Thai Digital Arrival Card Experiences

[Jun]

Website: https://tdac.immigration.go.th/arrival-card/#/home
Time to complete: Under 10 minutes
Approval: Instant & documents to download or e-mail

I could have probably done this in under 5 minutes, but was being careful & took a copy of my entry data.

The document they supplied has a transaction date recorded in Thai time.
So I presume European residents could do it one day earlier, at night & still meet the 3 day limit.

It's quite straightforward, however have your full hotel address ready (province, district, sub district).

Far better than the "Thai Pass".

[Jun]

When I arrived just over a week ago, some Chinese who had no TDAC were sent away to complete it.

They tried to photograph the TDAC documents at the front of the immigration desk. The lady did not take kindly to the use of a camera. Why, when there should be nothing to hide?

Well, we were all shuffled across to the adjacent desk as she finished her stint. Before leaving I was next in line for attention and observed as she stuffed 1340 baht into her wallet. Possibly all legitimate, even if there are very few uses for cash there.

The queue was short, but moved slightly more slowly than normal. I had no problems. I'd printed the TDAC, but was not sure they needed that.

[Gaybutton]

I was next in line for attention and observed as she stuffed 1340 baht into her wallet.

[christianpfc]

I was asked to show TDAC at check-in for my flight. Usually before getting to immigration queue, there is staff who check people have their documents, how did the Chinese even get to the counter?

For lack of easy printing, I had my TDAC only in digital form (email on my phone). I had it open with the QR code and gave it to immigration officer, who opened the attached pdf. That might be just for my case (many entries and long time spend in Thailand), but shows that it's not fully connected (the TDAC has my details, once they scan my passport, it should show up on their computer screen).

So far all smooth for me, but still I don't like the idea because some day there will be a software or other error making it impossible to submit the TDAC (or similar for Cambodia) and causing a lot of grief for those affected.

[Gaybutton]

I was asked to show TDAC at check-in for my flight.

What does the airline do if someone doesn't have the TDAC, refuse to let him board the flight?

[christianpfc]

I don't know, but assume it's like with visas or flight out of Thailand as proof of leaving. Some airlines check, others don't. You might be able to talk your way onto the flight if you don't have it.

[2lz2p]

I was asked to show TDAC at check-in for my flight.

What does the airline do if someone doesn't have the TDAC, refuse to let him board the flight?

Seems unlikely as not having one does not bar you from entry into Thailand since there are computer type terminals at the Thai airports where one can get the TDAC before going to the Immigration counter.

[Gaybutton]

Seems unlikely as not having one does not bar you from entry into Thailand

I am aware of that, but I'm wondering if the passenger doesn't have it, would airlines likely refuse to let the passenger board?

[Jun]

I am aware of that, but I'm wondering if the passenger doesn't have it, would airlines likely refuse to let the passenger board?

There is no requirement that you do the TDAC before boarding a flight. It just needs to be done before going through immigration.

So if an airline tried to stop you boarding, they would be at risk of litigation from the customers.

So I don't expect major problems, at least if flying from developed countries. I wouldn't be quite as confident flying from more autocratic countries.

Of course, with my distrust of Thai IT systems, I'm always going to fill in the TDAC as early as possible. Just in case the system goes down later.

[SP55]

My experience was just as I expected with thai apps and forms, confusing and bad. And it didnt say if it was approved or not - could just click Preview". Preview of what?! But I got a QR code even if I couldn't fill out the form completely since some lines were blocked.
At immigration in the airport they said nothing about it, so apparently they were satisfied.

And then as usual within 24h had to visit Chonburi immigration office to tell them exactly the same again. What a waste of time.