Electricity in Thailand is supplied by the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA, for Bangkok and surrounding provinces) or the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA, for the rest of the country), typically running THB 1,500-4,000+/month for a small-to-medium condo or house depending heavily on air-conditioning use — Thailand's tropical climate makes AC the largest single utility cost for most households. Water is supplied by the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority (Bangkok) or Provincial Waterworks Authority (elsewhere), generally cheap at THB 100-400/month for typical residential use. Many condo buildings bill electricity through the building management at a markup over the utility company's rate, which foreign renters should check before signing a lease.
Air conditioning drives Thai electricity bills up dramatically compared to cooler-climate countries, so budgeting utilities without accounting for near-constant AC use is a common and costly underestimate for new arrivals.
Key Facts
Electricity: typically THB 1,500-4,000+/month for a small-to-medium condo/house, heavily dependent on air-conditioning usage.
Water: generally cheap, roughly THB 100-400/month for typical residential use.
Some condo buildings resell electricity to tenants at a markup above the utility company rate — always confirm the billing method before signing a lease.
MEA serves Bangkok and immediately surrounding provinces; PEA serves the rest of the country.
Utility setup for renters is typically arranged by the landlord/condo management rather than requiring the tenant to register directly with MEA/PEA.