I thought you were angling to get a subsidized handset from a wireless operator. Since you're buying on the open market anyway, why don't you wait to get one once you arrive in Thailand. Lots of good, reasonably-priced handsets for sale in the MBK Center in Bangkok, both brand-new and used and you get to hold them in your hand and try them out. I understand many of the bargain used phones are provided by bar girls who get them as gifts from clients and turn them into cash at MBK. But that may be just a story. MBK Center 4th floor (BTS/Skytrain: National Stadium)