TM6 and the May 1 Deadline: An In-Depth Analysis for Foreign Visitors

[webfact]

Picture courtesy: Police News

 

ANALYSIS

 

The return of a digital entry requirement for foreigners heading to Thailand is drawing closer, with the anticipated launch of the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) scheduled for 1st May. The initiative revives the spirit of the defunct TM6 form, aimed at providing a smoother, more secure, and modern travel experience.

 

However, with the clock ticking, clear details and official documentation remain elusive, leaving international visitors, airlines, and travel agencies alike grappling with uncertainty.

 

In essence, the TDAC isn't a new entry permit but rather a digital version of the paper form that weary travellers once filled out upon arrival in Thailand. Essential information required includes passport details, the purpose of the visit, accommodation address, and contact information, such as personal phone numbers and email address.

 

The digital forms will be accessible via the official Thai immigration website or mobile application, with potential provisions for group submissions by tour operators still in the works.

 

The ministry in charge maintains that all foreigners, irrespective of their visa status, will need to submit this digital form online each time they plan to visit Thailand.

 

This sweeping requirement has sparked ire among long-term expatriates, retirees, and others, as the government already possesses their information.

While the preferred approach is to complete the form before travel, kiosks at Thai airports and border entries will be available for those who haven't, suggesting that airlines may still allow passengers to board without a received QR code.

 

The primary focus of TDAC is to enhance scrutiny of the millions of international tourists who enter Thailand every year. Currently, immigration officers can only minimally verify tourists' identities and intentions.

 

By implementing TDAC, the Thai authorities aim to better track visitors, reducing risks and improving the overall security landscape. However, clarifications are still needed on how changes to information can be made once submitted, especially if visitors change addresses during their stay.

 

While there is no charge for the TDAC itself as of now, a long-delayed 300 Thai Baht (approximately £7.50) tourist fee is expected to be introduced later this year. How this fee will be integrated into the TDAC process or distinguish who qualifies as a "tourist" remains unclear, notably for long-term residents who oppose such a classification, writes Barry Kenyonn for Pattaya Mail.

 

The anticipated benefits of TDAC include streamlined immigration processes and enhanced tracking capabilities, which may prove invaluable during health crises or emergencies.

 

However, with just weeks to go, the uncertainty around its implementation underscores the oft-cited adage—"the devil is in the details"—as stakeholders await further clarifications.

 

-- 2025-03-10

 

 

[johnnybgood]

People will continue to fill in the digital TM 6 with information that will not be checked.

So how is it helping the authorities?

We used to describe the data from computers as 'garbage in garbage out'

[proton]

So where is the online link to fill these out from May the first then?

[lordgrinz]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

However, with just weeks to go, the uncertainty around its implementation underscores the oft-cited adage—"the devil is in the details"—as stakeholders await further clarifications.

 

Typical Thailand approach to just about everything, make declarations, then either don't follow through, completely screw it up, or wait until the last minute and declare it all a misunderstanding. How well is that overloaded and useless biometric system going lately? 

[Dan O]

15 minutes ago, johnnybgood said:

People will continue to fill in the digital TM 6 with information that will not be checked.

So how is it helping the authorities?

We used to describe the data from computers as 'garbage in garbage out'

My take on this is that its the first step in a planned computerized program to be able to charge the "new" entrance fee and be able to differentiate foreign visitors and charge them the 300 baht fee vs Thai's who don't have to pay. 

[ikke1959]

It will be delayed as in Thailand everything is done last minute... No link or website available already and still unclear who has to fill in or not, unknown what will happen if tourists stand at the immigration and did not fill in the digital form...how long will the cues be and many more things... So Thailand will not be able to implement it at 1st of May or maybe they do and cancel it the same day

[Jack1988]

Curios to know what would happen if someone put a fake accommodation address on the TM6 card or digital and then will go to another place after arriving to Thailand lol

[lordgrinz]

2 minutes ago, Jack1988 said:

Curios to know what would happen if someone put a fake accommodation address on the TM6 card and then will go to another place after arriving to Thailand lol

 

More than likely absolutely nothing, just like the millions of pieces of paper we fill out every 90 days, and every year for extension. 

[connda]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

The initiative revives the spirit of the defunct TM6 form, aimed at providing a smoother, more secure, and modern travel experience.

I'll bet dollars to donuts that I'm required to provide immigration with a copy of my 18 year old TM6 at my next extension.

[NoDisplayName]

2 hours ago, proton said:

So where is the online link to fill these out from May the first then?

 

Give 'em a minute, man!

 

They're still working on the 2024 Engritchy tax forms!

[Tropicalevo]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

By implementing TDAC, the Thai authorities aim to better track visitors, reducing risks and improving the overall security landscape.

 

Rubbish.

No one checks the details that the traveller puts on the document/app whatever.

For years I 'stayed' at the Holiday Inn whenever I was travelling to Thailand.

[watchcat]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

providing a smoother, more secure, and modern travel experience.

 

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Essential information required includes passport details, the purpose of the visit, accommodation address, and contact information, such as personal phone numbers and email address.

 

Haha.

[BusyB]

4 hours ago, Dan O said:

My take on this is that its the first step in a planned computerized program to be able to charge the "new" entrance fee and be able to differentiate foreign visitors and charge them the 300 baht fee vs Thai's who don't have to pay. 

That's the only reasonable explanation.

 

6 hours ago, webfact said:

to better track visitors, reducing risks and improving the overall security landscape. However, clarifications are still needed on how changes to information can be made once submitted, especially if visitors change addresses during their stay.

 

All that gobbledygook about keeping tabs on tourists and 'security landscape' is garbage. Noone checks the addresses - the old cards were never checked anyway and noone ever followed up on changes of address. The resurrected TM 30 is supposed to do that job. 

 

It really can only be a way of exacting the 300 baht fee from actual tourists. As I recall the TM6 asked for reason for travel: leisure/business etc.

 

The upcoming ETA will cover the claimed 'scrutiny' of travellers for 'security' type stuff.

[StayinThailand2much]

5 hours ago, johnnybgood said:

People will continue to fill in the digital TM 6 with information that will not be checked.

So how is it helping the authorities?

We used to describe the data from computers as 'garbage in garbage out'

 

Also, we don't know how well those websites will work. Being already stressed out when travelling long-distance, I would not want to do this 'last minute' at the airport. Will there even be fast and free wifi at Arrival to do this while standing in line at the Immigration counter?

[BusyB]

4 hours ago, lordgrinz said:

 

More than likely absolutely nothing, just like the millions of pieces of paper we fill out every 90 days, and every year for extension. 

 

There were times with the TM6 card I had no idea where I'd be spending the first night. The first ever entry I told the immigration officer that I was heading for Ayuthaya - that was no problem. Other times I just wrote any old hotel I'd stayed in the past.

 

The TM6 was useless bog paper. There must be billions rotting in warehouses if they haven't already been recycled. This can only really be to filter out tourists for the 300 baht entry fee. And even that assumes everyone answers honestly.

 

The ETA is supposed to flag up 'undesirables' of whatever ilk.