I am coming back to Thailand soon and am unsure as to whether the ETA has been introduced.

 

It hasn't and won't anytime soon.  The new online TM6 might start in May.

15 minutes ago, mlkik said:

I am coming back to Thailand soon......

ETA won't happen in near future. 

7 hours ago, mlkik said:

I am coming back to Thailand soon and am unsure as to whether the ETA has been introduced.

 

 

The way I see it, the ETA idea has been abandoned and the current plan is to introduce the TDAC:

 

2 hours ago, Puccini said:

 

The way I see it, the ETA idea has been abandoned and the current plan is to introduce the TDAC:

 

They're not going to abandon the ETA for many reasons. It's the only way they'll be able to introduce automated gates on entry for one thing. Getting all of the visa exempt people in through automated gates would do the most in streamlining the entry process.

 

And then the biggest factor, it's really the only way they'll be able to implement the tourist entry tax they've been spouting about for years now. When all that money is involved, they will find a way to get it working eventually.

1 hour ago, BrandonJT said:

They're not going to abandon the ETA for many reasons. It's the only way they'll be able to introduce automated gates on entry for one thing…

 

What makes you believe that this is the case?

 

The information that was intended to be collected with the ETA can easily be collected with the application for the TDAC, plus additional information that is necessary to determine whether the applicant is liable to pay the tourist tax.

 

Quote

And then the biggest factor, it's really the only way they'll be able to implement the tourist entry tax they've been spouting about for years now. When all that money is involved, they will find a way to get it working eventually.

 

The TDAC is precisely the way that has been found to implement the tourist entry tax, in addition to the information that was earlier intended to be collected with the ETA. In other words, the TDAC combines the abandoned ETA and the tourist tax collection.

 

See this extract from the news article:

Quote

 

The Immigration Bureau has also collaborated with other agencies to streamline travel processes, integrating the TDAC with:

...

• The Ministry of Tourism and Sports' tourist fee-collection system

 

It couldn't be spelt out more clearly.

 

We must be patient and see how this is going to be implemented if they will ever go through with it.

On 2/22/2025 at 4:00 AM, BrandonJT said:

Getting all of the visa exempt people in through automated gates would do the most in streamlining the entry process.

 

I don't think that this will happen. IOs want to keep their power to ask you inane questions ("Why you come many times?", "When you go back your country?"...) - The automated gates will, IMHO, only be used at Departure.

i used the e gate in Kuala

5 hours ago, StayinThailand2much said:

 

I don't think that this will happen. IOs want to keep their power to ask you inane questions ("Why you come many times?", "When you go back your country?"...) - The automated gates will, IMHO, only be used at Departure.

 

 i used the e gate in Kuala at arrival and departure 

 

 thailand need to do the same  5 minute both 

9 hours ago, StayinThailand2much said:

 

I don't think that this will happen. IOs want to keep their power to ask you inane questions ("Why you come many times?", "When you go back your country?"...) - The automated gates will, IMHO, only be used at Departure.

They already specifically said that the ETA (if it ever happens) will be used to allow people previously approved to use automatic gates. The entire purpose of ETA is to standardize the process so it's not at the discretion of the immigration officers anymore.

22 hours ago, thai006 said:

i used the e gate in Kuala

 

 i used the e gate in Kuala at arrival and departure 

 

 thailand need to do the same  5 minute both 

 

Well, Kuala Lumpur is not Thailand. In Malaysia, I've never been asked 'why you come many times'.