Importance Score: 72 / 100 🔴
Planning a Thailand vacation, perhaps inspired by White Lotus or hoping for a snapshot with Moo Deng, the beloved pygmy hippo? Securing your travel documents is now essential prior to your departure. Starting May 1st, all non-Thai citizens arriving in the Kingdom by air, land, or sea must complete a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). This new measure aims to improve border security and streamline immigration.
Understanding the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
The Digital Arrival Card is designed to replace traditional paper forms, expediting the immigration process and enhancing the security of Thailand’s entry system. The TDAC links with the immigration bureau’s biometric database, allowing for rapid background checks on international visitors.
How to Obtain Your TDAC
- Travelers must register online within three days of their impending arrival in Thailand.
- Upon successful registration, you will receive a QR code.
- Present this QR code at the immigration checkpoint upon arrival.
The process is straightforward and free of charge. However, completing the TDAC is now mandatory for all foreign passport holders, including:
- Tourists
- Business travelers
- Long-term residents
Exceptions: This requirement does not apply to travelers who are transiting or transferring through Thailand without passing through immigration control.
Thailand’s Resurgent Tourism Sector
Boasting stunning tropical landscapes, delightful cuisine, and renowned hospitality, Thailand has transformed from a Hippie Trail destination into a premier global travel hotspot. In 2019, almost 40 million tourists visited the nation, ranking it among the world’s top ten most-visited countries. Despite a temporary slowdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism has bounced back robustly.
Drivers of the Tourism Boom
In the first quarter of 2025 alone, 9.5 million travelers arrived in Thailand, fueled by viral online trends, including:
The Moo Deng Effect
Moo Deng, the “bouncy pork” pygmy hippo, surged in popularity after a video of him playing at Khao Kheow Open Zoo went viral on social media. The zoo, located near Bangkok, experienced record attendance, drawing thousands of visitors daily.
The White Lotus Effect
The latest season of the popular dark comedy, filmed in Phuket and Koh Samui, sparked renewed wanderlust, enticing viewers to experience luxury holidays in Thailand. Hotels.com reported a 40 per cent increase in searches for the Four Seasons Koh Samui after it was revealed as a filming location.
Even after an earlier earthquake, tourism in Thailand has remained strong, a testament to the country’s resilience. Whether pursuing extravagance or seeking viral animal encounters, finalizing your Digital Arrival Card awaits you before you even depart.
Final Reminder
Make sure your QR code is accessible before departing for Thailand.