Unanswered4 months ago
Why do expats in Thailand prefer online resources over local agents?
I have a philosophical question.
I am an agent, and I am also speaking on behalf of my Thai colleagues who have been working in this field for many years.
You are happy to come and live in Thailand, but why are you reluctant to give work to local Thai agents, even before you arrive?
Why do many people prefer to spend their money on Google, Claude, or ChatGPT rather than supporting local professionals and agents in Thailand?
Is this simply a matter of convenience, trust, cost, technology, or is there a deeper philosophical reason behind it?
I am an agent, and I am also speaking on behalf of my Thai colleagues who have been working in this field for many years.
You are happy to come and live in Thailand, but why are you reluctant to give work to local Thai agents, even before you arrive?
Why do many people prefer to spend their money on Google, Claude, or ChatGPT rather than supporting local professionals and agents in Thailand?
Is this simply a matter of convenience, trust, cost, technology, or is there a deeper philosophical reason behind it?
Summary so far
The post raises a philosophical question about why expats in Thailand often choose digital platforms like Google and ChatGPT over local Thai agents for assistance, despite the latter's availability. This discussion reflects on deeper issues such as convenience, trust, costs, or possibly other philosophical reasons leading to this trend.
56 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Stew **********
I had to provide a print out of my DTAC along with other documents to obtain my last couple of visa extensions at immigration.
Malcolm ********
Standard in most countries. You get a QR code in case you need to prove you've completed the entry requirements. Simples
Alan **********
BACKUP, if the system doesn't immediately connect it to your passport - just like you getting the email.
Marty *******
I concur with the above comments. I wasn't asked to show the QR code as all my information on the immigration server - accessed via my passport
Peter ********
My question since on the subject if you fill out a tdac in the thim do you need to do a new tdac on the thim next time ?
Peter ********
Thx
Peter ********
Yeah just curious. Not going out at moment
Steve******
Peter Kortum new arrival = new TDAC
That's actually quite logical. And it was the same even before Thim.
That's actually quite logical. And it was the same even before Thim.
Jo **********
Peter Kortum yes but it remembers base information
David *********
Typical Thailand
Victor **********
David Rostron Most countries have similar requirements to the TDAC. The world is changing every day.
Gordon *********
Passed through once and a family of 4 were stopped as they hadn't completed the TDAC. The TDACs were not on the system a d they couldn't produce any QR codes. They had to complete them there and then before they were allowed through.
Graham ******
Because if you go to Immigration for something you can be required to present a copy of your TDAC just like you had to do with the old TM6
Jo **********
Graham Seal yes I know but QR codes are meant to be scanned and when I entered there was no scanner
Kim *********
Jo Clemente you are not the one to scan your code IF the needed 😏😏😏
Sebastian ********
You were not asked for it because it shows up on the IOs’ screen. If you had not done it he would have told you to go to the TDAC screen before Immigration.
Bob **********
It’s in there computers
Michael *******
Try entering without the QR code. That will answer the question for you…
Jo **********
Michael Clark i did without it hence my question- what is it for
Lynnette *******
Jo Clemente you didn't arrive without it. You already said you received it. 🤦The qr code is your proof, it's also a backup if there's an issue. It can be scanned if needed.
Jo **********
Lynnette Munoz well I arrived about 24 times over the last year. Never needed to show the TDAc and was never asked.
Andreas *********
Jo Clemente no, you didn't enter without a QR code. When the Immigration officer scanned your passport, your Central Immigration Computer profile popped up on the screen, and he could see that you already received a TDAC QR-code. That's why he would not ask you to show it
Atrustwor*********
Jo Clemente you had the qr code tagged to your passport hence no need to show it. I just treat the issue of qr code as proof my TDAC application was accepted
Dca *****
some Thai Immigration Offices Require a Hard Copy of the TDAC QR Code Print out Now and more local Thai Immigration Offices across Thailand will probably eventually Require a Hard Copy of the TDAC QR Code Printed out
Jo **********
Dca Dca first smart answer thank you
Michael ********
There always been a qr code since was introduced you get it when complete form and the one sent to e mail
Ian *****
Its your proof you completed it if need to do so..... making a paper copy is also advised.
Ian *****
Think of me next time you arrive and your phone is flat.
Michael ********
Ian May been in and out loads times no need to print anything just save qr code on phone
Lynnette *******
Michael Dawson and if phone break or lost? Then what do you do. . I never rely only on phone.
Michael ********
Lynnette Munoz never even had to show QR code either sometime flying in 3 or 4 times a month and straight off ship to airport to plane and landing no printers around. I printed very first time which was about 2 days after it was first implemented wasnt asked to show then nor since
Jo **********
Michael Dawson exactly
Jo **********
Ian May no I enter 2 times a month never needed proof
Ian *****
Jo Clemente "if" you need Jo "if"
Deslea ********
The QR is so you and immigration can check it together if it doesn’t show up automatically. The usual situation where that happens is an error in entering information, like one time in Malaysia (which has a similar system) where I had made a typo in the passport number. So we opened up my form, they could see I had tried to fill out the form, and I could see why it didn’t work, and then I just filled out a new one.
