Foreign banks have applied to join the local ATM network. The Hong Kong Shanghai Bank was admitted in December 1996, and Citibank in May 1996. This enables their customers to use their overseas bank ATM card at any ATM within the domestic network. There are about 5,000 ATM's in Thailand and the number continues to grow. Communications Communications for the business traveler in Bangkok and major cities is efficient, with world wide access for voice, fax and data with international direct dialing.
Cellular phones are very common and can be rented for short stays.
A foreign cellular phone will not work in Thailand, although the appearance of the new global G.P.S. phones will change that. In rural or remote areas cell coverage is spotty and only first class hotels have reliable land coverage. Thailand is a member of the International Telecommunications Satellite Consortium, and maintains two ground stations connected to satellites over the Pacific and Indian oceans to provide convenient radio communication services. Thailand is served by the major international cable television channels including CNN, BBC, CNBC, ABN, Star TV, HBO etc. which are widely available in hotels, residences and other public places. Thailand's economic plunge has caused a sharp decline in the demand for telecommunications services that include land line telephone, cellular phone, radio communications, paging, and VSAT services.