Thailand’s New THIM App: Everything You Need to Know Before You Travel
Almost one year to the day after the implementation of the TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card), the Thai Immigration Bureau has officially launched the THIM (Thailand Immigration Management System) application, designed to modernize arrivals and speed up immigration clearance for international travelers.
Developed in partnership with Digital Identity Co. and powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud technology, this app promises to reduce border control processing time to less than three minutes. Does the THIM app replace the famous TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) form, or do you need to continue doing both? Here is the breakdown.
What is the THIM application?
Available on iOS and Android, the THIM app allows travelers to register once and for all before even boarding the plane. For frequent travelers to Thailand, it enables them to enter their personal data just once—starting with a deep scan of their passport—and then simply fill in the details for each specific stay in the Kingdom. Eventually, it will also allow expatriates to have their personal details saved once and complete various procedures (there is already talk of being able to do the 90-day notification via this app very soon).
Its key features:
- Smart Scanning: Thanks to AI-powered Optical Character Recognition (OCR), the app scans your passport (including the electronic chip and the machine-readable zone) to avoid manual entry errors.
- Group Requests: Traveling as a family? THIM allows you to add multiple traveler profiles under a single trip.
- Future Scope: Eventually, the app will integrate immigration appointment bookings, visa extension requests (e-Extension), and other services for long-term residents, such as the 90-day notification.
Does THIM replace the TDAC?
To put it simply: THIM is actually the official mobile version and the technical evolution used to generate your TDAC. Therefore, there is no double-work to do; you just have to choose between doing your TDAC the old way or using this new application.
Here is how the two tools connect:
- The TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card): This is the official name of the requirement (the digital document that permanently replaced the old blue and white paper TM6 form) and is done via the official website (and only there): tdac.immigration.go.th
- The THIM app: This is the new official application platform designed to complete this requirement, among others, directly and ultra-fast from your smartphone.
- We are currently in a launch-test phase for THIM. If everything goes smoothly, the October 1st deadline to make the use of THIM mandatory could be moved forward. To be monitored, but for now, both coexist.
Do I need to do the TDAC on the website AND on the app?
No. If you use the THIM application to submit your travel details and profile, your digital arrival data is transmitted directly to the Thai immigration database. You thereby fulfill your TDAC obligation.
Key takeaway: The THIM app was designed to centralize and simplify the process. You do not have to do both separately. The app generates and transmits your digital arrival card to the authorities.
In practice: How to prepare for your arrival?
To ensure your passing through the airport or land border takes less than three minutes, here is the ideal step-by-step process:
- Download the THIM app (free) from the App Store or Google Play Store before your departure.
- Create your profile by scanning your passport (the app currently supports English, Chinese, Japanese, and Russian).
- 3 days before your arrival in Thailand, register your trip by entering your flight details and your first accommodation in Thailand. Your information will be stored securely and will be ready for the agent to check as soon as you land.
With this application, Thailand is taking digital arrival management for foreigners even further. Personally, however, I would advise waiting a bit before using THIM. Firstly, because new tools launched by Thai authorities often have bugs at the beginning. Secondly, as we saw with the recent data leaks at the ANTS last month, despite all the security claims, these systems are never completely bulletproof. And here, the data is highly sensitive since it involves a copy of your passport, including the electronic chip and the machine-readable zone—plenty of elements that could lead to identity theft. In short, for my part, I will stick to the classic TDAC as long as it remains an option.
