TDAC vs TM6: What Changed for Thailand Immigration

Thailand’s arrival process has undergone a major transformation. The traditional TM6 paper arrival card – a familiar part of entering Thailand for decades – has been replaced by the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). This article explains what changed, why it changed, and what the shift from TM6 to TDAC means for travelers.

What Was the TM6 Form?

The TM6 was a small paper form that every foreign visitor to Thailand had to fill out before passing through immigration. Typically handed out on flights or available at border crossings, the TM6 collected basic information including:

• Full name and passport number
• Nationality and date of birth
• Flight or vehicle number
• Purpose of visit
• Address in Thailand
• Signature

Travelers filled out the form by hand, handed one half to the immigration officer upon arrival, and kept the other half to present when departing Thailand. Losing your TM6 stub could cause complications at exit immigration, and the paper forms were a source of delays, waste, and data management challenges for Thai authorities.

Why Did Thailand Replace the TM6?

The Thai government decided to phase out the TM6 for several reasons:

• Efficiency: Processing millions of handwritten paper forms was slow and resource-intensive for immigration staff
• Data accuracy: Handwritten forms frequently contained illegible entries, misspellings, and incomplete information
• Environmental impact: Millions of paper forms generated significant waste each year
• Security: Digital records are easier to cross-reference with security databases and health monitoring systems
• Modernization: The TDAC is part of Thailand’s broader push toward digital government services
• Health monitoring: The TDAC includes a health declaration that the TM6 did not have

The TM6 was initially suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of contactless entry procedures. After a period of testing digital alternatives, the Thai government officially launched the TDAC on May 1, 2025, permanently replacing the TM6.

TDAC vs TM6: Side-by-Side Comparison

What Stayed the Same

Despite the move to digital, several aspects of the arrival process remain unchanged:

• The TDAC is still free – no fees are charged for registration
• It is still mandatory for all non-Thai nationals
• You still need a valid passport and appropriate visa or entry permission
• The TDAC does not replace your visa – it is an additional requirement
• Immigration officers still check your documents at the border
• You must still complete a new form for each entry into Thailand

What Improved with the TDAC

No More Paperwork on the Plane

With the TM6, travelers had to scramble for a pen on the plane and balance the tiny form on their tray table. The TDAC eliminates this entirely. You complete everything online from the comfort of your home, hotel, or airport lounge before your trip.

Faster Immigration Processing

Because your information is already in the digital system, immigration officers can pull up your record by scanning your QR code. This speeds up the processing time at the immigration counter, reducing queue lengths – especially during peak travel seasons.

No More Lost Stubs

A common travel nightmare with the TM6 was losing the departure stub. Without it, travelers faced delays and extra paperwork at exit immigration. With the TDAC, your confirmation is stored digitally and can be accessed from your email or the TDAC website at any time.

Better Error Correction

If you made a mistake on a TM6 form, you had to request a new one and start over. With the TDAC, you can update most fields online using the “Update Arrival Card” function, without needing to resubmit the entire form.

Health Monitoring Integration

The TDAC includes a health declaration that helps Thai authorities monitor for communicable diseases. This was not part of the TM6 and represents a significant addition to Thailand’s public health infrastructure at borders.

Challenges of the New System

While the TDAC is a clear improvement in many ways, it does introduce some new considerations:

• Internet access required: You need an internet connection to complete the TDAC. Travelers without reliable internet access before their trip may find this challenging.
• Digital literacy: Less tech-savvy travelers may find the online form more difficult than a simple paper form.
• Advance planning needed: The TM6 could be completed at the last minute on the plane. The TDAC requires planning up to 3 days ahead.
• Accurate accommodation details required: The TDAC requires a full Thai address with province, district, and postal code – information that some travelers may not have readily available.

What Happened to Unused TM6 Forms?

After the TDAC launch on May 1, 2025, airlines stopped distributing TM6 forms on flights to Thailand. Border crossings no longer accept TM6 forms. Any old TM6 forms are now collector’s items – they have no official function in the current immigration system.

How the Transition Was Implemented

The transition from TM6 to TDAC followed this timeline:

• 2022-2023: TM6 requirement temporarily suspended during COVID recovery period
• 2024: TM6 formally discontinued; pilot testing of digital arrival card begins
• Early 2025: TDAC system developed and tested with select entry points
• May 1, 2025: TDAC officially launched as mandatory for all foreign nationals
• Ongoing: System continues to receive updates and improvements

For more details on the current system, read our TDAC Thailand Complete Guide or visit our TDAC FAQ page.