Thailand Introduces Online TM6 as Tourism Fee Faces Delays

[webfact]

Picture courtesy: Facebook TAT news

 

 

In a significant move poised to streamline the entry process for visitors, Thailand is set to launch an online TM6 immigration form from May 1. This development arises as the Ministry of Tourism and Sports gears up to promote the new digital system, which is expected to replace the traditional paper-based forms previously suspended by the cabinet in April 2024. However, the much-discussed 300-baht tourism fee may see delays, amid governmental hesitance to enforce it this year.

 

The digital TM6 form is part of Thailand's efforts to enhance the visitor experience and bolster tourist tracking for safety, amid ongoing concerns about the country serving as a conduit for illicit activities. Natthriya Thaweevong, permanent secretary of the ministry, highlighted that this online system could mitigate safety concerns by improving tourist oversight.

 

In preparation for this change, the ministry has engaged the Immigration Bureau to showcase the online system to its staff, ensuring a smooth transition and understanding across departments.

 

Additionally, a pivotal meeting is slated for January 31, bringing together key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tourism Authority of Thailand, airlines, and the hospitality sector. The goal is to familiarise these parties with the new online form and facilitate communication with arriving foreigners.

 

Mongkon Wimonrat, deputy permanent secretary, emphasised the government’s focus on the digital TM6 to prevent confusion, before considering other entry screening measures. The online system will be mandatory for all foreign arrivals, whether they enter by air, land, or sea, and registration will be free of charge.

Anticipation surrounds the cabinet's expected approval next month, which will give concerned parties ample time to prepare. However, as noted by an anonymous insider from the ministry, the introduction of the online TM6 might overshadow the implementation of the proposed tourism fee, indicating a probable postponement.

 

Given the complexities of smoothly integrating the TM6 system and the country's current entanglements with security issues, there is a belief that this is not the optimal moment to introduce additional fees or entry requirements.

 

The government appears to prioritise ensuring the new process runs without hitches before revisiting the proposed tourism fee and potentially other entry measures similar to an electronic travel authorisation, which has found success in other regions.

 

This transition marks a pivotal step in Thailand's efforts to modernise its immigration processes, aiming to offer a seamless experience for international visitors while maintaining robust security measures, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-01-24

 

 

[freedomnow]

Been a while since they tinkered with the immigration rules.

[lamecn]

So, now it's become compulsary for tourists to have a mobile phone and ability for roaming?

[Ralf001]

44 minutes ago, lamecn said:

So, now it's become compulsary for tourists to have a mobile phone and ability for roaming?

 

Those that do not carry a phone would be a very small number.

 

Why the need for roaming when the airport has free wifi ?

 

 

 

[Upnotover]

3 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

 

Those that do not carry a phone would be a very small number.

 

Why the need for roaming when the airport has free wifi ?

 

 

 

Japan has an online arrival app which allows you to complete entry documents in advance and does not require an internet connection to display them.  Works very well.

 

They also have paper forms for non phone people.  As long as these people are kept separate from those that got themselves organised in advance it works.  Back in the day one of the biggest frustrations on arrival at BKK was being stuck behind people in the queue who hadn't filled in their TM6 (at all/properly) and were holding things up filling them in at the desk.