Jo **********
Deslea Selmes i entered Malaysia 6 times I never filled in the digital arrival card. No one cared
SerenePa********
Never shown the QR… so no difference then
John **********
Normally when you enter the TDAC information pops up on the immigration officers screen so I guess the QR code is just a failsafe
Pui *****
There has never been a need to show the TDAC. It's already on the immigration computer screen when they scan your passport. The QR code is only used if there's no automatic match which means you likely filled out your passport information incorrectly.
ConfidentP**********
Pui Suu yes and if you get an evisa you put your evisa number is added to the tdac form linking them
Andreas *********
ConfidentPelican1070 the visa number in the TDAC form is not a mandatory field, you can leave it blank
Jo **********
Pui Suu yes I know that but QR is new
Pui *****
Jo Clemente the QR code has always been on the TDAC acknowledgement they attach by email. I just checked my many TDACs back to July 2025 and it is there on all of them. The QR code has always been what they tell you to keep in case the officer needs to see your TDAC.
Dal ********
It’s free from the immigration websight agency charge £60 fee it’s a scam as atm it’s free
Steve******
Dal Anders But it's completely off-topic. Oh well, at least something was written, right?
Dal ********
How is it of topic ?
Phil *******
Dal Anders the Thim app is not an agent, it's official and free.
Jo **********
Phil Clark i know don’t why this person said this costs 60. i did not pay
Jo **********
Dal Anders i used the Thai government site did not pay
Dal ********
Top man so many on my plane over paid
Charlie *********
It's already in the system. The QR code is in case there is an error with that. It's a redundancy. The TDAC is super simple and easy, not really something for folks to fret over (especially when compared with other immigration paperwork and processes :)
Lars-Göran ************
They would only ask if you had NOT done it.
Jean ************
Lars-Göran Ingvarsson or if the passport doesn't have an electronic device, which is still the case for some passports.
Ant ***********
Immigration can already see it when they scan your passport
They don’t even ask to see TDAC
They don’t even ask to see TDAC
Jo **********
Ant W Tailor I know that but you did see my question
Lynnette *******
Jo Clemente it's there should you need to confirm it. It's your proof it's done. Like a receipt.
Activity
33 joined33
people
Related
25Why is applying for the DTV visa in Thailand considered challenging compared to other visas?
9911062mo
Are there recent changes to back-to-back entries on Non-O visas in Thailand?
2.8k28193mo
Why do some members insist that stories of refused entry to Thailand are lies when the government reported 30,000 refusals in 2026?
2.8k894mo
Why do expats prefer using international services over local Thai agents in Thailand?
1.8k14204mo
What are the steps and considerations for obtaining an ED visa in Thailand after a 60-day Tourist Visa?
742574mo
Why am I being denied a bank account in Thailand despite having a valid visa?
5.8k1905mo
What are the differences in financial proof requirements between Workation and Soft Power categories for Thai visas?
381227mo
How long should the ฿500,000 be in the account before applying for the DTV visa in Taipei?
5.3k161327mo
How was your experience getting a DTV visa approved in Kuala Lumpur?
865587mo
What should I know about the home visit for a Thai retirement extension visa?
735489mo
What is the process and timeline for receiving updates after applying for a DTV visa at the Vientiane Embassy?
752459mo
What are the common challenges faced when applying for a DTV visa as a digital nomad in Thailand?
1k3181y
What are the experiences and challenges faced by expats with the DTV e-visa in Thailand?
10.8k831381y
How can I successfully obtain a DTV visa for Thailand from Manila?
588231y
What should I do if I haven't received email updates for my DTV visa application at the Thai embassy in Vientiane?
1.9k13112y
Why is the Thai Embassy in The Hague so strict about residency requirements for the DTV visa application?
3k18362y
Can you apply for a DTV visa in Vietnam and re-enter Thailand afterwards?
1.1k512y
What are people's experiences using Siam Legal for visa-related services in Thailand?
1.8k1072y
Why do people choose to use agents for visa applications in Thailand despite the ease of online processing?
13.3k1001763y
How often do schools sponsor spouse visas for expat English teachers in Thailand?
1.1k563y
What are the experiences with the LTR visa process in Thailand?
3.9k33254y
Is there a blacklist for Indian nationals in Thailand immigration?
2.2k15214y
What are the new requirements for applying for a TR Tourist Visa through Thailand's stickerless E-Visa System?
13.1k931885y
What experiences do people have with the Volunteer Visa in Thailand?
4.3k36396y
What is the experience like at Chaeng Watthana on a Monday morning for TM30 registration?
779387y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served