Thailand Implements Digital Arrival Card And Cracks Down On Visa Abuse To Improve Tourism Quality And Efficiency

Published on December 2, 2025

Thailand has rolled out a digital arrival card and implemented stricter measures to combat visa abuse, with the goal of enhancing the efficiency of border controls and improving the overall quality of tourism. These initiatives are designed to simplify the arrival process for travelers, reduce fraudulent activities, and ensure a smoother, more transparent experience for tourists, ultimately positioning Thailand as a more secure and welcoming destination for global visitors.

Thailand has made significant strides in modernizing its immigration system, with a series of digital updates rolled out across 2025 and 2026. The goal is clear: simplify the entry process for legitimate tourists and long-term visitors while tightening regulations to prevent visa misuse.

The Thai government’s dual objectives are apparent. The first is to streamline entry through digital systems, making it easier for genuine visitors. The second is to create more flexible long-term visa options for those wishing to stay for extended periods. These moves signal a shift from focusing on sheer numbers to prioritizing the quality of visitors, aligning with Thailand’s post-pandemic tourism recovery strategy.

Backed by the Cabinet and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the new policies aim to strike a careful balance. Entry is now faster for tourists and digital nomads, but stricter measures are in place for those attempting to live and work in Thailand under tourist visas. This includes preventing individuals from abusing short-term tourist visas to work or stay longer than permitted.

One of the most significant changes for foreign visitors in 2025 was the full launch of the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), which became mandatory from May 1. This online system replaces the paper TM6 arrival and departure cards, long criticized for being inefficient. Now, all foreign visitors, regardless of their visa type, must complete the TDAC online before landing in Thailand. The goal is simple: to cut down on queues and expedite airport checks, bringing Thailand in line with modern border-control practices worldwide.

Additionally, the government has expanded the e-Visa system to a global audience starting January 1, 2025. Foreign nationals can now apply online for various visa types, including the Single-Entry Tourist Visa, Business Visa, and the newly introduced Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). This shift means applicants can complete the entire visa process online, including submitting documents and paying fees, without needing to visit a Thai embassy or consulate.

The expansion of the e-Visa system is part of Thailand’s broader “Thailand 4.0” strategy, aimed at modernizing the country and attracting more high-quality visitors. It has already proven beneficial, making the process faster and more convenient, and reducing the administrative burden on Thai embassies and consulates abroad.

For remote workers and expatriates, 2025 and 2026 bring clearer long-term visa options. The DTV, often referred to as the “digital nomad visa,” has become a key choice. This visa is designed for those wishing to stay in Thailand while working remotely or engaging in “soft power” activities, such as Muay Thai training, cultural courses, or other events. The visa is valid for five years and allows multiple entries during that time.

Each entry grants a stay of up to 180 days, which can be extended once for another 180 days. In practice, this means visitors can stay in Thailand for almost a full year without leaving. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate financial stability by proving they have at least 500,000 Thai Baht in their bank account for the previous three months. While not a formal work permit, the DTV provides legal grounds for remote work, reflecting the global trend toward flexible work arrangements.

The cost of the five-year multiple-entry visa ranges from 8,856 Baht to 36,826 Baht, depending on the applicant’s location and intended activities. Once in Thailand, the cost to extend each 180-day stay is just 1,900 Baht, making it an affordable option for long-term visitors.

Thailand’s popular visa-exemption scheme remains in place, allowing visitors from 93 countries to enter without a visa for up to 60 days. This period was extended in 2024, and visitors can extend their stay by an additional 30 days at any immigration office, bringing the total to 90 days without requiring a visa. For short-term tourists, this continues to be the most convenient and cost-effective option.

However, the government is taking steps to prevent abuse of these lenient entry rules. In November 2025, the Immigration Bureau announced stricter checks on repeated “visa runs” – when individuals enter Thailand multiple times on tourist visas to extend their stay without proper permission. Authorities are now closely scrutinizing travelers who enter on a third consecutive visa-exempt entry, especially if previous stays have been lengthy.

For long-term visa holders, including those with the DTV or Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visas, there are new tax regulations. As of 2025, anyone spending 180 days or more in Thailand within a calendar year is considered a tax resident. This means that foreign income brought into Thailand could be subject to Thai personal income tax. Remote workers, retirees, and investors who use Thailand as their base while earning from overseas need to be aware of these new tax implications and may want to consult a tax advisor to ensure compliance.

The changes to Thailand’s immigration system from 2025 to 2026 represent a major shift in how the country manages foreign visitors. By moving from paper-based systems to digital platforms, offering more structured long-term visa options, and strengthening enforcement against visa abuse, Thailand aims to streamline the entry process for legitimate tourists and remote workers while protecting the integrity of its immigration system.

Thailand has introduced a digital arrival card and strengthened efforts to tackle visa abuse, aiming to enhance tourism efficiency, ensure smoother border processes, and improve overall travel quality.

These updates reinforce Thailand’s position as a premier destination for both leisure and remote work, welcoming visitors who respect the rules and contribute positively to the local economy while making it more challenging for those seeking to exploit the system.