Thailand clarifies new digital arrival card for foreign visitors

The TDAC system replaces the paper-based TM6 form that travelers used to fill out. All foreign nationals entering Thailand by air, sea or land must fill out their details at the official TDAC website, after which they will receive an email that they can show on arrival in the country.

The Thai Immigration Bureau also clarified confusion about the deadline for applying, saying that applications can be submitted within three days prior to arrival, not "at least three days before arrival" as some local media previously reported.

In addition, Thai authorities have warned foreign visitors to be wary of a fake TDAC website that asks users to pay a processing fee of $10 while the real site is free.

The system is fully ready, and backup measures are in place to ensure smooth operations, the Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports said in a statement.

During the initial phase, travelers who encounter any issues can temporarily use a paper immigration form and there are also computer terminals available at the immigration counter at Suvarnabhumi Airport for travelers who need to fill out a TDAC form when they arrive.