Thailand's Digital Card Chaos: Say Goodbye to TM6, Hello to Confusion!

[black tabby12345]

They say it will come into effect in less than 2 months time.

Still, no clear explanation(not even what website to look at to do it) from any sources. 

And it is said to involve both govt and private sectors (including airlines, travel agents, and accommodations), according some law firm's Youtube video on this topic.

 

 

So what will ever happen to the people who couldn't lodge that new paperless arrival card in time?

Unable to buy their ticket to depart?

Denied boarding at the port of their departure?

 

The worst, most immediate victims: Travelers/expats planning to visit/return to this kingdom around May this year. Absolutely unsure what to do, even unable to book their airline seats.

I felt truly lucky that I have been here already, and having no intention of travel abroad this year.

 

Another example of the harm caused by the inept bureaucrats full of Empty Pride.

Too eager to jump on something new while often lacking capability to handle it correctly.

[Ralf001]

1 minute ago, redwood1 said:

I will be the guy in front of you holding up the line....

Because I will not be doing this ever....

 

And you will be escorted away... told to buy a seat on the next flight out.

[connda]

The TM-6 just injects a flood of data into the Thai immigration system.  My guess is that they have departments that have done nothing but archive warehouses full of TM-6s.  You get to the point that there is such a fire-hose flood of data that it can't be processed, no less used.

[Ralf001]

1 minute ago, redwood1 said:

I will be the guy in front of you holding up the line....

Because I will not be doing this ever....

 

And you will be escorted away... told to buy a seat on the next flight out !

[redwood1]

13 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

 

And you will be escorted away... told to buy a seat on the next flight out !

 

Well the airlines did not give a rats azz if you had a TM6 before as far a boarding goes and I bet they wont care now....So I should get on that flight just fine with out one.

 

And if they ask I will just say I will do it later...

[Upnotover]

25 minutes ago, redwood1 said:

I will be the guy in front of you holding up the line....

Because I will not be doing this ever....

Hopefully you will only hold yourself up.  With any luck they will simply direct you to a pile of forms in the corner of the room where you can fill one in then present it at a special immigration counter reserved for non-believers.  There could be a long line there but at least your principles will remain intact.

[Lenthai]

i hope this works better than the 90 days online system.

[sandyf]

15 hours ago, statman78 said:

Accord to my search, for US citizens Australia started the ETA in 1996

You are free to believe that Australia is a world trendsetter and every other country was going to follow.

[Ralf001]

22 minutes ago, redwood1 said:

 

Well the airlines did not give a rats azz if you had a TM6 before as far a boarding goes and I bet they wont care now....So I should get on that flight just fine with out one.

 

And if they ask I will just say I will do it later...

 

Tm.6 has never been required to show at boarding..The old paper TM.6 was given to passengers during the flight typically just prior to landing.

 

Throwing a tantrum at arrivals and refusing... yeah let us know how that works out for you !

[popel]

This new system will replace the paper-based TM6 form and is designed to integrate with Thailand's E-Visa system, disease screening, and tourist fee collection.

 

its the "extended" vaccination card. some countries still going forward with their agenda 2030 "promise" to the UN. convid was a coincidence? yeah right. ha ha ha 

[PJ71]

9 hours ago, Burma Bill said:

 

Oh,  I shall be coming to Thailand, as I have done for over 25 years, still completing a paper FORM TM6 at land border crossings. 

I am certainly not getting bent out of shape and what I do is my choice. As far as I am concerned, you can stuff your smartphones up your ............!

hahahahahaha

 

Enjoy

[PJ71]

3 hours ago, kwilco said:

"Looks like" - I think there will be various problems - firstly people who didn't know about it....

then those who can't get online to fill it in.

those who fill it in incorrectly

the software overloads or crashes.

This '3 days in advance" looks like creating problems.

hopefully there will be a facility at the airport for passengers to fill in the form who didn't get the message

How about those who can't use thai wifi and don't have a Thai SIM or a working SIM?

 

i suppose they are expecting "hiccoughs" but they will have to turn people away from the immigration kiosk and hopefully have some facility there to help them - but I'm sure it will end up with queues at first.

 

and then the system crashes......

It's all about positive mindset, obviously you expect the worst.

 

For those of us that were in and out the country during Covid this is a cake walk.

[Patong2021]

3 hours ago, Bundooman said:

 

Oh dear - aren't you the 'clever, clever' and articulate foreigner. 

So, if we are not digitally 'clever' dickheads like maybe you consider yourself as being, (you clever, clever, clever man), everyone else is lazy or stupid?

Take a long, hard look at yourself buster, before you consider everyone else as stupid.

