reader Posted March 10 Posted March 10 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 bkkmfj2648, vinapu and TMax 1 2 Quote
PeterRS2 Posted March 10 Posted March 10 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! TMax and Ruthrieston 2 Quote
a-447 Posted March 10 Posted March 10 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. 10tazione and reader 2 Quote
Keithambrose Posted March 10 Posted March 10 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. Quote
a-447 Posted March 10 Posted March 10 10 minutes ago, Keithambrose said: Same in Australia. I didn't know that. Quote
Moses Posted March 10 Posted March 10 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. 10tazione 1 Quote
Keithambrose Posted March 10 Posted March 10 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! Quote
floridarob Posted March 11 Posted March 11 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 🤓 Quote
Keithambrose Posted March 11 Posted March 11 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! floridarob 1 Quote
10tazione Posted March 31 Posted March 31 TNT - Tim Newton reported today, this is the new official website for the digital arrival card for Thailand: https://tdac.immigration.go.th/arrival-card/#/home Good luck! reader 1 Quote
reader Posted March 31 Author Posted March 31 From Pattaya News Digital Arrival Card Becomes MANDATORY as of May First for International Arrivals, But Questions Linger Starting May 1st, 2025, all non-Thai nationals entering Thailand by air, land, or sea will be required to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before arrival. This shift marks a modernization of Thailand’s immigration system, replacing the traditional paper-based TM6 arrival and departure card with a digital process. Designed to enhance efficiency, security, and convenience, the TDAC aims to eliminate the hassle of paper forms while in theory improving the overall travel experience for millions of visitors. Here’s everything you need to know about this new requirement as of press time, but we stress things are subject to change and questions remain about certain aspects. The TDAC is an online form developed by Thailand’s Immigration Bureau to replace the long-standing TM6 paper card, which foreign travelers were previously required to fill out upon arrival and departure. The TM6, a small document collecting personal details, travel information, and accommodation specifics, was traditionally distributed by airlines during flights or available at immigration checkpoints. However, it often caused delays due to illegible handwriting, lost forms, or the sheer volume of passengers processing through busy entry points like Suvarnabhumi Airport. The TDAC digitizes this process, allowing travelers to submit their details—such as full name, nationality, passport number, flight or vehicle details, purpose of visit, and accommodation address—via an online platform before arriving in Thailand. Once submitted, travelers receive a confirmation, likely in the form of a QR code or downloadable document (Still not crystal clear), to present at immigration checkpoints. The system is accessible through the official Immigration Bureau website at tdac.immigration.go.th, which is currently live but not yet accepting submissions as of March 31, 2025. Key Details of the TDAC Requirement Mandatory Date: The TDAC becomes compulsory for all non-Thai nationals starting May 1, 2025. Who Must Submit: All foreign passport holders entering Thailand by air, land, or sea are required to complete the TDAC, with exceptions for those transiting without passing through immigration or using a Border Pass (typically for neighboring countries like Laos or Cambodia). Submission Timing: Travelers must register within three days before their arrival date, including the day of arrival. For example, if you’re arriving on May 1, 2025, you can submit your TDAC as early as April 28, 2025. Cost: The TDAC submission is free of charge, though travelers should beware of fraudulent websites that might attempt to impose fees. Application Process: The form can be completed online via the official TDAC website. An alternative option for last-minute submissions will likely be available at self-service kiosks at immigration counters, though pre-submission is strongly recommended to avoid delays. This aspect is also still not clear. The TDAC also integrates with other Thai government systems, including the Department of Consular Affairs’ E-Visa platform, the Department of Disease Control’s health screening measures, and potentially the future planbed Ministry of Tourism and Sports’ tourist fee collection system, ensuring a cohesive approach to managing visitor data. Continues at https://thepattayanews.com/2025/03/31/thailand-digital-arrival-card-becomes-mandatory-as-of-may-first-for-international-arrivals-but-questions-linger/ vinapu 1 Quote
reader Posted April 1 Author Posted April 1 From Pattaya News UPDATE: Digital Arrival Card Faces Online Backlash By Adam Judd As Thailand prepares to roll out its Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) on May 1, 2025, replacing the paper-based TM6 form, the initiative is meeting with a wave of criticism online. Intended to modernize immigration and streamline tourist entry, the TDAC requires all foreign travelers to submit personal and travel details digitally before arrival as we detailed here in depth at TPN Media. However, instead of enthusiasm, the response from netizens has been largely negative, with frustration and confusion dominating the conversation. Travelers have taken to platforms like X and Facebook to voice their concerns. Many argue that the shift to a digital system adds unnecessary complexity to an already straightforward process. One user lamented that scrapping the TM6 was a smart move, only for this “hot mess” of a replacement to undo that progress, calling it an annoyance that fails to enhance security or efficiency.Others have pointed out practical issues, such as the lack of clarity around the application process, with reports of a glitchy website and an unhelpful video tutorial fueling the discontent. For those less tech-savvy, like