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IN BRIEF
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Since the May 1, 2025All foreigners entering Thailand must register online via the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), which replaces the old paper form TM.6Despite the nature free As a result of this approach, unaffiliated platforms have overcharged for this service, charging between $20 to $90 to fill out the form on behalf of the travellers.
THE Immigration Office confirmed that one in ten tourists used one of these fraudulent sites Despite the warnings: the official treatment takes approximately three days and confirmation is sent by email, and any platform requesting payment is fraudulentThe official website to consult is tdac.immigration.go.th, which provides a verified link and a QR code to the official platform.
Since May 1, 2025The mandatory registration of foreigners entering Thailand is done online via the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)This service, available exclusively on tdac.immigration.go.th, East freeDespite this, fraudulent platforms charge between $20 and $90 to complete the process on behalf of travelers. Authorities have confirmed that at least one in ten foreign travelers has already used these fake services. This article explains how the official system works, details the scams observed, and gives concrete advice to avoid being tricked.
The new official system: from paper form to TDAC
Thailand has replaced the old paper form TM.6 with the TDAC in order to digitize the arrival declaration. Registration must be completed on the official website tdac.immigration.go.thaccessible via a verified link and a QR code provided by the Immigration Bureau. Data processing usually takes three days before sending an email confirmation.
To understand the transition and associated risks, several media outlets have documented the shift to digital maps and the mistakes to avoid, notably in investigations like the one published by Departures.
How do fraudulent websites work?
Scammers create websites that mimic the interface of a registration assistance service, positioning themselves as unofficial support platforms. They demand a payment to complete and send the TDAC, while the procedure is freeThese offers are presented as convenient for travelers in a hurry or unfamiliar with online procedures, and encourage them to pay fees ranging from $20 to $90.
Accounts of concrete scams quickly emerged: testimonies and local investigations detail victims, including cases of French tourists who lost their plans after being deceived by these platforms (Southeast Asia).
Amplitude and official confirmation
THE Immigration Office confirmed that the practice persisted and that more than one in ten tourists was affected by these fake websites, despite repeated warnings. Articles analyze this phenomenon and relay the advice of the authorities, for example on All of Thailand And Thailand-en.
Observers note that the scams sometimes rely on organized networks, including fraud centers based in the region, which has led to targeted actions, such as cutting off the power supply to certain centers to limit fraudulent operations (Southeast Asia).
Tell-tale signs of a fraudulent website
Several indicators should alert the traveler: a website that request payment for TDAC, URLs that do not correspond to tdac.immigration.go.th, spelling and interface errors, the absence of verifiable contact information, or persistent solicitations via email or social media. Practical guides address these warning signs and list common scams in Thailand (WhatToDoInThailand).
Practical tips for travellers
– Perform registration only on tdac.immigration.go.th and refuse any site that demands payment.
– Keep the confirmation received by email and allow for a processing time of three days before departure.
– Carefully check the domain name and look for indicators of legitimacy (HTTPS, legal notices, contact information). Specialized resources draw attention to these scams and explain how to protect yourself against them, for example Southeast Asia And Departures.
– If in doubt, visit the official immigration website via the link or the QR code supplied through official channels, and avoid unsolicited commercial intermediaries.
What if you’ve already paid?
If a traveler has paid fees to an unofficial website, they must first gather all the evidence (screenshots, invoices, correspondence). Several media outlets report cases where victims have attempted legal action or filed complaints after being scammed (Southeast Asia, All of Thailand).
It is recommended to contact the bank or payment provider to request a refund, report the fraud to the local authorities, and notify the embassy or consulate of the country of origin. Press kits and news summaries can help document the phenomenon and guide the necessary steps.Southeast Asia – regional review).
Resources and media alerts
Several information platforms and specialized blogs have published alerts and guides for travelers affected by the digital arrival card, including Departures, WhatToDoInThailand, All of Thailand and several articles from Southeast Asia.
- Findings
- 1 out of 10 foreign tourists used a fraudulent site.
- TDAC replaced the paper form TM.6 since May 1, 2025.
- Platforms charge between 20 and 90 USD for an approach free.
- Quick Actions
- Register only on tdac.immigration.go.th (official site).
- Ignore and report any site requesting payment — that’s fraudulent.
- Please allow approximately [timeframe] for processing. 3 days before email confirmation.
- Use the verified link or QR code provided by the Immigration Office.
FAQ — Thailand: 1 in 10 tourists tricked by fraudulent arrival card websites
Q. What is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card ?
A. There Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is the digital version of the Thailand arrival form, which came into effect on May 1, 2025 and replacing the old paper form TM.6.
Q. Who must complete the TDAC ?
A. Every foreigner entering Thailand must register via the TDAC before arrival, with no exceptions planned for the majority of leisure travelers.
Q. Is this service free?
A. No. The approach is strictly free and must be carried out only on the official website indicated by the authorities.
Q. Where can I register safely?
A. Registration must be done exclusively on the official website tdac.immigration.go.thAny other site that requests payment or service fees is not affiliated with the immigration system.
Q. What are the risks of alternative websites?
A. Fraudulent platforms pose as support services and charge between $20 and $90 to fill out the arrival card, even though the official service is free. These sites can also collect personal data for malicious purposes.
Q. How many travellers are affected by these scams?
A. The authorities have noted that at least one in ten foreign travelers used an unofficial platform and paid for a free service.
Q. How long does it take to process the TDAC form?
A. THE Immigration Office indicates that it is generally necessary three days to process the data and send the confirmation by email.
Q. How to distinguish between an official and a fraudulent website?
A. The official website is unique and identified by the domain tdac.immigration.go.thand the authorities provide a verified link and a QR code on their main website. Any site requesting payment is fraudulent.
Q. What should I do if I have already paid a fraudulent website?
A. Contact your bank or card issuer immediately to report the transaction and request a dispute. Also inform the Immigration Office and keep all proof of payment and communication with the fraudulent site.
Q. Can I get help filling out the TDAC at no extra cost?
A. Yes: seek help from reliable sources, such as official embassy or consulate services, which will not require payment to direct you to the site tdac.immigration.go.th.
Q. What information is generally requested for the TDAC?
A. The form includes standard personal and travel information (identity details, flight details, address of stay in Thailand). Only share this information with platforms whose authenticity you are certain of.