Hello,
I remember reading an article about a month ago that stated that Thailand was going to implement a program, sometime near the end of this year, where you would essentially apply for entry approval prior to arrival even if you were from the USA where we currently get a 60 stamp on arrival. The article indicated that it would help speed up immigration and reduce any potential problems. From what I read it sounded very similar to the "Thailand Pass QR" system that was used during the intial opening of the Thai border following the Covid lockdowns. I apologize in advance for not remembering clear details of the article.
My purpose for bringing this up is that I have a trip booked from USA and I'm scheduled to arrive on January 1, 2025, so I want to make sure that I'm prepared. This will be my third trip to Thailand, and I really looking forward to it!
Thank you in advance for any and all input, and please know that I truly appreciate your help.
TLDR : Answer Summary
There are currently proposals for a new entry approval system in Thailand, similar to the previous "Thailand Pass QR" system. However, specific details are lacking, and it remains uncertain if this will be implemented, particularly for travelers from the USA. Current discussions suggest a pilot program may start in December 2024, possibly targeting Australians first. It is advisable not to overthink the situation at this stage as many aspects are still to be confirmed.
