Creeping towards May 1

[reader]

From Pattaya Mail

By Barry Kenyon

Pre-entry digital arrival forms for all foreigners coming by air, land or sea await the starting pistol in several weeks time. But the subject has dropped out of the headlines even though many international visitors have already booked their flights and accommodation. There are increasing concerns in the international travel world about the continuing absence of the actual digital forms and the lack of precise detail. Several airlines and internet travelblogs have already indicated concern that time is short if visitors are to experience a smoother experience at immigration and a welcome modernization of the travel experience with enhanced safety and security.
The new system, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), is not technically an application for entry but a digital re-statement of the information formerly contained in the now defunct TM6 whose details were years ago scribbled by weary passengers about to arrive in Thailand. So the TDAC, to be accessed via the official Thai immigration website or mobile application, will need passport details, purpose of visit, accommodation address and contact information including a personal phone number and relevant email addresses. Group registrations by tour operators abroad may be allowed, but no confirmation as yet.

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports says all foreigners – on every future trip here – will need to submit the digital TM6 form online. There are no exceptions for visa holders of any kind, apparently including permanent residents who don’t even have a visa but do need a re-entry permit. This has angered retirees, work permit holders and other longstayers who point out that the Thai authorities have that information anyway. Although the idea is to fill in the TDAC in advance of travel, there is provision for filling in the form in special kiosks on arrival at Thai airports or entry points. Thus the temporary conclusion is that airlines will not be refusing boarding to passengers who can’t show their received QR code as there’s an alternative. But nobody knows for sure.

The main target of TDAC is obviously the many millions of international tourists who now receive 60 days visa exempt. When immigration officers currently stamp their passports, they have no idea of who they really are and where they will stay. A tiny, tiny number are refused entry if they have a criminal record here or are wanted by Interpol, but that’s about as far as checking goes. TDAC will rectify that issue, provided those filling in the form are honest, but there are currently no details on how to change the information online if a mistake is made or if the foreigner moves address whilst in Thailand. How the changes affect the current, post-arrival TM30 address form isn’t yet clear.

Continues at

https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/tm6-requirement-for-all-foreigners-creeping-towards-may-1-493207

 

[PeterRS2]

Apologies for I think I posted this elsewhere. This nonsense literally makes no sense for those who actually live in Thailand. One other law stipulates that we must submit yet another online form no later than around 36 hours after every arrival with exactly the same details Immigration has had in some cases for well over a decade - exact address, date of arrival, full name, citizenship, date of birth and I can’t recall what else. At the same time we have to advise our departure day! It’s typical Thai bureaucracy gone mad!

[a-447]

You need to fill out a digital forum in order to enter Malaysia.

Last year I wasn't aware of this and was stopped at immigration and had to go online and fill it out on the spot.

I travelled with Malaysia Airlines and they didn't ask me if I had filled it out when I went to check in.

This trip I filled it out a couple of days before departure and Immigration was a breeze - I basically walked straight through without having to deal with immigration officials.

Japan has a similar digital system which you complete before arrival. It gives you a qr code and it really speeds things up. Those poor souls who don't get the qr code have to waste time filling in Immigration forms.

Cathay Pacific uses face recognition at Narita. You put in a few details and then walk through Immigration and Customs.

[Keithambrose]

1 hour ago, a-447 said:

You need to fill out a digital forum in order to enter Malaysia.

Last year I wasn't aware of this and was stopped at immigration and had to go online and fill it out on the spot.

I travelled with Malaysia Airlines and they didn't ask me if I had filled it out when I went to check in.

This trip I filled it out a couple of days before departure and Immigration was a breeze - I basically walked straight through without having to deal with immigration officials.

Japan has a similar digital system which you complete before arrival. It gives you a qr code and it really speeds things up. Those poor souls who don't get the qr code have to waste time filling in Immigration forms.

Cathay Pacific uses face recognition at Narita. You put in a few details and then walk through Immigration and Customs.

Same in Australia. 

[a-447]

10 minutes ago, Keithambrose said:

Same in Australia. 

I didn't know that.

 

[Moses]

1 hour ago, a-447 said:

You need to fill out a digital forum in order to enter Malaysia.

You cannot enter to Indonesia until you fill online customs form - you must show QR-code during your walk via green corridor on the border and officer scans it for to check. You may do it in advance at home or to use one of kiosks in airport. While it named customs form, you still have to fill there your address of stay, flight number and other typical details for immigration.

[Keithambrose]

16 minutes ago, Keithambrose said:

Same in Australia. 

Last time was v efficient.  One machine to read passport, printed out am authorisation,  for 2nd machine.  Only delay can be separate inspection,  can be by machine, for food stuffs, agricultural products etc. I showed my golf shoes to prove no earth on soles!

[floridarob]

11 hours ago, Keithambrose said:

I showed my golf shoes to prove no earth on soles!

There's a joke in there somewhere.... but can't come up with it at the moment 🤓

[Keithambrose]

11 hours ago, floridarob said:

There's a joke in there somewhere.... but can't come up with it at the moment 🤓

Give it time!