On my Thailand holidays I wonder if it;;is cheaper to buy a cheap cell phone or to buy a sim for another unloc?

A sim card will be cheaper than buying a new phone. You got True Move, AIS or DTAC to choice from. All have cheap international calling rates, local rates and many internet options for short stay or long stay tourist.. I like AIS myself. Just check out their websites, each have one.

Buying a SIM card for an unlocked phone with 4 bands is cheaper. Cost 150-200 baht

New/used cellphone in thailand: 1000-1200 baht or less plus sim card

One visit I had bought a unlocked Sony/Erickson and it did not work, don't know why. I only paid like USD40-50 back then, 2008 or so.

I know at the airport the SIM card sellers, AIS, DTAC and True will sell you the SIM and rent the phone to you. In my case, it was free. Again this was 2008 or 9

I bought a new phone, candy bar for 1400 baht. I have been using that one ever since for calls and text messages.

They now have 3G, so if your unlocked phone is a smartphone and has all 4 bands 800, 900, 1800, 1900, both AIS and DTAC have deals for 299 baht, unlimited internet access for one week and 10-15 minutes call time

Good luck

The cheap phones let you call but you can't really surf the net, so it is better to get a SIM card. Remember a phone will come with a SIM card as well, so generally the SIM card will be cheaper.

You can also get data in Thailand by subscribing to a data service accessed over a WiFi network, though this will only let you call through Skype.

The best way is to buy a local sim for easy call rates but if you want to call internationally then you should see the price of local and international call rates.For international call you may have the option to buy online calling cards and check their rates online.

AIS 12Call Sim card with 3G ( also micro SIM ) costs 50 baht; that roughly $1.75. text messages and net browsing are relatively cheap; although international calls are expensive; but not if you use a VoiP service such as tango or line.

the cost of the Sim card does not include credit. you can purchase a pre-paid monthly plan ( fixed sum ) for unlimited net browsing or a set amount of gigabytes.

cheers.

Just buy a cheap Thai phone with sim card inside and relax. This way works immediately with no extra worries.

I like True, but would never use AIS due to its connection with the criminal Thaksin.

You have to buy a SIM either way. New phones don't come with a SIM.