Introduction to the Thailand Arrival Card
When traveling to Thailand, one of the most important documents you need to complete is the arrival card, commonly known as the TM6 form. This document is required for all foreign nationals entering Thailand by air, land, or sea. The English abbreviation for the Thailand arrival card is TM6, which stands for “Thai Immigration Form 6.” This form serves as an official record of your entry and is used by Thai immigration authorities to monitor visitor activities.
The TM6 form is a small, white card that is typically distributed by airlines during your flight or available at immigration checkpoints. It must be filled out in English and submitted along with your passport at the immigration counter upon arrival. Understanding how to properly complete this form can save you time and avoid potential issues at the border.
Detailed Filling Guide for the TM6 Form
Personal Information Section
The first section of the TM6 form requires your personal details. Let’s break down each field:
Family Name: Enter your last name exactly as it appears in your passport. For example, if your passport says “John SMITH,” write “SMITH.”
Given Name: Write your first name(s) as shown in your passport. In our example, this would be “John.”
Nationality: State your citizenship, such as “United States,” “United Kingdom,” or “Australia.” Do not use abbreviations like “US” or “UK.”
Date of Birth: Use the format DD/MM/YYYY. For someone born on July 15, 1985, you would write “15/07/1985.”
Passport Number: Enter your passport number exactly as it appears in your passport, including any letters. For example: “AB1234567.”
Country of Passport: The country that issued your passport, such as “United States.”
Religion: This is optional but can be filled with “Christian,” “Buddhist,” “Muslim,” etc., or left blank.
Occupation: State your profession, like “Teacher,” “Engineer,” or “Student.”
Permanent Address: Your complete home address including street, city, state/province, and postal code. For example: “123 Main St, New York, NY 10001, USA.”
Address in Thailand: The address where you will stay in Thailand, such as hotel name and address or your Thai friend’s address. Example: “Bangkok Palace Hotel, 123 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok 10110.”
Flight Number/Vessel Name: If arriving by air, enter your flight number (e.g., “TG 775”). If by sea, the ship name.
Purpose of Visit: Select or write the purpose, such as “Tourism,” “Business,” or “Visiting Friends.”
Length of Stay: Number of days you plan to stay in Thailand (e.g., “14” for a two-week vacation).
Next Destination: The country you will go to after Thailand, or “THAILAND” if you’re staying.
Signature: Sign the form as you do in your passport.
Important Notes for Filling Out the TM6
- Always use black or blue ink.
- Write in block letters (capital letters) for clarity.
- Do not use red ink or pencils.
- Make sure your handwriting is neat and legible.
- If you make a mistake, ask for a new form rather than correcting it.
- Keep the bottom part of the card (the departure card) safe, as you’ll need to submit it when leaving Thailand.
Common TM6 Card Problems and Solutions
Problem 1: Lost Departure Card
Issue: Many travelers lose the departure portion of the TM6 card before leaving Thailand.
Solution: If you lose your departure card, you must:
- Report to the nearest immigration office before your departure.
- Fill out a lost document report form.
- Present your passport and proof of your arrival (e.g., boarding pass or entry stamp).
- Pay a fee of 500 baht (as of 2024).
- Obtain a replacement departure card.
To avoid this, keep the departure card in your passport or a secure place.
Problem 2: Mistakes on the Form
Issue: Writing errors or incorrect information on the TM6 form.
Solution:
- If you notice the mistake before submitting, ask for a new form.
- If already submitted, you may need to:
- Visit an immigration office to correct the information.
- Provide supporting documents (ephemeris, etc.).
- In some cases, it might not be necessary to correct minor errors like a misspelled hotel name.
Problem 3: Not Receiving the Form on the Flight
Issue: Some airlines don’t distribute TM6 forms, especially on flights from neighboring countries.
Solution:
- You can obtain the form at the immigration checkpoint.
- Some airports have forms available before the immigration area.
- You can also download and print the TM6 form from the Thai immigration website before your trip.
Problem 4: Overstaying the Declared Duration
Overstaying the declared duration on your TM6 form can lead to fines and legal issues. If you plan to stay longer than initially stated, you should:
- Visit an immigration office before your original departure date.
- Apply for an extension of stay.
- Provide proof of sufficient funds and onward travel.
- Pay the extension fee (typically 1900 baht for tourist extensions).
Problem 5: Address in Thailand Field
Issue: Travelers who are backpacking or don’t have a fixed address find this field challenging.
Solution:
- For the first night, write the hotel/hostel address where you’ll stay initially.
- If you’re touring multiple locations, write the address of your first accommodation.
- For those staying with friends/family, use their complete address.
