Answered2 years ago
What are the recent updates to the TDAC system for travelers to Thailand starting May 1st, and what concerns have been raised by users?
THIM and TDAC notice
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Recent, and upcoming updates to the TDAC system which will be required for arrivals on / after May 1st.
* MRZ scanning/upload now auto-fills personal data to avoid manual entry.
* Clear button added to Mode of Travel for easier editing.
* "THA" / THAILAND search is now supported for Country of Residence.
* Country display format updated to show code and full name (e.g., *USA : THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA*).
* Accommodation section fields now expand contextually when editing, especially Post Code and location hierarchy.
Read More:
[[[members only])
* MRZ scanning/upload now auto-fills personal data to avoid manual entry.
* Clear button added to Mode of Travel for easier editing.
* "THA" / THAILAND search is now supported for Country of Residence.
* Country display format updated to show code and full name (e.g., *USA : THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA*).
* Accommodation section fields now expand contextually when editing, especially Post Code and location hierarchy.
Read More:
[[[members only])
Answer summary
Recent updates to the TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) system, effective from May 1st, 2025, include features like MRZ scanning for auto-filling personal data, a clear button for Mode of Travel editing, enhanced country display, and an improved accommodation section. While some users appreciate the updates, many comments express concern over the system's complexity, potential technical issues, and the burden it places, particularly on those unfamiliar with technology or lacking smartphones. Several commenters suggest reverting to paper forms, highlighting bureaucratic challenges in visiting Thailand.
53 repliesnewest first
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Lawrence *****
Frankly speaking, I only hope that this TDAC system will be be a complete failure and that the Thai Authorities revert to the old system ( filling the arrival/departure in paper, which everyone believes is so much more convenient for everyone entering/leaving Thailand. )
Dean ********
Hi, do I have to fill online if I go through the digital face recolonise gates?
Vetsch ********
Visiting Thailand is getting more and more difficult, in addition too that, if you are staying with a retirement visa, there are some more document to fill out. It looks like, that farangs are not welcome
and are very much controlled like in a comunist country, is this
Amazing Thailand . ?? 🤔🙏
and are very much controlled like in a comunist country, is this
Amazing Thailand . ?? 🤔🙏
Bill **********
@Vetsch *******
Farang retirees are tolerated ,not welcomed, in Thailand .That's OK with me .You chose to come here .If you are unhappy you know what you should do. I know some grumpy old buggers who are always complaining about life in Thailand ,but they would complain wherever they lived 😊
Sue **********
@Vetsch *******
Well, what keeps you then livinig here? Try another country, where you think you can enter without a digital entering card (which most of countries have already since years), or where you get a longterm visa as a present, just show me a country where foreigners are honestly welcomed. I live here as well, and I'm so fed up with "retirees" always complaining about Thailands beaurocracy, and this "they don't want foreigners in their Kingdom".
I don't know where your homecountry is, but Thailand is not and never was an immigration country like Europe. Thats why your Visa is called "non"-immigrant Visa. And by the way living as a retiree here on 1 year extension requires less documents than for any other visa-types. Why did you retire here anyway, you knew that all before. Nothing changed for retirees in the last years.
Vetsch ********
@Sue *********
thanks for your comments. I am Swiss, and if I compare to my homecountry, it is more difficult, that's why I wrote my opinion. It is not a complaint, just getting a bit more laborious.Have a nice day, khrub.🙏
Clare ***********
Ila **********
my trial was a fail...what if i cannot fill the form on time before traveling? The paper form was soooo much easier
THAI ******************************
OP@Ila *********
Based on what we understand, it may be possible to complete it upon arrival. However, if you're unable to do it before your flight, it could lead to unnecessary stress after landing.Additionally, it's still unclear how airlines will handle this new requirement. There's a chance they may require it to be completed prior to boarding.
Ila **********
i tried to fill TDAC (as a trial) and as Italian citizen i was not allowed to enter Thailand as a country of residence. More, i plan to travel to Laos FROM THAILAND, where i am right now , and back. They ask "in which country have you been the last 2 weeks before entering Thailand"? In my case , it would be Laos from where i would enter. But i enter Laos , it shows an error
THAI ******************************
OP@Ila *********
Check back on April 28th as it will allow Thailand as an option.
Mark *******
In my opinion the Thai authorities are making it increasingly difficult to visit their beautiful country! Why I don't know! Control is important but so is the economy,and the capital visitors spend in the country.
I have been many times and want to return soon,but unfortunately all this potential bureaucracy is putting me off! It's up to me whether I prevail,but the neighbouring countries are becoming increasingly attractive! So is relatively nearby Sicily!
I have been many times and want to return soon,but unfortunately all this potential bureaucracy is putting me off! It's up to me whether I prevail,but the neighbouring countries are becoming increasingly attractive! So is relatively nearby Sicily!
Andy ********
I have studied the printout of the TDAC form ( I am poorly sighted and technologically struggling) I can see nowhere to enter my e-mail on application for the return communication?
THAI ******************************
OP@Andy *******
It's on the last step, but they do not actually send any email at the moment.Instead you can download your confirmation directly from the page.
Andy ********
@THAI *****************************
many thanks- application will be submitted on 28apr-1may. For travel on 2nd, arrival 3rd May. Thanks again for clarification.
Rkd ********
I agree, don't take that long to fill out
Ter ******
All the whining FFS the only constant is change get over it and do whatever it is that you have to do
Mark ********
It's all System 'Readiness' of your Medical Health @ "Vaccination Status" for when the next PLAN-DEMIC is enacted, just like CON-vid!
