As of 12:01am today, here in Bangkok, AIS unlocked its IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identification) codes. This means that finally one can use AIS SIM cards in any phone, purchased here (Thailand) or abroad. AIS is the largest and most pervasive network in Thailand. Previously, unless one had an AIS phone to go along with the AIS SIM-card, the SIM would not work. This happened when GSM phones purchased abroad (say, Hong Kong) were brought into Thailand, and an AIS SIM-card was inserted. Of course, the prices for domestic phones have been kept artifically high with IMEI locks (and also SIM locks) since the dawn of cellular telephony in Thailand. The only resort one had was to go an underground (or 4th floor in MBK shopping center as the case may be phone shop and for about $5, have the IMEI changed on the imported phone. Also, this procedure was very difficult/impossible on some model phones (e.g. Nokia 8XXX series).

Now, it is a pleasure. Earlier today I tested my Nokia 8890 which I purchased two years ago in Hong Kong (for use with my US GSM Voicestream service) with my AIS SIM-card (which I have used for years in an old Startac), and it worked great. So, not only can GSM phones be brought in from abroad (still sort of technically illegal unless declared and a duty paid), but prices of GSM phones will finally become competitive here in town as well.

FWIW, in addition to the blanket removal of the IMEI codes, AIS has also offered to remove the SIM-lock from any subscriber's SIM upon request. That is probably of less interest to the infrequent tourist, since it means that if you have an AIS handset, you could get a SIM card from an AIS competitor (say, based on a current promotion), and use it in the existing handset.

Anyway, this may seem like gibberish to outsiders, but for those of us who have business here, and have fought the cellphone wars over the years, it indeed is very good news.

PS: The reason AIS took this action appears to be two fold:
1. the competition (DTAC, TA Orange) began unlocking their IMEI codes last month, and
2. Taksin, the Prime Minister who owns AIS, is coming under serious attack in Parliment (technically his cabinet misisters are under various censure/impeachment procedings), so one can only speculate that this move couldn't help but deflect some notice from his political woes.