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Thailand To Launch Digital TM6 Form for Foreign Visitors in May

Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports is gearing up to introduce the online TM6 immigration form, set to become mandatory for all foreign visitors to Thailand starting May 1, although the government is hesitant to implement the 300-baht tourism fee this year.

The TM6 immigration forms were put on hold by the cabinet as of April 15, 2024.

Following the end of the suspension on April 30, the TM6 will transition to a digital format, according to Natthriya Thaweevong, the ministry’s permanent secretary.

She mentioned that the online form would assist in monitoring tourists during their stay in Thailand, boosting confidence in safety as the nation tackles adverse impressions.

This week, the ministry convened an internal meeting and invited the Immigration Bureau to showcase the online system.

A discussion is scheduled for January 31 with all involved parties, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, airlines, hotels, and tour agencies, to better understand the online form and assist in promoting it to international visitors.

Mongkon Wimonrat, the ministry’s deputy permanent secretary, stated that the government’s immediate focus would be on rolling out the digital TM6, delaying other planned entry screenings to avoid tourist confusion.

He clarified that the online TM6 would affect only foreign entrants. Mr. Mongkon announced that the compulsory, free online form would apply to all arrivals, whether by air, land, or sea.

The cabinet is anticipated to endorse the plan next month, allowing stakeholders time to prepare, he noted.

An anonymous ministry source indicated that with the impending introduction of the online TM6 form, the likelihood of deferring the 300-baht tourism fee has increased.

The government is aiming for a flawless TM6 process rollout, which might require several months to a year to fully operationalize, the source explained.

As Thailand deals with reports of illegal networks using the country as a passageway to adjacent nations, now may not be the best time to start levying the fee, the source suggested.

The source also noted that introducing another preliminary screening measure, like an electronic travel authorization used by some countries for visa-free travelers, would be postponed to facilitate a smooth launch of the online TM6 process.