No jabs, No travel.
Global NWO plan.
Freedoms GONE.
No jabs, No travel.
Global NWO plan.
Freedoms GONE.
Ila **********
@Mark *******
i was quite surprised that they still require proof of vaccination" though only coming from countries at yellow fever risk....for now...Mark ********
@Ila *********
, "Readiness" @ "Coming Soon" 😉
Jeroen *************
@Mark *******
Yes it's very obvious this is what it's all aboutMark ********
@Jeroen ************
, "CON-vid" WAS the 'TEST' @ "Rehearsal" for what's coming (W.H.O. Documented 'this')..... Biometrics & Digital ID all linked to your Health ID.Once upon a time 🤔 IF you were "Vaccinated" 'YOU' were PROTECTED!
End of story, move on.
NOW!! EVERYONE HAS TO BE JABBED!! 🤷🤦🤔....$$$$$$$$$ Follow the Money 💰💰
Neo ********
Lawrence *****
Again, why don’t the Thai Authorities revert to their previous system of filling up the Arrival and Departure Cards which I strongly believe would be more convenient for all visitors to Thailand?
THAI ******************************
OP@Lawrence ****
It was quite problematic for many especially when you needed to extend your visa, and lost your TM6 card.
Mia ********
@THAI *****************************
do we need this if we already have the re-entry permit stamp in passport?Lawrence *****
I feel that this TDAC system should not be implemented at all because it is really very troublesome for many, especially for the majority of who are uneducated, the elderly and those that who do not understand how to go about it and also there are some people who do not possess Smart Phones and again one who wants to visit Thailand for religious purposes will hesitate in wanting to go, again there is this problem of having to wait for approval from the Thai Authorities and again they have to book their flights and also to ensure that they have the TDAC ready before attempting to book their flights (All these nonsensical stuff should be done away with)
Mack ********
@Lawrence ****
- more training begets knowledgeTHAI ******************************
OP@Lawrence ****
If someone finds the TDAC process difficult, it may be risky for them to travel without assistance in general. In the situation you described, they likely used a travel agent, who can now help with the TDAC—something that wasn’t possible before with the TM6, which often caused confusion.
Thankfully, the TDAC can be completed before departure, but the bigger issue may be how such travelers will manage once they arrive, like figuring out how to take a taxi to their hotel.
Manfred **********
@Lawrence ****
no need to "wait for approval" before booking a flight.TDAC is for everyone's convenience, as it will speed up the immigration process
Nick ************
@Lawrence ****
so how do these elderly and uneducated people manage to book an airline flight and accommodation? Or do they just stay at home because those requirements are too troublesome also.
Erwin *******
@Nick ***********
have you heard of travel agents?Sue **********
@Erwin ******
I'm sure @Nick ***********
s answer/question to @Lawrence ****
s "strange" comment was a rhetorical question 😉
Steven ******
@Erwin ******
if you're using a travel agent then surely that same agent can do the TDAC too as part of the deal.Nick ************
@Erwin ******
never use them.
Loong *********
There was nothing wrong with the system which was there before
Ila **********
@Loong ********
it was easier
Alan *******
@Loong ********
yes ! nowt wrong with the TM6. Just wondering why they introduce it (in Electronic form) after 2 years without it? I have posted on other sites, it's a gathering of the same same same info , if you are a resident/ long stay guest/long stay tourist (call us whatever!!!!) I holiday in Vietnam, now I will need TM8, TDAC, and TM 30 on return! But Thailand loves its paperwork
Wayne *********
@Alan ******
just as well the TDAC and TM30 are online only leaves the TM8 :)Alan *******
@Graham *****
Always! The Imm Officer asked if I wanted Re Entry!... Good of her to ask .I Had my form and 1000 Bht ready. Only took 5 minutes .
Graham ******
@Wayne ********
and the TM8 can be obtained as you exit ;)THAI ******************************
OP@Loong ********
Do you mean the paper based TM6 system?
Johan *****************
@THAI *****************************
the last years i only had to show my passport on arrival. So how is this more easy?
Brandon ************
@Johan ****************
That was always temporary. It was always going to come backGraham ******
@Johan ****************
This replaces the old TM6 paper arrival/departure form that was suspended for air arrivals a while back but was still in use at many land borders
Grace ************
@everyone Please exercise caution when using the upcoming "MRZ scanning/upload" feature.
We’ve observed issues with similar implementations, such as on thaievisa website, where the system often introduces errors in names and other personal details.
This update also confirms the selection issue many users faced when trying to choose Thailand as their country of residence.
As of our last check, the MRZ scanning feature was still inactive, and "THA" could not yet be selected. However, with the update deadline set for April 28th, it's encouraging to see official confirmation that these fixes are on the way.
We’ve observed issues with similar implementations, such as on thaievisa website, where the system often introduces errors in names and other personal details.
This update also confirms the selection issue many users faced when trying to choose Thailand as their country of residence.
As of our last check, the MRZ scanning feature was still inactive, and "THA" could not yet be selected. However, with the update deadline set for April 28th, it's encouraging to see official confirmation that these fixes are on the way.
Ian ********
@Grace ***********
Do you have to use the MRZ feature or can you input all details manually ?THAI ******************************
OP@Ian *******
It appears to be optional 🎉
Greg ***********
@Grace ***********
maybe you can find Thailand under the name "Kingdom of Thailand" . . it's the same problem with Germany, you cannot find "Germany", you need to look under "Federal Republic of Germany"Activity
30 joined30
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