This week in our popular legal corner series, presented by our legal partners at Anglo Siam Legal, we wanted to clarify some changes to the upcoming TM6 program in Thailand.
Thailand is set to introduce a change to its immigration procedures starting from May 1st, 2025. The country will transition from the long-standing paper-based TM6 arrival/departure card to a new digital format, known as the digital TM6 form. Here’s what this means for travelers visiting Thailand: (As a note these dates are proposed but not set in stone, and could change from early May)
What is the TM6 Form?
The TM6 form, or To Mo 6, is essentially an arrival and departure card that foreigners have been required to fill out when entering or leaving Thailand. It includes personal details like name, passport number, and address in Thailand, aiding immigration authorities in tracking the movement of foreigners. It has largely been suspended for some time to boost tourism.
The Digital Shift
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Mandatory Online Submission: From May 1st, 2025 (Again, a proposed but not set in stone date) all foreign visitors, regardless of their visa status (including those from visa-exempt countries), will need to complete this form online before entering Thailand. This applies to arrivals by air, land, or sea.
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Details Required: The digital form will ask for similar information as the paper version but will be submitted electronically. Travelers will need to provide their passport details, a local Thai address, and possibly other travel-related information. This is NOT a Visa, but merely additional information for Immigration.
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Security and Efficiency: The primary aim of this change is to streamline the entry process, reduce congestion at immigration points, and enhance security by improving the tracking of tourists. The digital system is expected to allow for better data management and quicker processing of travelers.
Impact on Travelers
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Preparation Before Travel: Travelers will need to prepare by filling out the digital TM6 form prior to their journey. This could mean doing so from home or while in transit, ensuring all details are correct to avoid delays upon arrival. It’s likely a system or kiosk will be in place to complete the form at airports, but not yet guaranteed.
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No Charge: The good news is that there is no fee for submitting the digital form.
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Potential Delays: While the system aims to speed up the process, initial implementation might lead to some confusion or technical issues. Travelers should allow extra time for immigration procedures until the system is fully operational. Thai Immigration has admitted there may be pain points for a while after implementation.
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Tourism Fee on Hold: The introduction of the digital TM6 form might delay the proposed implementation of a planned 300 Baht tourism fee, which was intended to fund tourism-related services and infrastructure. This fee has been debated for years and is controversial.
What to Expect
Travelers can expect a more seamless entry experience once the digital system is well-established. The move to digital forms is part of a broader trend where countries are adopting technology to enhance border control and travel convenience. However, like any new system, there might be a learning curve, and travelers should stay informed through official channels or their travel agents about any last-minute updates or changes to the procedure.
Consider reaching out to Anglo Siam Legal for assistance with any problems you may have had or questions regarding visas, entry to Thailand, and related questions.
Contact Anglo Siam Legal
Call Them: 0610184790
Visit Them: 565/103-104, Moo 10, Nongprue sub-district, Opposite Big C South Pattaya
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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