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TDAC and THIM — Two Systems, One Trip: Don't Skip Either

By the Thailand Visa Centre teamPublished 27 June 2026Updated 30 June 2026
TDACTHIM

In short

The **Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)** remains the mandatory pre-arrival declaration for most travellers. The incoming **THIM** app adds immigration workflow tools — they are related but **not interchangeable**.

What's changing

Since 2025, TDAC has been the official channel to submit arrival information digitally before landing. THIM, rolling out in 2026, targets **immigration processing efficiency** — queue reduction, digital identity checks, and eventual reporting features. Confusion arises when travellers assume completing one satisfies the other. Airlines and border officials can deny boarding or delay entry if **TDAC is missing**, even if THIM is installed. During rollout, requirements may differ by airport — **Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang** typically lead policy first.

Who is affected

**Every international arrival** — complete TDAC within the published window before departure (typically 72 hours). **Families and groups** — one submission per traveller; minors included. **Long-stay visa holders re-entering** — TDAC still required each entry; visa stamp governs stay length, not the apps. **Cruise and land-border entrants** — confirm port-specific rules; digital requirements lag air arrivals.

What you should do

Screenshot your TDAC confirmation and keep THIM installed before you fly. On a managed application, we send a **country-specific arrival pack** updated when Immigration publishes changes.

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Further reading

Compare the route, destination and evidence pages before you act. These internal links are curated for search engines, AI crawlers and real applicants.

Visa paths

Destination Thailand VisaDTV eligibility, permitted activities and application support.Digital nomad visa supportRemote work planning, proof and long-stay route selection.Retirement visaNon-OA, Non-OX and extension planning for applicants aged 50+.Business visaNon-B applications, employer documents and business setup support.Non-Immigrant O visaRetirement, marriage, family and volunteer Non-O routes.Non-Immigrant B visaEmployment and business Non-B before work-permit steps.SMART visaTalent, investor and executive long-stay routes for targeted sectors.Tourist visaSingle-entry, multiple-entry and stay-extension planning.Long-Term Resident visaLTR route checks for professionals, investors and wealthy pensioners.Work permitThai work authorisation after the correct visa route is selected.Marriage visaFamily-based Non-O visa and in-country extension planning.Education visaApproved study, language, Muay Thai and training routes.Visa extensionIn-country extensions, deadlines and required evidence.Document legalisationCertified documents, translations and consular preparation.

Further reading

Thailand digital nomad guideDTV context, city fit and remote-work planning.DTV application guideStep-by-step preparation for Destination Thailand Visa evidence.Thailand retirement visa guideFinancial rules, timing and extension cycles.Thailand Non-B visa guideBusiness and employment route requirements.Can I work on a DTV?Foreign income, Thai clients and permitted activity boundaries.DTV vs LTRCompare two long-stay routes before choosing.SMART visa guideTarget sectors, eligibility and SMART vs standard work routes.LTR visa complete guideWealthy pensioner, professional and investor LTR categories.Non-OA vs Non-ORetirement route differences before you prepare bank evidence.How it worksOur managed application process from enquiry to approval support.All visa servicesBrowse every Thailand visa and support service we manage.800,000 baht rule explainedBank-balance timing and retirement extension risks.Check eligibilityStart with a route fit check before preparing documents.Free enquiryAsk Visa Centre to assess the best route for your situation.