Thailand's New Digital Arrival Card Stirs Confusion Among Travellers

[VR333]

31 minutes ago, scorecard said:

Original message says submit the completed arrival/departure card on line before arrival. 

 

I've never heard of submitting a form before arrival, so how many folks will arrive and be confronted with this at the passport desk? 

If it's anything like Singapore, it will be far easier than you think.

 

For Singapore, as mentioned earlier, you complete the online form before you arrive. On arrival, you scan your passport at the auto-arrival gates and breeze through; you don't have any interaction with airport staff.

 

For anyone who hasn't completed the form before arriving, Changi has tablets available for you to submit the form at the airport. If maids from Indonesia and the Philippines can figure it out, I'm sure you will too. Tip: It's far quicker to do it online before you arrive.

[gejohesch]

3 hours ago, bamnutsak said:

 

I think over 70 uses the Fast Track option rather than the Thai national lines/desks?

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1336234-no-more-fast-track-immigration-arrivals-at-bkk-airport-for-bizfirst-class-passengers/page/2/#findComment-19174754

 

 

Thanks, interesting .... and vague as usual for most stuff coming from Thailand. What does "elderly" mean? Older than 65, 70, 75, 83 and 3 months????

[Peterphuket]

5 hours ago, anyone said:

draw it first with a pen on a piece of paper

If there is a template for that, I would like to have it, Lazada?

[wensiensheng]

3 hours ago, Patong2021 said:

It looks like none of the complaining contingent  has traveled elsewhere for several years.  It is Thailand that has been lagging behind.  I was in Japan last month and completed similar , but more detailed using the Visit Japan Web. It went quickly.  South Korea, Canada and the USA have similar, e-documentation requirements.

 

Are you going to criticize Japan and South Korea too? System works for them and tourism isn't negatively impacted.   It will only be awkward for those with intellectual limitations, They can use the  help lines if need be. Frequent travelers are enthusiastic and support the change.

 

 

I wish this would go away. 70 year olds are not infirm. If they can manage to swallow their viagras and swoosh about Pattaya, then they can use the  general lines like their younger versions. The people who pay for fast track are often stuck behind these people.

 

 

The only people who are left in a muddle are the intellectually challenged. They system is coming. Whether it is in May or in July is a different story. It isn't difficult to check the requirements prior to arriving. The plan isn't worthless and is necessary. It will reduce paper work and improve processing times. It works i other countries like USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea.

Singapore also has it. On the other hand, it’s clear what to do and how to do it. Most the posts I have read on this thread aren’t criticizing the existence of the system, merely its opaque requirements and introduction. Still, there is another two months for things to get sorted out, or delayed.

[StayinThailand2much]

So now, every time, I have to give check-in staff and, later, IOs my phone that this QR code can be scanned? 🤢 

[StayinThailand2much]

48 minutes ago, VR333 said:

For Singapore, as mentioned earlier, you complete the online form before you arrive. On arrival, you scan your passport at the auto-arrival gates and breeze through; you don't have any interaction with airport staff.

 

Yes, it's pretty neat. But what are the odds that Thailand will introduce such a painless system...

[MRMOUSE]

3 hours ago, Patong2021 said:

It looks like none of the complaining contingent  has traveled elsewhere for several years.  It is Thailand that has been lagging behind.  I was in Japan last month and completed similar , but more detailed using the Visit Japan Web. It went quickly.  South Korea, Canada and the USA have similar, e-documentation requirements.

 

Are you going to criticize Japan and South Korea too? System works for them and tourism isn't negatively impacted.   It will only be awkward for those with intellectual limitations, They can use the  help lines if need be. Frequent travelers are enthusiastic and support the change.

 

 

I wish this would go away. 70 year olds are not infirm. If they can manage to swallow their viagras and swoosh about Pattaya, then they can use the  general lines like their younger versions. The people who pay for fast track are often stuck behind these people.

 

 

The only people who are left in a muddle are the intellectually challenged. They system is coming. Whether it is in May or in July is a different story. It isn't difficult to check the requirements prior to arriving. The plan isn't worthless and is necessary. It will reduce paper work and improve processing times. It works i other countries like USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea.

50% of people have intellectual limitations

[StayinThailand2much]

5 hours ago, Denim said:

 

Fair point. Those small blue disposable ball point pens cost an absolute fortune (...)

 

There always seemed to be plenty until large numbers of Chinese tourists arrived. After that only the strings were left, but no more pens... 😆 

[khunjeff]

3 hours ago, bamnutsak said:

I think over 70 uses the Fast Track option rather than the Thai national lines/desks?

