If you’re off to Thailand soon, here’s a quick piece of advice before you even think about packing your sunscreen — do not pay one baht to any website that claims it is necessary to register for Thailand’s new “digital arrival card”. This is a scam — end of discussion.
The Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports has just issued a warning regarding fraudulent websites that pose as the official Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) website. Those sites charge people misleading “registration fees” to register something that is 100 percent free — that is correct, free.
But let’s back up for a second since this has escalated as Thailand prepares for this busiest time of year — the year-end holidays. Millions of travelers will be arriving in Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and the islands, while scammers see the opportunity.
According to the ministry’s permanent secretary Natreeya Taweewong, the BS scammers are “taking advantage of travelers.” She was very explicit:
“Any website that asks for payment to register for a TDAC is not an official site of the Thai Government. The process is totally free.”
Thailand’s Cyber Police and the Ministry of Digital Economy are now joining forces to track down the operator of the fake websites. Tourists are being advised to gather evidence, such as screenshots or URLs, and report them to law enforcement via:
- Cyber Police Hotline: 1441
- Online Complaint Center (1212 OCC)
- Thailand Anti-Fake News Center
In addition, local media are supporting measures to alert visitors to avoid falling victim.
Here’s where some of the confusion began: on May 1, 2025, Thailand instituted a new digital Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) that completely replaced the previous combination of paper on arrival cards (TM6) and visa stamps. Every non-Thai entering the country has to complete it regardless of the type of visa (tourist, business, visa-free entry). The only exception to the TDAC rules is simply transiting through the airport without processing through immigration.
And again, no — you don’t need to pay for it. This is just a simple data sheet designed to ease entry at border control.
Amusingly, the TDAC system was rolled out to ease arrival and reduce paper. But scammers, being scammers, took that opportunity to convert convenience into a degree of chaos.
In short — if a website says “pay now to enter Thailand,” you should be closing your browser. The official TDAC system does not require your card, cash, or tears.
Thailand is still waiting to welcome you with some beaches, temples, and street food, but not dealing with phishing links.
