Answereda year ago

What are the latest updates regarding the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) and border hopping regulations?

Thailand Digital Arrival Card TDAC Visa regulations Border hopping Immigration updates Thailand travel advice

THIM and TDAC notice

Need a clearer THIM and TDAC explanation? Read the THIM guide on thim.in.th.

James ********

asked May 4, 2025

2.2k

views

replies

likes

Latest news on Thailand Digital Arrival Card

By Barry Kenyon

May 2, 2025

Same day border hoppers – those obtaining extra time in Thailand by crossing briefly into Cambodia or another neighbouring country – do have to fill in the online TDAC form whilst waiting an hour or two before returning here. Those travelling with an agency may find the TDAC form is filled in by accompanying staff, but those travelling alone will need to deal alone with the new bureaucracy.

Most of those undertaking border runs are Destination Thailand Visa holders seeking another six months’ sojourn, visa-exempt foreigners looking for a further 60 days and some multiple entry non-immigrant visa holders who must leave Thailand after three months stay. Immigration officers at land entry points say that the rules and regulations for border hops are under review by a governmental working party examining visa exempt regulations and their many repercussions. For now, there are no national changes.

In other developments, foreign visitors at Thai airports who have not filled in the TDAC in advance may find computer desks and helpful officers on duty to assist the forgetful and the computer illiterate. The foreign affairs ministry has stated again that the TDAC has to be filled in 72 hours or less (not more) prior to arrival in Thailand. In general, inauguration day on May 1 went smoothly at airports and land and sea entry points, although some passengers believed they must print the confirmatory email to give to the immigration officer on arrival. In fact, it is OK simply to show him or her the email on your mobile phone.

Foreign visitors are reminded by the Thai cyber police about fake websites which charge a processing fee for completing TDAC before absconding with people’s biometric information and credit or debit card details. Investigations are underway and at least one fake site has been blocked already. The legitimate TDAC service is presently free but must be repeated before every entry to Thailand. It’s [members only]

[members only]

Answer summary

Recent updates on the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) indicate that travelers, including those temporarily crossing into neighboring countries for visa extensions, need to complete the TDAC form online no more than 72 hours prior to their arrival in Thailand. While some travelers have noted varying experiences with its enforcement at entry points, immigration officials are currently reviewing regulations related to border hops. Additionally, there are warnings about fraudulent websites posing as TDAC services. Travelers are advised to use the official TDAC site for processing their information.

13 repliesnewest first

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

Paul *******

Barry Kenyon again spewing his nonsense. There is no need to "wait" for an hour or two. You can do the TDAC once you've received your exit stamp and are still on the Thai side, then proceed across the border, get stamped in/out then return to Thailand.

Regarding border hopping on a multiple entry visa, absolutely no issue doing this now or in future. However, I can see them cracking down further on visa exempt travelers doing this.

a year ago

Michelle ********

@Paul ******

Agreed, Barry and James spew nonsense

a year ago

James ********

@Paul ******

pardon me, but Barry Kenyon is a respected and helpful expat. Formerly Honorary Consul in Pattaya for the UK Embassy in Bangkok.

a year ago

Tod *********

There are touts at the land border in the neighboring country who ask you if you have done a TDAC and if you haven't they can file one for you

Remember

There is no hang around several hours and wait for the "approval" 😮

it's an INSTANT process,

it's a passive data entry system ONLY, there is no "someone has to approve it".

You enter the data, you put your email in and when you submit it you get an email of having done it

a year ago

Lyn *******

"Same day border hoppers – those obtaining extra time in Thailand by crossing briefly into Cambodia or another neighbouring country – do have to fill in the online TDAC form whilst waiting an hour or two before returning here."

This might be a new change. I was under the impression that the TDAC could be filled out several days ahead of time.

a year ago

Anna *********

@Lyn ******

it can be 😀

a year ago

Anonymous ******************

@Lyn ******

Yes it can filled in up to 3 days before entering. If entering by vehicle it will want the license plate number.

a year ago

Tim ***********

The licence plate number of the shuttle bus between the Thai border station and let's say the Lao border station ?

a year ago

Anonymous ******************

Flew into DMK today from Hanoi. I was only asked to show my TDAC at check in with the airline. Immigration at DMK didn’t even ask to see it.

a year ago

Paul *******

So they wanted to see it before issuing a boarding pass? Like I thought, some airlines are asking this but theoretically, you should be able to get it done on arrival.

a year ago

Anonymous ******************

@Paul ******

Yea, that’s correct, they asked for it before issuing my boarding pass.

a year ago