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1336234-no-more-fast-track-immigration-arrivals-at-bkk-airport-for-bizfirst-class-passengers/page/2/#findComment-19174754

 

The letter posted in that thread isn't actually accurate. Over 70s can use Fast Track on departure, but on arrival they instead use the "Priority" lanes located next to the Thai Passport counters. 

 

3 hours ago, Patong2021 said:

South Korea, Canada and the USA have similar, e-documentation requirements.

 

3 hours ago, Patong2021 said:

The plan isn't worthless and is necessary. It will reduce paper work and improve processing times. It works i other countries like USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea.

 

The plan will not "reduce paper work and improve processing times", because currently (and for the past 2+ years) there is no form of any kind to fill out on arrival. Replacing "nothing" with anything at all represents an increase in paperwork by any definition,  even if the "paper" happens to be electronic. This is why the comparisons with countries like Singapore and Malaysia are inapt: both of those countries replaced paper forms with electronic submissions, whereas Thailand got rid of its paper form completely - like Vietnam and the US - and is now resurrecting it in a different form, for no obvious reason.

 

Contrary to what is written here, the US does not have a similar process. The US did away with its arrival forms for air entries many years ago, and hasn't replaced them with anything. The poster may be confusing ESTA, the application form for visa exempt travelers which only needs to be filled out every two years, with an electronic arrival card. ESTA is analogous to the proposed Thai ETA, not to the TDAC.

 

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/i-94

[bamnutsak]

15 minutes ago, khunjeff said:

The letter posted in that thread isn't actually accurate. Over 70s can use Fast Track on departure, but on arrival they instead use the "Priority" lanes located next to the Thai Passport counters. 

 

Correct. My mistake.

 

 

[pookett]

7 hours ago, redwood1 said:

Here is a idea......Just scrap the whole worthless plan and there will be no more unanswered questions..........

I hope you're not being sensible and logical!

How very dare you 😉

[Will B Good]

...and does the B300 being charged to cover the cost of a form no one will ever look at come in at the same time?.....how is it paid.....one single kiosk at the airport with a queue that stretches back to where you came from????

[Andycoops]

The usual pathetic launch of a Thai procedure that offers more questions than answers, can they get any dumber?

[Will B Good]

4 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

...and does the B300 being charged to cover the cost of a form no one will ever look at come in at the same time?.....how is it paid.....one single kiosk at the airport with a queue that stretches back to where you came from????

 

Bang 10 secs and we have the confused emoji.....FF....S

[khunjeff]

2 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

...and does the B300 being charged to cover the cost of a form no one will ever look at come in at the same time?.....how is it paid.....one single kiosk at the airport with a queue that stretches back to where you came from????

 

The proposed 300 baht tourist fee is still postponed indefinitely. In fact, the government mentioned specifically that they didn't want to introduce multiple new systems at the same time in order to prevent confusion (though probably too late for that...).

 

A more interesting question may be what ever became of the proposed ETA, which was supposed to start on Jan 1, was postponed, and is now no longer talked about at all.

[Will B Good]

5 minutes ago, khunjeff said:

 

The proposed 300 baht tourist fee is still postponed indefinitely. In fact, the government mentioned specifically that they didn't want to introduce multiple new systems at the same time in order to prevent confusion (though probably too late for that...).

 

A more interesting question may be what ever became of the proposed ETA, which was supposed to start on Jan 1, was postponed, and is now no longer talked about at all.

 

Thank you for a prompt, sensible and concise answer......so much more welcoming than a ******* confused emoji....(not accusing you by the way)

[CLW]

Now it's February and probably not even have started with the programming, not to mention proper testing. What could go wrong...

[kuzmabruk]

5 hours ago, scorecard said:

Another example, the new taxation requirements. After many months still lots of foreigners totally lost and confused. 

 

Surely it would be productive / logical to identify the 'groups' of foreigners who won't be affected and publish this. 

 

e.g. old age pensioners who receive pensions funds every month / 4 weeks from their home country.

 

I'm guessing (just guessing) this is a quite large number of foreigners. Why hasn't the Revenue Department <tax dept.> not (months ago) published the rules etc., pertinent to pensioners?

The revenue department considers foreign pensioners to be no different from any other foreigner.  
 

if you brought money into Thailand in 2024 (including using a credit card to pay for something or using an ATM to withdraw some money), you must declare that as income.  If that income is a pension that was taxed in your home country, then you include a copy of your 2024 home country tax return, showing income and tax deducted.  On your Thai tax return you calculate your tax on the money you brought into Thailand based on the Thai tax rates and then deduct your tax paid in your home country and if you owe Thailand - pay it.  
 

