@George ******

true. But they could also get their extensions based on income, if they were not British, US Americans or from Australia. The crux is, the British Embassy as well as the US and AUS embassy in Bangkok does not issue any more"income affidavits". That's why your british mate needs to use the 400,000 THB deposit method

@George ******

I suggest you visit Immigration and ask them about your options

@George ******

you can use a bank statement over a 12-months consecutive transfers of a minimum of 40,000 THB from abroad into your Thai bank account, as the financial requirement for the application to the 1-year Extension of Stay Permit. The crucial point is - you have to have accumulated these 12 consecutive transfers to be able to use them as the financial proof for your next application to the extension

@Robert *****************

while you can use original proofs of a monthly income of a minimum of 40,000 THB equivalent, for the application to the visa in the E-Visa system in the U.K., you will need a minimum of 400,000 THB in a Thai bank account in your name only, for the application on Immigration for the 12-months "extended stay permit based on being married to a Thai wife" - at least in the first year. Because the U.K. embassy in Bangkok does not issue an "income affidavit" any more, with which you in the past were able to fulfill the financial requirements for the application to the "1-year Extension of Temporary Stay Permit" (which some people call "marriage visa" but which isn't a "visa" at all but a stay permit). After you have collected 12 months consecutive month for month transfers from the UK to your Thai bank account of a monthly minimum of 40,000 THB, you can use the bank statement over these 12 months of transfers for the application to your second year Extension of Stay Permit

@Robert *****************

yes, you shouldn't apply for the 90-days Non-Imm-O family visa more than 3 months before you plan to fly

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