Thailand Introduces Digital TM6 Form Requirement for Foreign Visitors from May 1

Beginning May 1, 2025, Thailand will implement a new digital arrival card, known as the TM6 form, for all foreign travelers. This mandatory online form replaces the previously suspended paper card. The initiative aims to enhance tourist tracking and improve security in response to recent concerns.

Who Needs to Fill Out the TM6 Form?

All foreign travelers, including visitors from visa-exempt countries like India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Singapore, must complete the TM6 form. However, Thai passport holders are exempt from this requirement. Travelers will need to provide personal and travel details, including passport information and a Thai address.

Why Transition to a Digital Format?

The shift to a digital TM6 form aims to boost tourist safety and confidence. This change aligns with broader efforts to streamline processes and enhance the overall travel experience.

Mongkon Wimonrat, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, highlighted that this change will ease immigration congestion. As a result, travelers can expect a faster and more efficient entry process.

Tourism Ministry chief Natthriya Thaweevong added that the digital form will improve the monitoring of tourists. This enhancement addresses security concerns while fostering trust among international visitors.

Easing Congestion and Streamlining Arrival

Thailand initially suspended the paper TM6 form in July 2022 to reduce congestion at immigration checkpoints. With the return of the TM6 in digital format, the government promises greater efficiency and convenience for travelers.

Potential Delay of the Tourism Fee

A source from the Ministry of Tourism indicated that the introduction of the digital TM6 form may postpone the planned 300 baht ($9) tourism fee. This development could further incentivize travelers to choose Thailand as their destination.

Thailand Targets 40 Million Visitors in 2025

The country aims to welcome 40 million foreign visitors in 2025. This goal builds on the success of 2024, which saw over 35.5 million tourists contribute approximately 1.6 trillion baht to the Thai economy.

Key Takeaways

• All foreign travelers must complete the digital TM6 form from May 1, 2025.
• The digital card aims to enhance tourist tracking and security.
• This move is expected to restore confidence among international travelers, especially from China and India.
• The digitalization may lead to a postponement of the planned tourism fee.

Conclusion

With the launch of the digital TM6 form, Thailand is taking significant steps to improve its tourism infrastructure. The focus on traveler safety and convenience aims to help achieve ambitious visitor targets.

Foreign travelers planning trips to Thailand in 2025 should prepare to complete the form online. This preparation will ensure a smoother entry process and a more secure travel experience.