- If truly uncertain, you can write “Various Hotels” but this is not recommended.
Special Considerations for Different Traveler Types
Business Travelers
Business travelers should:
- Write “Business” in the purpose field.
- Provide the address of the company they’re visiting.
- Be prepared to show invitation letters or business documents if asked.
Digital Nomads
Digital nomads who frequently change locations should:
- Use the address of their current accommodation.
- Update their address with immigration if they move to a new province.
- Consider applying for a proper visa if staying long-term.
Families Traveling Together
Each family member must fill out their own TM6 form. For children:
- Parents can fill out the form for minors.
- Include the child’s details in the “Given Name” and “Family Name” fields.
- For infants, the same rules apply.
Digital TM6 Implementation (2024 Update)
As of 2024, Thailand is piloting a digital TM6 system at major airports like Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang. The digital system allows travelers to:
- Complete the form online before arrival.
- Receive a QR code upon submission.
- Present the QR code at immigration for faster processing.
How to use the digital TM6:
- Visit the official Thai immigration website.
- Fill out the digital form (similar fields to the paper version).
- Submit at least 3 days before arrival.
- Save the QR code on your phone.
- Show the QR code at immigration.
This system is currently optional but will become mandatory for all travelers in the future.
Conclusion
The TM6 form is a crucial document for entering Thailand. By understanding its purpose, filling it out correctly, and being aware of common issues, you can ensure a smooth entry and exit process. Always keep your departure card safe, and if you encounter any problems, don’t hesitate to contact Thai immigration authorities for assistance. Remember that immigration rules can change, so it’s always wise to check the latest requirements before your trip.
FAQ Summary
Q: What is the English abbreviation for the Thailand arrival card? A: The abbreviation is TM6.
Q: Can I fill out the TM6 form before my flight? A: Yes, you can download and print the form from the Thai immigration website.
Q: What happens if I lose my departure card? A: You must report to immigration, pay a 500 baht fee, and obtain a replacement.
Q: Is the TM6 form required for all travelers? A: Yes, all foreign nationals entering Thailand must complete a TM6 form.
Q: Can I use the digital TM6 system? A: Currently, it’s optional at major airports but will become mandatory in the2024年10月1日之后，所有通过航空、陆路或海路入境泰国的外国人都必须在线填写入境卡（TM6），不再提供纸质表格。这一政策将于2024年10月1日起在所有口岸实施。# Thailand Arrival Card English Abbreviation, Filling Guide, and TM6 Card FAQ
Introduction to the Thailand Arrival Card
When traveling to Thailand, one of the most important documents you need to complete is the arrival card, commonly known as the TM6 form. This document is required for all foreign nationals entering Thailand by air, land, or sea. The English abbreviation for the Thailand arrival card is TM6, which stands for “Thai Immigration Form 6.” This form serves as an official record of your entry and is used by Thai immigration authorities to monitor visitor activities.
The TM6 form is a small, white card that is typically distributed by airlines during your flight or available at immigration checkpoints. It must be filled out in English and submitted along with your passport at the immigration counter upon arrival. Understanding how to properly complete this form can save you time and avoid potential issues at the border.
Detailed Filling Guide for the TM6 Form
Personal Information Section
The first section of the TM6 form requires your personal details. Let’s break down each field:
Family Name: Enter your last name exactly as it appears in your passport. For example, if your passport says “John SMITH,” write “SMITH.”
Given Name: Write your first name(s) as shown in your passport. In our example, this would be “John.”
Nationality: State your citizenship, such as “United States,” “United Kingdom,” or “Australia.” Do not use abbreviations like “US” or “UK.”
Date of Birth: Use the format DD/MM/YYYY. For someone born on July 15, 1985, you would write “15/07/1985.”
Passport Number: Enter your passport number exactly as it appears in your passport, including any letters. For example: “AB1234567.”
Country of Passport: The country that issued your passport, such as “United States.”
Religion: This is optional but can be filled with “Christian,” “Buddhist,” “Muslim,” etc., or left blank.
Occupation: State your profession, like “Teacher,” “Engineer,” or “Student.”
Permanent Address: Your complete home address including street, city, state/province, and postal code. For example: “123 Main St, New York, NY 10001, USA.”
Address in Thailand: The address where you will stay in Thailand, such as hotel name and address or your Thai friend’s address. Example: “Bangkok Palace Hotel, 123 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok 10110.”
Flight Number/Vessel Name: If arriving by air, enter your flight number (e.g., “TG 775”). If by sea, the ship name.
Purpose of Visit: Select or write the purpose, such as “Tourism,” “Business,” or “Visiting Friends.”
