- Required submission form due in May.
Planning a trip to Thailand this year? Buckle up, as starting around May, a digital form might become a prerequisite for non-Thai citizens entering the country. This stunning destination, famous for its breathtaking beaches, awe-inspiring temples, and mouth-watering cuisine, attracted over 35 million visitors in 2024. The Tourism Authority of Thailand hopes to increase that number to 39 million in 2025.
The Digital TM6 Form Revisited
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is reportedly gearing up to unveil a digital variant of the TM6 form for the "Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025." According to the "Bangkok Post," this digital form will be mandatory for all foreign travelers starting May 1st.
Interestingly, the obligation to fill out the TM6 form for air travel was temporarily lifted back in July 2022. However, the suspension of supplying passport data and travel-related information at 16 land and sea checkpoints extended until April 30, 2025.
Natthriya Thaweevong, a permanent secretary of the ministry, announced that the paper TM6 form will be replaced by the online version, post-extension. This move aims to strengthen security and counterbalance negative perceptions, as mentioned on the Foreign Office's website, which has warned of increasing crime in certain provinces.
Fee concerns
The source insinuated that the introduction of a 300 baht tourist fee was likely to be delayed due to the new form. The ministry intends to concentrate on implementing the revised TM6 system first for a smooth process.
Sorawong Thienthong, Thailand's Minister of Tourism and Sports, stated in a TAT press release that both public and private sectors are investing in measures to boost travel comfort and enhance the visitor experience. Keynotes include expanding airline windows and flight frequencies, launching an online TM6 immigration system, and improving transportation connections between major and minor tourist destinations [1][2][3].
- The Digital TM6 Form for "Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025" is being developed by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, making it mandatory for all foreign travelers visiting Thailand starting May 1st in 2025, as mentioned in the "Bangkok Post".
- In addition to the planned digital TM6 form, Sorawong Thienthong, Thailand's Minister of Tourism and Sports, revealed that efforts are being made to improve the visitor experience through initiatives such as expanding airline windows, launching an online TM6 immigration system, and improving transportation connections, as mentioned in several TAT press releases.
- With the introduction of the digital TM6 form in 2025, sports enthusiasts planning their trips to Thailand for events like the TM6-linked activities can rest assured that the necessary paperwork will be streamlined, making the entry process more efficient and enjoyable.