elderly travelers or those with potential language barriers, the absence of a clear backup plan has sparked worries about accessibility. Foreign residents of Thailand have added their own grievances to the mix, particularly over a glaring apparent oversight in the TDAC application: It currently doesn’t allow users to select Thailand as their place of residence. Expats and long-term visa holders have flooded online forums and social media with complaints, arguing that the system seems designed solely for tourists, leaving them in a bureaucratic limbo. One X user, a retiree living in Chiang Mai, vented that after years of calling Thailand home, they’re now forced to misrepresent their status or risk rejection at the border. This flaw has intensified perceptions that the rollout was poorly thought out, alienating a key group of Thailand’s international community. Continues at https://thepattayanews.com/2025/04/01/thailands-upcoming-mandatory-digital-arrival-card-faces-online-backlash/ Quote
10tazione Posted April 1 Posted April 1 Memories of filling out the "Thailand Pass" after Covid reopening come up ... the website was full of bugs and I expect the same now again. reader 1 Quote
PeterRS Posted April 1 Posted April 1 20 minutes ago, reader said: This flaw has intensified perceptions that the rollout was poorly thought out, alienating a key group of Thailand’s international community. As I have previously written somewhere, this is the height of stupidity! Expats who live here already have to complete an online form not later than 36 hours after each arrival back in Thailand. This requires exactly the same information as the TDAC but has our address automatically included. So in future we'll have to lie about our residence prior to departure for Thailand and then be honest with a different address after arrival. Ridiculous! bkkmfj2648 1 Quote
reader Posted Saturday at 11:11 AM Author Posted Saturday at 11:11 AM NOTE -- Anything that's so simple should not take so long to explain how simple it is. From Bangkok Post Ease Fears Over Digital Arrival Form As Thailand gears up to welcome what they hope is an ambitious proposal for 40 million tourists in 2025, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is rolling out a big update to its immigration process: the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), which we covered in detail here previously. Set to become mandatory for all foreign visitors starting May 1st, 2025, this shift from the traditional paper-based TM6 form to a fully digital system has sparked many concerns online, with some travelers afraid it will cause possible problems or delays to their trips. In response, the TAT is stepping up efforts to ease concerns, stating that the TDAC will be, according to them, a painless, user-friendly process designed to enhance—not hinder—the travel experience. Despite the promised benefits, the announcement of the TDAC has stirred some unease online as we have covered here, with travelers voicing worries about technical difficulties, accessibility, and potential delays. Posts on platforms like X and Facebook have highlighted fears of a cumbersome process or penalties for those unfamiliar with digital systems. The TAT is quick to counter these concerns, stressing that the transition will be straightforward and supported at every step. “There’s no need to panic,” the TAT reassured in a recent statement. “This isn’t a complex application or a barrier to entry—it’s just the paper form you already know, now online.” The process is free, takes only a few minutes, and can be completed on any smartphone, tablet, or computer. For those less tech-savvy, the TAT is working with airlines, embassies, and tourism operators to provide assistance, including on-the-ground support at major entry points like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. The TAT also points out that the TDAC is mandatory only for foreign nationals entering Thailand by air, land, or sea, with exceptions for those transiting without passing immigration or using a Border Pass. Thai nationals are also exempt, but not expats on various types of visas. Once submitted, travelers receive a confirmation—either digital or printable—to present at immigration, ensuring a seamless check-in. To further calm nerves, the TAT is launching an international awareness campaign ahead of the May 1 deadline. This includes informational guides distributed at airports, partnerships with airlines to notify passengers, and multilingual resources online. The official TDAC website will open for submissions starting April 28, 2025, giving travelers ample time to familiarize themselves with the system. It is currently in beta mode and the TAT has stressed that certain features missing currently, like identifying Thailand as an expat’s place of residence, will be added. For travelers planning a trip to Thailand after May 1, the advice is simple: log on, fill out the form which is estimated to take less than a minute for most users, and enjoy your journey. The Tourism Authority of Thailand is determined to prove that this digital shift will be as painless as promised. https://thepattayanews.com/2025/04/05/thailand-tourism-authority-moves-to-ease-concerns-and-fears-over-upcoming-mandatory-digital-arrival-form/ vinapu 1 Quote
khaolakguy Posted Saturday at 05:48 PM Posted Saturday at 05:48 PM 6 hours ago, reader said: NOTE -- Anything that's so simple should not take so long to explain how simple it is. 6 hours ago, reader said: The official TDAC website will open for submissions starting April 28, 2025, giving travelers ample time to familiarize themselves with the system. It is currently in beta mode and the TAT has stressed that certain features missing currently, like identifying Thailand as an expat’s place of residence, will be added. It should be simple but why do I feel like this is being rushed in. The system is currently only in Beta, but comes into effect at the end of the month with passengers, airlines and immigration being expected to be on top of it. 6 hours ago, reader said: “There’s no need to panic,” the TAT reassured in a recent statement. Quote