Length of Stay: Number of days you plan to stay in Thailand (e.g., “14” for a two-week vacation).
Next Destination: The country you will go to after Thailand, or “THAILAND” if you’re staying.
Signature: Sign the form as you do in your passport.
Important Notes for Filling Out the TM6
- Always use black or blue ink.
- Write in block letters (capital letters) for clarity.
- Do not use red ink or pencils.
- Make sure your handwriting is neat and legible.
- If you make a mistake, ask for a new form rather than correcting it.
- Keep the bottom part of the card (the departure card) safe, as you’ll need to submit it when leaving Thailand.
Common TM6 Card Problems and Solutions
Problem 1: Lost Departure Card
Issue: Many travelers lose the departure portion of the TM6 card before leaving Thailand.
Solution: If you lose your departure card, you must:
- Report to the nearest immigration office before your departure.
- Fill out a lost document report form.
- Present your passport and proof of your arrival (e.g., boarding pass or entry stamp).
- Pay a fee of 500 baht (as of 2024).
- Obtain a replacement departure card.
To avoid this, keep the departure card in your passport or a secure place.
Problem 2: Mistakes on the Form
Issue: Writing errors or incorrect information on the TM6 form.
Solution:
- If you notice the mistake before submitting, ask for a new form.
- If already submitted, you may need to:
- Visit an immigration office to correct the information.
- Provide supporting documents (ephemeris, etc.).
- In some cases, it might not be necessary to correct minor errors like a misspelled hotel name.
Problem 3: Not Receiving the Form on the Flight
Issue: Some airlines don’t distribute TM6 forms, especially on flights from neighboring countries.
Solution:
- You can obtain the form at the immigration checkpoint.
- Some airports have forms available before the immigration area.
- You can also download and print the TM6 form from the Thai immigration website before your trip.
Problem 4: Overstaying the Declared Duration
Overstaying the declared duration on your TM6 form can lead to fines and legal issues. If you plan to stay longer than initially stated, you should:
- Visit an immigration office before your original departure date.
- Apply for an extension of stay.
- Provide proof of sufficient funds and onward travel.
- Pay the extension fee (typically 1900 baht for tourist extensions).
Problem 5: Address in Thailand Field
Issue: Travelers who are backpacking or don’t have a fixed address find this field challenging.
Solution:
- For the first night, write the hotel/hostel address where you’ll stay initially.
- If you’re touring multiple locations, write the address of your first accommodation.
- For those staying with friends/family, use their complete address.
- If truly uncertain, you can write “Various Hotels” but this is not recommended.
Special Considerations for Different Traveler Types
Business Travelers
Business travelers should:
- Write “Business” in the purpose field.
- Provide the address of the company they’re visiting.
- Be prepared to show invitation letters or business documents if asked.
Digital Nomads
Digital nomads who frequently change locations should:
- Use the address of their current accommodation.
- Update their address with immigration if they move to a new province.
- Consider applying for a proper visa if staying long-term.
Families Traveling Together
Each family member must fill out their own TM6 form. For children:
- Parents can fill out the form for minors.
- Include the child’s details in the “Given Name” and “Family Name” fields.
- For infants, the same rules apply.
Digital TM6 Implementation (2024 Update)
As of 2024, Thailand is piloting a digital TM6 system at major airports like Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang. The digital system allows travelers to:
- Complete the form online before arrival.
- Receive a QR code upon submission.
- Present the QR code at immigration for faster processing.
How to use the digital TM6:
- Visit the official Thai immigration website.
- Fill out the digital form (similar fields to the paper version).
- Submit at least 3 days before arrival.
- Save the QR code on your phone.
- Show the QR code at immigration.
This system is currently optional but will become mandatory for all travelers in the future.
Conclusion
The TM6 form is a crucial document for entering Thailand. By understanding its purpose, filling it out correctly, and being aware of common issues, you can ensure a smooth entry and exit process. Always keep your departure card safe, and if you encounter any problems, don’t hesitate to contact Thai immigration authorities for assistance. Remember that immigration rules can change, so it’s always wise to check the latest requirements before your trip.
FAQ Summary
Q: What is the English abbreviation for the Thailand arrival card? A: The abbreviation is TM6.
Q: Can I fill out the TM6 form before my flight? A: Yes, you can download and print the form from the Thai immigration website.
Q: What happens if I lose my departure card? A: You must report to immigration, pay a 500 baht fee, and obtain a replacement.
Q: Is the TM6 form required for all travelers? A: Yes, all foreign nationals entering Thailand must complete a TM6 form.
Q: Can I use the digital TM6 system? A: Currently, it’s optional at major airports but will become mandatory in the future.