Tango Whiskey Alpha Tango!

 

Maybe I am clever, or maybe, I am appreciative of  improvements that help me. People who refuse to make small changes to keep up with progress are typically afraid of change. And, yes, often they are of limited intelligence. The need for a smart capable device isn't a request to  operate a highly technical instrument. It is in effect a mobile viewing screen that has the ability to store basic information. Instead of a piece of paper, the information is inputted into the device and then transmitted electronically improving  the speed and efficiency of passenger processing. What is so difficult with that?

 

The people refusing to  progress wish to hold everyone back and to impose their  backward views on others. Calling me a t.w.a.t. doesn't change the fact that there isn't a legitimate reason to refuse to  carry the technology needed to ensure travel. What other term do you have for those who demand that  wait and processing times not be improved  because they are afraid of a basic electronic device that has been around for 20+ years and that is tested effective? Selfish?  

 

If you do not want to use the technology. Fine. Do not. There is no obligation for the airline to cater to your demand. You can be accommodated  in a special line that will move slowly. If your late getting to your gate or  take an hour to get through border entry, that will be on you, so don't moan and groan about a delay.  The improvements in technology  have reduced wait times for  everyone, but why should you benefit if you are opposed, right?

[Patong2021]

4 hours ago, henryford1958 said:

 

What happens if you can't connect to the internet, or app, or your battery is dead? Tough?

 

All good questions.

The airports where these electronic changes are in effect have the following;

- Free internet. At BKK, you can easily connect for an hour. In the event that more time is needed, then you can log in again.

- Airports have charging stations. You can easily charge up a device. The common fast charges can power up a battery with enough charge to transit an airport in less than 15 minutes . Aircraft  typically have charging ports  at every seat in J and PE. Y seats are  typically at every 2nd seat, allowing all pax to  charge up their phones enroute.

 

And in the event of a telephone malfunction, there will still be a paper form. The same form that is used for  pax who are impaired.

 

All bases are covered. 🙂

[HuaHinNew]

I know I am a little dreamer .............

 

But would it not be nice that for individuals holding any active visas that the new TDAC software could connect to the TM30 and TM47 and immigration visa databases and prefill the TDAC form like the online 90-day reporting system (TM47) does.

 

It would make life so much easier for folks doing border runs with tourist visas and those with a residency visas that depart and enter Thailand.

 

 

[Patong2021]

5 hours ago, kwilco said:

so this is Thailand and not Japan - you agree there will be people who one way or another are not prepared -will you do yours 3 days in adbvance?

 

the end result is a back-log of people without the right form  who inevitably are going to form queues for others.

 

Yes, some people will arrive upreprepared. These will often be the Chinese and Russians and a the demographic of people who  hold up lines wherever they go. The disabled and sensory impaired rarely if ever cause problems because they plan their travel and are prepared for contingencies.

 

Japan has many visitors who have not completed the electronic documentation. They are directed to the tables with the paper forms and then they  go through the  designated lines for the paper forms. They wait in line while the e visa holders  are quickly processed.

 

I complete my Japanese declaration 10-20 days in advance and typically submit the day before travel and have a QR code. generated and ready to go. You can prepare US and Canadian forms anytime in advance, but  most people submit Canada  a few days before travel.These people qualify for the fast line. The electronic forms can also be filled at the airport kiosk and these pax go to the slow line.   US has a similar system for airport kiosk users.  Both have an expedited system for pre-cleared travelers under Global Entry/Nexus.

The Australian ETA is processed in 1-3 days depending upon applicant and  because it is  12 months validity can be applied for in advance by travellers from designated nations. The UK visa is 2 years multi entry effective the date it was approved, which for most people is almost immediate. And so on. 

[4MyEgo]

23 hours ago, JB300 said:

I thought the TM6 had been scrapped? 
 

is it back now? 

 

Amended: It's back, see above reply to a post.

[Ralf001]

3 minutes ago, 4MyEgo said:

 

I believe, however, don't quote me, that it doesn't apply to those of us here on a permanent basis, i.e. on an extension.

 

I will find out later in the year when I exit and re-enter on a re-entry permit, i.e. unless I read it somewhere on this forum that it does apply to those of us on annual extension, which as I said above, it doesn't apply to us ? 

 

On the website it clearly states All foreigners entering Thailand are required to submit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card.

 

Exemptions being foreigners transiting or transferring in Thailand without going through immigration control and foreigners entering Thailand using a Border Pass.

[ChaiyaTH]

26 minutes ago, HuaHinNew said:

I know I am a little dreamer .............

