With the decision to extend the exemption of immigration form TM6 until April 30, 2025, Thailand has opened a new chapter for cross-border tourism. The simplification of entry procedures at 16 checkpoints on land and sea will help tourists save time, reduce hassles and enjoy a truly comfortable journey to explore the land of golden temples.
The TM6 waiver, which first came into effect on April 15 and is scheduled to expire on October 15, is aimed at improving immigration services, reducing congestion at checkpoints and promoting tourism, supporting economic growth. The decision not only demonstrates the Thai government’s concern for visitors but also shows its commitment to promoting the tourism industry, one of the country’s key economic pillars.
With the new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, applying for a visa to Thailand is now incredibly simple and quick.
Some of the major checkpoints exempted include Aranyaprathet in Sa Kaeo province bordering Cambodia, Chiang Saen in Chiang Rai province bordering Myanmar and Padang Besar in Songkhla province bordering Malaysia.
To enhance the travel experience and streamline the immigration process, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has proposed a groundbreaking solution: the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system. Completely replacing the cumbersome TM6 immigration form, ETA will allow visitors from 93 countries to apply for entry permits online quickly and conveniently. With just a few simple steps, visitors will receive a QR code and can automatically pass through the border, saving a significant amount of time.
With just a few clicks, visitors from 93 countries can complete visa applications online, saving time and effort compared to the traditional way.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is considering incorporating the 300 baht (about $9) tourist fee for air travelers and 150 baht (for land and sea travelers) into the ETA system. Songchai Mungprasithichai, chairman of the Songkhla Tourism Promotion Association, said the exemption from filling out the TM6 form would help increase the number of daily tourists from Malaysia to Songkhla by 50 percent compared to the period when the requirement was implemented.
The Thai government recently approved a policy to promote tourism and the economy under the “6 Countries, 1 Destination” initiative, which includes Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand. Thailand emphasizes strengthening private sector cooperation in the tourism sector by creating tourism routes connecting world heritage sites, organizing regional tourism calendars to arrange major festivals, and organizing events to bring benefits, including knowledge exchange among human resources in the tourism industry.
