New requirement to enter Thailand from May 1, 2025: Online TM6 form for all visitors — tourism fee delayed

Bangkok — The Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports is preparing to launch the new online TM6 immigration form, which will be mandatory for all international travelers entering Thailand from May 1, 2025.

This measure comes after the use of paper TM6 forms was temporarily suspended since April 15, 2024.

Natthriya Thaweevong, the ministry’s permanent secretary, explained that the digital version of the TM6 form will replace the paper form.

The new online system is expected to not only help better track tourists during their stay in Thailand, but also boost confidence in the country’s safety, especially given the challenges posed by negative perceptions.

To promote the use of the digital TM6 format, an internal meeting with the Immigration Department was held this week.

Another meeting with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Tourism Authority of Thailand and numerous travel operators, will also be held on January 31, 2025. The aim is to improve the functionality of the online form and public relations to provide comprehensive information to foreign tourists.

Mongkon Wimonrat, the ministry’s deputy permanent secretary, stressed that the digital TM6 solution will be introduced as a priority ahead of other screening procedures already planned.

This is to minimize confusion among travelers.

The free online application will be mandatory for all arrivals by air, land and sea. In addition, the government is expected to approve the new process next month to allow the parties involved to prepare properly.

However, the introduction of the 300 baht tourism fee, which was originally scheduled to be levied this year, may be delayed due to the impending launch of the online form.

An anonymous ministry spokesperson expressed concerns that the TM6 process would need to be launched smoothly, which could potentially take months or even a year.

The Ministry is concerned about reports of illegal networks using Thailand as a transit country for neighbouring countries and may therefore feel that now is not the right time to impose the fee.

The implementation of additional verification measures, such as an electronic travel authorisation used in some countries for visa-free travellers, may also be postponed to ensure the smooth implementation of the online TM6 process.