grip VPN app installed and tested at home, so you know everything works before you leave.
  • Chargers and preferably a plug adapter for the country you are going to.

Honest expectations

A VPN gives you a Swedish IP address and encrypted traffic. It does not change the services' rights or terms. SVT does not support VPNs and does not promise that it works, and TV4 does not allow VPNs. Feel free to test with our shortest period on the pricing page, with no automatic renewal. You have a 14-day right of withdrawal.

Also remember that laws on VPNs and the internet differ between countries. Check what applies in the country you visit.

Frequently asked questions

Can I watch Swedish TV in Thailand?

Yes, some of it. Many programmes on SVT Play and UR Play can be watched worldwide. Channels, sport and acquired series are usually blocked outside Sweden.

Does TV4 Play work in Thailand?

According to TV4's terms you only have the right to use TV4 Play in Sweden, with an exception for paid packages when you are temporarily in the EU and EEA. Thailand is not covered. Read TV4 Play abroad.

Does BankID work in Thailand?

Yes, Mobile BankID works worldwide with internet. Read BankID and Swedish e-services abroad.

Will a VPN be slow from Thailand?

Response times get a little longer because of the distance, but for streaming it is rarely noticeable. A stable connection where you stay matters most.

How is it different from being in Spain?

Spain is an EU country, so paid services must work there temporarily. Read Swedish TV in Spain.