Noreen Shazreen, Author at Goody Feed

If you frequent Thailand often, you now have to take note of the new measures. As of 1 December 2024, Thailand has implemented a biometric identification system at six international airports to enhance passenger identification processes. Passengers with biometric-enabled passports can now use the system to access their identification information via boarding pass machines or self-check-in kiosks at the airport. Now, a new measure is set to kick off in May this year. From 1 May 2025, all foreign travellers are now required to submit a TM6 form before arrival, regardless of whether they enter by air, land, or sea. This form, similar to Indonesia’s custom declaration form, includes a departure card and applies to foreign nationals from visa-exempt countries, such as Singapore. According to the Bangkok Post, Thailand plans to roll out an online version of the TM6 immigration form. This digital form will replace the previously suspended paper version and will be free to submit. Foreign Travellers to Thailand Must Submit TM6 Form Before Arrival The TM6 form collects personal and travel information, including passport details and the traveller's address in Thailand. The only exemption applies to those travelling with Thai passports, as confirmed by Mongkon Wimonrat, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports’ deputy permanent secretary, on 21 January 2025. The use of the digital form is expected to improve the tracking of tourists during their stay and enhance security standards. Tourism Ministry chief Natthriya Thaweevong told local media that the change aims to reassure visitors, particularly Chinese tourists, amid concerns over safety following a series of high-profile kidnappings. Thailand Faces Negative Publicity and Backlash with Recent Incidents Thailand has been accused of being used by criminal networks as a transit hub for illegal activities and high-profile kidnappings. As a result, the country has faced backlash and heightened concerns from international visitors. One notable incident involved Chinese actor Wang Xing, who was allegedly lured to the Thai-Myanmar border by a scam group and kidnapped. Thai police later confirmed Wang’s safe recovery and return to Bangkok on 7 January 2025. Such incidents have heightened concerns over Thailand’s safety, particularly among Chinese tourists. To address this, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra issued a statement in Mandarin through an AI-generated video, assuring tourists of the kingdom’s security. The paper version of the TM6 form was suspended in July 2022 to boost tourism and reduce congestion at immigration checkpoints. This suspension will end on 30 April 2025, with the digital TM6 form replacing the outdated paper version. A ministry source told the Bangkok Post that the digitalisation of the TM6 form would likely delay the implementation of the 300-baht tourism fee even further. Thailand's Tourism Fee Postponed In 2023, a proposed 300-baht (S$12) entry fee for foreign tourists was introduced, intended to fund medical care for visitors and other services. Former Tourism Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn stated that tourists requiring services such as hospital care were costing the Thai government approximately 400 million baht (S$16 million) annually. However, this entry fee faced backlash from tourism industry stakeholders and was postponed in 2024. Under the new government led by Paetongtarn Shinawatra, sources suggest that the fee is unlikely to be implemented in 2025, as the reintroduction of the TM6 form may take precedence. Thailand aims to attract 40 million foreign visitors in 2025, building on the 35.5 million tourists who visited in 2024, generating 1.6 trillion baht in tourism revenue. To restore confidence in the country as a tourist destination, Thailand recently launched a new app designed to enhance the travel experience and provide added security for visitors.