Read the following publication from the Revenue Department - it is in English and clear.  

 

https://www.rd.go.th/fileadmin/user_upload/lorkhor/newspr/2024/FOREIGNERS_PAY_TAX2024.pdf

[bradiston]

The Philippines has been running this system for more than 2 years. You register prior to departure for your Philippines destination, get the QR code, and just do a screenshot of it. They do ask to see it.

 

I suggest for those without a smartphone, they register on a pc, laptop, or whatever other capable device they have, and print out the QR code. YMMV.

 

In theory it's all in a good cause, allowing the tracking of dodgy geezers and geezesses.

[bkknirvana]

6 hours ago, bkk6060 said:

Remember the Covid QR code debacle?

This will probably be similar fill the form out properly and get some frustrating rejection notice.  Good luck.

Yes I remember it well. The whole thing was an attack on human rights.

 

Luckily I managed to buy a work around so I didn't have to take any experimental therapies. The hackers are always ahead of these dumbass Government depts. This QR code technology is not as secure as they want it to be.

 

Good thing with Thailand is it is still totally corrupt and you will always be able to buy yourself out of any of these BS rules.

[LivingNThailand]

8 hours ago, redwood1 said:

How would I present a QR code with my phone?

 

I bought one of these during the Thai Chana app Covid days.  Still have it

[LivingNThailand]

6 hours ago, ChrisY1 said:

There is an "oldies" lane in the Thai area...very quick and efficient

All airports?  Or just BKK?  Where do you find it?

 

[Funkymover]

and would you need credit on your sim, would you need a thai sim, 

[harryviking]

Damn! Why is Thailand so desperate to change things all the time???? I am, so sick and tire of all this  "ETA" "TM30" Blah blah blah,  maybe tourist tax, blah blah blah! I am soon to forget Thailand as a place to go as there is to much BS!!! I will be pissed off even before entering a damn plane!!!🤮

[LivingNThailand]

1 hour ago, khunjeff said:

The letter posted in that thread isn't actually accurate. Over 70s can use Fast Track on departure, but on arrival they instead use the "Priority" lanes located next to the Thai Passport counters. 

 

All International Airports in Thailand?

[Presnock]

7 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

In THailand it is common to do everything at the very last moment... Just a day or 2 before 1st of May they will get answers maybe.. Confusion all over the place always and everywhere. A few weeks ago with the Equal Marriage Law it was the same.. Although the court decided  at the 2nd or 3rd January that the law would be in place the 23rd instead of the 22nd, Mr Anutin had to sign the law to confirm.. And of course he did not do it which confused many Amphurs and organizations. He could only sign it the 20th of January... And that is with everything. In schools every semester it is almost impossible to know when the tests are.. They can change by the day. Sometimes a car drives around in our area to announce that there is a important meeting tonight or tomorrow .....Then Thailand is confused that foreigners don't understand this way of deciding.. No foreigners need  to plan ahead and can't do it like Thais...In THailand they can't plan things

concept similar to "preventive maintanance" or workman or delivery date and time for your residence problem or purchase.

[klauskunkel]

9 hours ago, webfact said:

The TDAC will require travellers to input basic biographical information as well as details regarding their travel and accommodation plans.

And then this info will inexplicably find its way to a scam call center...

[John Drake]

8 hours ago, redwood1 said:

Here is a idea......Just scrap the whole worthless plan and there will be no more unanswered questions..........

 

Can't do that. There are probably already a large group of people who have just been employed to do the new procedure and nothing else. Likely a lot of family relations and important people already raking in salaries.

[Burma Bill]

9 hours ago, redwood1 said:

How would I present a QR code with my phone?

 

 

Thanks. I also have a NOKIA 3G phone. 

It will be interesting to see what happens later this year when I fly from Siem Reap to Chiang Mai. 

Previously no bureaucracy and easy - just arrival and departure stamps in passport. No TM6.

Last month I had to complete a Form TM6 at the land border between O'Smach in Cambodia and Surin Province in Thailand.

[Acharn]

8 hours ago, watchcat said:

 

and while they're at it, scrap the 90 days repport...

I agree. It dates back to the 1976 counter-revolution. From the reports about people overstaying 1, 2, 5 years the police don't make use of it anyway. I'm sure some bright young bureaucrat got a promotion from suggesting it, but practice shows it doesn't have any value. I don't mind doing it too much, it keeps the Immigration office people familiar with my face, but it takes a couple of liters of gasohol to go and come back.