📌 Key fact: The TM6 paper arrival card was officially replaced by the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) on May 1, 2025. You no longer fill in a paper form on the plane.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Old: TM6 Paper Card
- Paper form distributed on aircraft/at border
- Filled in by hand with pen
- Submitted to immigration on arrival
- Prone to legibility errors
- No pre-submission option
- Wasted paper, environmental impact
- Used since 1980s
New: TDAC (Digital)
- Online form submitted before arrival
- Completed on phone/computer
- QR code confirmation
- Submitted up to 72 hrs before
- Free at tdac.immigration.go.th
- Paperless, environmentally friendly
- Launched May 1, 2025
Why Did Thailand Replace TM6 with TDAC?
The Thai Immigration Bureau introduced the TDAC for several reasons:
- Efficiency: Digital data is processed faster than handwritten forms, reducing queues at immigration.
- Accuracy: Digital entry eliminates illegible handwriting mistakes.
- Security: Pre-arrival data allows immigration to pre-screen travelers.
- Modernization: Aligns Thailand with digital immigration practices used in many countries.
- Sustainability: Eliminates millions of paper forms per year.
What About TM8?
The TM8 is the Thai departure card (not arrival). As of May 2025, the Thailand Immigration Bureau has also modernized departure procedures. Always check the latest requirements for both arrival and departure cards with Thai authorities.
Timeline: From TM6 to TDAC
1
Pre-2025: TM6 Era
Paper TM6 cards handed out on flights and at borders since the 1980s. Filled in by hand, submitted to immigration officer on arrival.
2
Early 2025: TDAC Announced
Thai Immigration Bureau announced the digital transition. Beta testing and system development.
3
May 1, 2025: TDAC Mandatory
TDAC became mandatory for all non-Thai nationals entering by air, land, or sea. TM6 formally discontinued.