Thailand to launch online TM6 immigration from for foreign arrivals from May 1

 

Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports is set to launch the online TM6 immigration form, which will be mandatory for all foreign visitors from May 1. However, the government has decided not to introduce the 300-baht tourism fee this year. The TM6 immigration form was temporarily suspended until April 15, 2024, but this suspension will end on April 30. According to the ministry's permanent secretary Nathriya Thaweewong, from May 1, travelers will have to complete the digital version instead of the traditional paper-based form. He explained that the online TM6 will help officials track tourists during their stay, enhance security measures and boost confidence among visitors. Recently, the ministry held an internal meeting where the Immigration Bureau demonstrated how the new system works. Another meeting is scheduled for January 31, bringing together key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tourism Authority of Thailand, airlines, hotels and tour agencies.

 

  The goal is to educate and inform all parties about the new process and ensure a smooth transition for foreign visitors. Mongkon Wimonrat, the ministry's deputy permanent secretary, said the government will focus on rolling out the digital TM6 before implementing other entry check measures to avoid confusion. 

 

The online TM6 will be mandatory for all foreign travellers arriving by air, land or sea and will be free of charge. The initiative is expected to be approved by the Cabinet next month to give relevant organisations time to prepare. A ministry official, who asked not to be named, said that due to the imminent launch of the online TM6, the 300-baht tourism fee may be further delayed. 

 

The government wants to ensure the system runs smoothly, which could take several months or up to a year. Additionally, amid concerns about illegal networks using Thailand as a transit hub, authorities may consider this an inappropriate time to introduce a tourism fee. Other pre-screening measures, such as the electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system for visa-exempt travellers, will also be put on hold to allow for a smooth implementation of the digital TM6.

 

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