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]

Deceptive packaging:

In the US this wouldn't be legal, the average consumer would believe this package contains 15g of protein, wouldn't they?

We all know thailand doesn't have the same level of consumer protection regulations, but kellogs is an American company. I find this deceptive advertising practice highly bad (can't think of the word).

Anyone else?

Immigration Bureau post the information. Please know that no one knows more than this and what you can see from the online system currently.

[members only]/

Hey,

i will fly to Bali in November and want to apply for the DTV there. Right now i think they just want to see 3 Month of Bank statements there right? I will transfer in August, September and October around 120k THB to my Thai Bank account to have the 500k when i want to apply ( earlier it s not possible ) . Just wondering if someone has experience when i top my account in the last 3-5 month before applying if they say it s ok and could they also ask me where that money is coming from where i might have to show them some proof aswell?

Thanks for helping and awesome group here !

So I was having a couple of issues in regards to identity and the requested document order time. They requested a birth certificate and it was going to take up to 4 weeks for me to get one.

I sent in a word file explaining my situation under the requested birth certificate and asked if they can extend my application process an extra few weeks and instead they have told me to come in for an interview.

If I go for the interview and I don’t have this, is it going to be an issue? Surely they wouldn’t request an interview without some other option of proof of identity?

UPS has notified me i need to show at 120 Years Building and register as an import agent or get an import license just to get a 2 Ib package of 40 personal single use eye drops, 2 boxes of just for men, and 2 UV BLOCKER sets of armsleeves my nephew sent me from my apartment in LA. Please, somebody who’s been though this, send the quickest most stress free method of navigating this. BESIDES Thai Customs, UPS is also trying to get paid extra in this process. I had no idea having a small box of personal provisions was gonna come to this. And if i choose to just not bother with this and walk away from less than $70 us worth of stuff, UPS’ charge is nearly $300 to “destroy” the package. You talk about a Catch-22!!! What does an Import License even cost, never mind there’s MORE steps to follow just to get this small quantity of my own personal hygiene products in hand.

Anybody knows if it’s possible to enter on a normal 30 or 60 day visa on arrival instead of using the DTV? Becaue my passport expires in just a bit less than six months.

Just a reminder—if you frequently visit Thailand and stay for several months, like some of my wealthy friends, you might want to secure a tourist visa or DTV as soon as possible. That said, even that isn’t always a guarantee, so it’s wise to keep extra cash on hand for immigration officials. Otherwise, you could find yourself in a holding cell or on a flight back to wherever you came from. A French guy I came on my flight with was denied entry, put in the dirty detention room and had to pay $1500 for return flight @ Phuket. 

Hi,

I have a funny feeling a made a big fopar when submitting my application today. I changed hotel here in laos and just realised that I only put the name of the hotel and location Vientiane ,laos without the exact address ( dumb in know) and no way of editing now. I have uploaded my financals 6 month with more than is required and supported documents and everything is in order. I'm just debating whether or not to let the 14 days expire before I have to reaply. I have uploaded my visa and stamp for proof but I don't want to waste the10000 baht and have to start again regardless.

Any thoughts really appreciated

Regards

Thank

P.s soft power

Can anyone recommend a legal firm or agent that can answer some immigration questions that are a bit convoluted ? I need answers that are facts and not opinion. Prefer Krabi, Bangkok or Los Angeles. Thanks much. "Siam Legal" emailed me the "very helpful" "Contact a Thai Immigration office".