 

But would it not be nice that for individuals holding any active visas that the new TDAC software could connect to the TM30 and TM47 and immigration visa databases and prefill the TDAC form like the online 90-day reporting system (TM47) does.

 

It would make life so much easier for folks doing border runs with tourist visas and those with a residency visas that depart and enter Thailand.

 

 

To be honest I have made some code before for fun that actually makes adding new people to TM30 as well to do any reporting, in their crack systems, easier and faster or even automatic. Some people use this code on the islands.

 

I mean if you can't even make a fluent easy to fill out form in 2025, there simply is no hope. With my version people can just scan passports at reception and the rest is automated and history. I made this in like half a day. Their guests then also get the TM30 report by email automatically.

Saves a lot of admin work and time, they love to create work here. I'm almost start to think to make a V2 version of this that individuals can use too.

[4MyEgo]

10 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

 

On the website it clearly states All foreigners entering Thailand are required to submit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card.

 

Exemptions being foreigners transiting or transferring in Thailand without going through immigration control and foreigners entering Thailand using a Border Pass.

 

Yes I just read a few web sites thanks.

 

Yes, as of May 1, 2025, all foreign visitors, including those on a marriage extension, must complete a digital arrival card (TDAC) before entering Thailand,regardless of their visa type or method of entry. 

 

Here's a more detailed explanation: 

 

• Mandatory Digital Arrival Card: Starting May 1, 2025, all foreign visitors, including those with marriage extensions, must complete the digital TM6 form (TDAC) before entering Thailand.
• No Exceptions: This requirement applies to all foreign nationals, regardless of their visa type (visa-exempt or visa-required) or method of entry (air, land, or sea).
• Digital TM6 Form: The TDAC will be available online, and travelers will need to fill out and submit the digital TM6 form before their arrival in Thailand.
• Purpose of TDAC: The TDAC is designed to streamline the entry process and gather necessary information from travelers before they arrive in Thailand.
• Free of Charge: The process of completing and submitting the TDAC will be free of charge.
• Time to Complete: The entire process should take no more than a few minutes to complete.

[ChaiyaTH]

7 minutes ago, 4MyEgo said:

 

Yes I just read a few web sites thanks.

 

Yes, as of May 1, 2025, all foreign visitors, including those on a marriage extension, must complete a digital arrival card (TDAC) before entering Thailand,regardless of their visa type or method of entry. 

 

Here's a more detailed explanation: 

 

• Mandatory Digital Arrival Card: Starting May 1, 2025, all foreign visitors, including those with marriage extensions, must complete the digital TM6 form (TDAC) before entering Thailand.
• No Exceptions: This requirement applies to all foreign nationals, regardless of their visa type (visa-exempt or visa-required) or method of entry (air, land, or sea).
• Digital TM6 Form: The TDAC will be available online, and travelers will need to fill out and submit the digital TM6 form before their arrival in Thailand.
• Purpose of TDAC: The TDAC is designed to streamline the entry process and gather necessary information from travelers before they arrive in Thailand.
• Free of Charge: The process of completing and submitting the TDAC will be free of charge.
• Time to Complete: The entire process should take no more than a few minutes to complete.

So the purpose is to gather information before travelers arrive while everyone is going to fil it in last minute as nobody knows about it. So much to their logic. And what information is additional? Their first booked hostel/hotel of which the TM30 should already provide that intel.

There is like zero reasons for Thailand to have implemented this, it also helps zero with any existing crime. It only annoys potential tourists.

[Patong2021]

6 hours ago, CFCol said:

People with peacemakers cannot use mobile phones. They are neither lazy nor tech resistant.

 

People at risk will always have the option of the manual format as an accommodation. However, your concern is not exactly correct. (I am not dismissing your concern, and appreciate that it is  valid.) However, the risk is not what it was once stated.

 

The guidance was given by the US FDA when Apple issued the caution in respect to its old iphone 12 & 13  models. it was intended to prevent nuisance personal injury claims and was specific to the placing of the  mobile phone directly on the exposed flesh over the site of the pacemaker and the potential to disrupt. It has since been taken out of context.

 

The risk of interference has been greatly reduced  in the past decade. The likelihood of disruption is very low. When the guidance was issued  it was  recommended that the phone should be  kept 15cm (6in) away from an implanted device, or 30cm (12in) away when the phone is charging. That is a manageable distance if one is concerned

 

However, there are multiple research documents available that show that there is insignificant risk.  Discussed here https://www.mdc-berlin.de/news/news/pacemaker-simply-flip-iphone

The researchers offer that the simple process of flipping the phone eliminates the risk.

