Apple iPhone 3G Global Expansion to Hit Thailand

In continuing with the Apple iPhone 3G’s global expansion, Apple has officially inked a deal with Thailand’s third largest mobile carrier, True Move, to bring the device to the South Pacific country.

Reuters reports that the deal will make True Move the first mobile operator to offer the Apple iPhone 3G in Thailand. Rival carrier, Advanced Info Service, is still in talks with Apple to have their crack at carrying the Apple iPhone 3G for the fast-growing Thai market. While Thailand is still in the testing stages of a 3G network, Apple iPhone 3G owners will still be able to connect to the web via the existing EDGE and GPRS networks.

In a recent statement, a company spokesperson has noted, “True Move has signed an agreement with Apple to bring the Apple iPhone 3G to Thailand in the coming months,” despite not having given a specific date.

A senior official at parent company True Corp, who holds a 75.26 percent stake in True Move, followed up by stating, “True Move would work with Apple on the launch of the sleek smartphone, which offers faster Internet access and improved email features.”

While True Move is set to be the first carrier to officially, and legally offer the Apple iPhone 3G, a user could take a stroll into Bangkok’s MBK centre and pick up a smuggled device with ease. It’s estimated that there are already over 100,000 Apple iPhone users in Thailand, including both first generation and 3G models. To get their hands on one of these hot 3Gs from the states, it usually runs about 29,500 baht or the equivalent of around $842.