The TDAC’s rollout has sparked speculation about its integration with other proposed immigration and tourism initiatives. One such measure is the 300-baht (around $9 USD) tourism tax, initially planned for 2025 but delayed multiple times. Recent reports suggest it may finally be implemented by year-end 2025, potentially linked to the TDAC system. This fee, aimed at funding tourism infrastructure and providing insurance coverage for visitors, would be collected digitally—possibly during the TDAC submission process—though details remain unconfirmed as of March 31, 2025.

Another related development is the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), a proposed pre-approval system for visa-exempt travelers. Originally slated for a December 2024 launch and full implementation by June 2025, the ETA has been postponed indefinitely to avoid overlapping with the TDAC rollout.

While the TDAC applies to all foreign entrants regardless of visa status, the ETA would target visa-exempt nationalities for additional screening. For now, the Thai government is prioritizing the TDAC’s smooth operation, with the ETA’s fate still unclear.

For anyone planning a trip to Thailand on or after May 1, 2025, the TDAC is non-negotiable. Here’s how to prepare:

Gather Information: You’ll need your passport details, travel itinerary (e.g., flight number or vehicle info), and accommodation address in Thailand. Double-check your entries, as errors can be corrected online before travel, but key identifiers like your name and passport number may require a new submission.

Submit Early: Complete the TDAC within the three-day window before arrival to ensure a hassle-free entry. The process should take just a few minutes.

Keep Proof Handy: Save your confirmation (likely a QR code or PDF) on your phone or print it out, as you may need to present it at immigration.

Plan for Contingencies: If you forget to submit in advance, immigration officers and kiosks will likely assist upon arrival, though this could slow your entry or cause potential problems, although some Immigration officials have stressed that an incorrect form or submission would be easy, in theory, to resolve and not lead to having to fly home or other fears seen online.

The TDAC applies to every visit, even for frequent travelers or long-term residents with visas or work permits. Questions remain about enforcement—will airlines check TDAC completion before boarding, or will it be handled solely at Thai immigration? Official guidance is expected closer to the launch date.

Challenges and Criticisms

While the TDAC promises a smoother experience, its rollout has not been without scrutiny. Some travelers worry about accessibility for those without smartphones or reliable internet, a concern echoed in online forums. Others question whether the system will truly reduce processing times or simply shift the burden to pre-arrival preparation. The lack of a functioning mobile app (as of now) and unclear instructions for submission have fueled early frustration, with some calling it a “digital disaster in the making.”

Moreover, the timing—just a month away as of March 31, 2025—leaves little room for public education. The Thai Immigration Bureau has promised informational materials in multiple languages (English, Chinese, Korean, Russian, and Japanese), but the absence of a fully operational system for testing has left traveler in limbo.

The Bigger Picture

The TDAC is part of Thailand’s broader vision to balance tourism growth with security and sustainability. With over 28 million visitors in 2023 and projections of even higher numbers in 2025, the country is under pressure to manage its borders efficiently while maintaining its reputation as a welcoming destination. The digital shift aligns with similar systems worldwide, such as Singapore’s SG Arrival Card or the EU’s upcoming ETIAS, signaling a global trend toward paperless travel.

Starting May 1, 2025, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card will redefine how non-Thai nationals enter the country. By registering online at tdac.immigration.go.th within three days of arrival, travelers can bid farewell to paper forms and embrace a faster, more secure process—or so the Thai government hopes. As the launch date approaches, staying informed and prepared will be key to a seamless journey.

As the system is not yet live questions remain and TPN Media will keep our readers updated throughout the coming weeks.

@Farang ********

no, it won't be accepted by Thai Immigration if it comes from an accountant

@Victor ******

and Will Richardson

sorry to burst your bubble . . . . . that income would qualify for the application to the 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement visa in your home country. But in Thailand, you will not qualify for the first year Extension of the Stay Permit, because the British Embassy does not issue an affidavit of income. For the first year extension of stay permit, you would need the minimum of 800,000 THB in your Thai bank account

reason "retirement" is the number 9 on the list of requirements for a "change" from a touristic entry to a 90-days Non-Imm-O visa

@Garrett **********

plus he needs a rental contract, 2000.- THB application fee, and a proof that the 800,000 THB came from abroad. And he needs a minimum of 15 days left on his entry stamp in order to be able to apply for the "change of visa type" from a touristic entry to a 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa on Immigration inside Thailand

@Sandy ******

the 60-days Tourist Visas will NEVER go away! What will MAYBE go away are the 60-days stay permit stamp on a visa-exempt entry.

@Leon ********

This stay permit stamp will MAYBE get set back to 30 days

@Leon ********

in Bangkok that would be the Visa Agency to whom this FB group belongs. Their link is in the header

@Raed ***

Es gibt keine "180-Tage Regel". Die Immigration hat alleinige Entscheidungsfreiheit. Ein 60 Tage Touristenvisum ändert NICHTS an der Tatsache dass er touristische Einreisen zu einem Langzeitaufenthalt missbrauchen will. DAS alleine zählt.

@Leon ********

kann sogar auf einem 60-Tage Touristenvisum die Einreise verwehrt werden . . . . . There is no "180-day rule." Immigration has sole discretion. A 60-day tourist visa changes NOTHING about the fact that he intends to abuse touristic entries for a long-term stay. THAT alone counts. He can be denied entry even on a 60-day tourist visa.

@Leon ********

the agency will check your passport stamp history, and THEY know if you have a chance of receiving a third 60 days visa-exempt entry or not. They know their connections at the border. They will not take you on their border bounce tour if they think that your chances are zero

@John *********

why would you want to leave Thailand during these 90 days, before you haven't been issued the 1-year Extension? Is there any reason to exit Thailand while you wait for the 800,000 THB to season on the bank account? Just stay poolside and enjoy your stay