Thailand-
On May 1, 2025, Thailand officially implemented the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), a mandatory online immigration form replacing the paper-based TM6 for all foreign travelers entering the country by air, land, or sea. The system, accessible at tdac.immigration.go.th, requires travelers to submit personal details, travel itineraries, accommodation information, and a health declaration within 72 hours before arrival. The rollout aimed to streamline immigration, enhance security, and reduce paperwork.
The first day saw mixed results. At major entry points like Suvarnabhumi Airport, immigration officials reported smoother processing for travelers who completed the TDAC in advance, with QR code scans cutting wait times. However, some travelers faced delays due to last-minute registrations or unfamiliarity with the system. Designated help points at checkpoints assisted those without prior submissions, though long queues formed in some cases. Technical issues were minimal, but the Immigration Bureau warned of a fake TDAC website spotted on launch day, urging travelers to use only the official portal.
Public sentiment on social media reflected cautious optimism, with some praising the paperless shift but others expressing frustration over unclear instructions or access for non-smartphone users.
The government stressed ongoing support, including multilingual guides in English, Chinese, Korean, Russian, and Japanese, to ease the transition. While the TDAC showed promise for modernizing Thailand’s immigration process, day one highlighted the need for better traveler education and system refinements to handle the country’s 40-million-visitor target in 2025.
