Hi Kitty,

No it's not correct. I have taken a pre-paid phone with me and used it without a problem. You just ring your service provider to make sure it is unlocked, that is what Optus told me. You then buy a starter kit with Thai simcard. I think that it may have been about 10 dollars and it comes with credit on it and after that you can go to a phone shop or 7/11 and buy a top up card. They are widely available in Patong. I usually buy the starter kit on Bangla Rd. Walking up from the beach it is about half way along on your right hand side. I had no success in buying a starter kit in Kata but the top ups were in lots of places in Kata.They are definitely worth buying. It cost something like 70 baht for 10 minutes to call Australia but you have to enter the prefix they give you to get this special call rate.

Regards
Michelle