Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs
From May 1, all foreign visitors to Thailand must complete a digital arrival card before entry. The “Thailand Digital Arrival Card” (TDAC) is a digital platform to streamline entry procedures in the country.
While the site to apply for the digital card is already live, Thailand will be making it mandatory from May 1. Travelers, regardless of their mode of entry by air, land, or sea, would need to pre-register online up to three days before arrival, providing personal and travel details such as passport information and accommodation addresses.
The card, replaces the traditional paper-based TM6 arrival form. It aims to expedite immigration processing and improve data collection. The TM6 immigration forms were suspended on April 15 last year.
The initiative is part of Thailand’s broader ambition to establish itself as a “Smart Tourism Destination,” and provide a more efficient experience for international visitors.
To drive adoption, the Immigration Bureau has launched multilingual promotional materials, including instructional videos and brochures in English, Chinese, Korean, Russian, and Japanese.
The rollout of the digital card would also delay Thailand’s plans to implement the long-debated 300-baht ($9) tourism fee, as reported by local media.
Thailand has also delayed the launch of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system to pre-screen visa-free travelers, which was originally planned for December 1, 2024.
Foreign Arrivals Go Down
Thailand’s tourism sector has been facing significant challenges.
According to a report released by the Bank of Thailand on Monday, economic activity in February saw a downturn, particularly in tourism-related services.
Foreign tourist arrivals and revenue declined notably, with February experiencing a near 14% month-on-month drop in visitor numbers and a 9% decline in total tourist receipts.
The downturn was most evident among Chinese and Malaysian tourists, which had previously surged during the Chinese New Year period but have since dwindled due to safety concerns and economic factors.
However, arrivals from Japan, India, and Russia showed modest growth, suggesting shifting dynamics in Thailand’s visitor demographics.
In response to these challenges, the tourism ministry in Thailand has said it is revising its tourism strategy for the latter half of 2025, particularly in light of concerns from Chinese travelers and weak confidence following the recent earthquake, according to a Bangkok Post report.
Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong emphasized the need to restore confidence among Chinese visitors.
The ministry plans to engage with the Chinese ambassador and invite prominent Chinese media influencers to showcase Thailand’s safety measures and reassure potential tourists.
The Myanmar Earthquake
The March 28 earthquake has further impacted regional travel sentiment. Reports in Chinese media mention that travel platforms are now offering cancellation and refund options for hotel bookings and airline tickets for travelers to Thailand, Myanmar and Laos.
In response to a query from Skift, Trip.com said that it has announced support measures for affected travelers, offering free cancellation for hotel bookings made before March 28 in Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Ruili City, Yunnan, China for check-in dates between March 28 and April 4, 2025.
Additionally, airline refunds or rebooking options will be available based on individual airline policies.
“Customers who meet the airline’s refund policy can process a full refund or free rebooking on our website or app,” Trip.com said. “We urge travellers who are travelling to, or are currently in, the affected areas to exercise caution and monitor development through local media and authorities.”
Skift Forum Asia will be coming to Bangkok on May 14-15, 2025. Join us as the region’s top travel leaders tackle what’s next for airlines, hotels, tourism boards, and tech. For more information and to secure your spot, click here.
The travel industry’s top event comes to Bangkok.
May 14-15, 2025 – BANGKOK
