What is FTP? How to Upload Files via FTP on Thai Hosting 2026

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is the standard method for transferring files between your computer and a web hosting server. Website owners use FTP to upload HTML files, images, PHP scripts, and other content directly to their hosting account. This guide covers everything from basic FTP setup to secure SFTP usage on Thai hosting.

FTP vs SFTP vs FTPS: What's the Difference?

• FTP (Port 21): The original protocol. Transfers data as plain text with no encryption. Not secure for sensitive credentials or private files.
• FTPS (FTP Secure): FTP with SSL/TLS encryption added. More secure than plain FTP but more complex to configure.
• SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol): Operates over SSH protocol. Provides the highest security — all data including credentials is fully encrypted. Recommended for all use.

Recommendation: Always use SFTP when your hosting supports it (usually port 22). It's as easy to use as FTP but far more secure.

Connecting with FileZilla

FileZilla is the most popular free FTP/SFTP client, available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.

1. Download FileZilla from filezilla-project.org
2. Open FileZilla → Fill in the Quickconnect bar at the top:
   Host: ftp.yourdomain.com (or your server hostname)
   Username: Your FTP username from hosting
   Password: Your FTP password
   Port: 21 (FTP/FTPS) or 22 (SFTP)
3. Click Quickconnect
4. Left panel = files on your computer. Right panel = files on the server.
5. Drag files from left to right to upload, or right to left to download.

Creating FTP Accounts in DirectAdmin

1. Login to DirectAdmin → Extra Features → FTP Management
2. Click Create FTP Account
3. Enter Username, Password, and Home Directory (the folder this FTP account can access)
4. Click Create

Best practice: Create separate FTP accounts for each developer or contractor, with Home Directory limited to only the folders they need access to. This principle of least privilege prevents unauthorized access to other files.

File Permissions (chmod)

File permissions define who can read, write, or execute files. Linux/Unix permissions use three-digit numeric codes:

• 755 (rwxr-xr-x): For directories — owner can read/write/execute, others can read/execute.
• 644 (rw-r--r--): For HTML/CSS/JS files — owner can read/write, others can read only.
• 600 (rw-------): For config files with passwords — owner can read/write only, nobody else.
• 777: Everyone can do everything — dangerous, never use for important files.

Basic FTP Commands (Command Line)

ftp ftp.yourdomain.com # Connect
ls    # List files
put file.html  # Upload file
get file.html  # Download file
bye   # Disconnect

Frequently Asked Questions