 

Volume 19, Issue 3 p372-380 March 2022O Heart Rythm Society

Magnetic field–induced interactions between phones containing magnets and cardiovascular implantable electronic devices: Flip it to be safe?

Philipp Lacour, MD∙ Phi Long Dang, MD ∙ Frank R. Heinzel, MD, Phd,  Leif Hendrik Boldt, MD, Burkert Pieske, MD, Florian Blaschke, MD

 

Conclusion

Magnetic field interactions occur only in close proximity and with precise alignment of the iPhone 12 and CIEDs. It is important to advise CIED patients to not put the iPhone 12 directly on the skin above the CIED. Further recommendations are not necessary.

 

Appreciably, if one has a lower quality  Chinese brand, then yes there may be concerns. However, for quality devices such as Samsung and Apple there are no longer concerns. The risk is not there if you do not place the telephone on your exposed  chest.

 

[ChaiyaTH]

Or they soon just tell people they can't checkin their flights, they paid for already month ago because they did not apply for this TDAC 3-5 days prior? And turn people away at the borders as well and let them wait 3-5 days before being able to still enter.

 

Well that is gonna work great for Thailand it's about to crumble economy. You would think kids run this country.

 

And if they are not planning to do that, the entire purpose and introduction of it is 100% useless. Zero extra data or value.

[vinny41]

21 minutes ago, ChaiyaTH said:

So the purpose is to gather information before travelers arrive while everyone is going to fil it in last minute as nobody knows about it. So much to their logic. And what information is additional? Their first booked hostel/hotel of which the TM30 should already provide that intel.

There is like zero reasons for Thailand to have implemented this, it also helps zero with any existing crime. It only annoys potential tourists.

system works very well in other countries 

In Malaysia for example if you countries passport is eligible to access e-gate it is possible to clear immigration in about 2-3 minutes

In my opinion this option will be gratefully received by tourists who visit Thailand many times

[ChaiyaTH]

4 minutes ago, vinny41 said:

system works very well in other countries 

In Malaysia for example if you countries passport is eligible to access e-gate it is possible to clear immigration in about 2-3 minutes

In my opinion this option will be gratefully received by tourists who visit Thailand many times

What system are you even talking about. This about people entering their passport data and first hotel data into a early 2000s form, with zero added value. You are comparing apples with pears as well for benefits that are entirely unrelated. If you want face scan in Thailand you can simply register your face one time at airport.

 

As I already laid out very clearly: it would only work for security reasons if you force people to do this 3-5 days BEFORE their arrival. By implementing such measure now, you get issues with EVERYONE who already booked, as they do not know this. This would be another FARCE.

[vinny41]

2 minutes ago, ChaiyaTH said:

What system are you even talking about. This about people entering their passport data and first hotel data into a early 2000s form, with zero added value. You are comparing apples with pears as well for benefits that are entirely unrelated. If you want face scan in Thailand you can simply register your face one time at airport.

 

As I already laid out very clearly: it would only work for security reasons if you force people to do this 3-5 days BEFORE their arrival. By implementing such measure now, you get issues with EVERYONE who already booked, as they do not know this. This would be another FARCE.

Clearly you haven't read the user guide as you can only complete the TDAC no earlier than 72 hours from their arrival date which is no earlier than 72 hours Malaysia has a similar digital arrivals card  system called MDAC 

In Malaysia not all passport holders are  eligible to access e-gates but for those that are  eligible its a no brainer

2-3 minutes to clear immigration versus 30-45 minutes queuing to see an mmigration officer 

[Burma Bill]

6 hours ago, kiwikeith said:

I haven't filled in an entry card for year's just straight through with passport, I thought they got rid of them, in the old days you couldn't find them had to ask for one and remember to carry your own pen as they were scarce as well, I go through the over 70s now with my thai family 

 

Thanks, yes I remember those days well. I still carry a ballpoint pen with my passport to complete Form TM6 at the land border crossings between Cambodia and Thailand. I can assure you pens are still scarce at Thai Immigration hence my own!

[Jumbo1968]

I live in Thailand, Retirement Visa, I go for a weeks holiday to Vietnam I have a re entry permit but would I still require a TM6 ?

[brewsterbudgen]

3 minutes ago, Jumbo1968 said:

I live in Thailand, Retirement Visa, I go for a weeks holiday to Vietnam I have a re entry permit but would I still require a TM6 ?

Yes, but it's not called a TM6 anymore - it's TDAC

[Ralf001]

3 minutes ago, Jumbo1968 said:

I live in Thailand, Retirement Visa, I go for a weeks holiday to Vietnam I have a re entry permit but would I still require a TM6 ?

If you are a foreinger yes you will have to complete a TDAC form.