Thailand adjusts travel regulations amid surge in tourism spurred by "The White Lotus" television series
Thailand's tourism landscape is undergoing a significant shift, with foreign tourists required to adapt to a new regulation starting May 1, 2025.
Under this new mandate, tourists must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before setting foot in the country. The FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office) has advised British travelers about this necessity.
The TDAC has replaced the conventional paper-based arrival cards, and it's crucial for tourists to provide their personal details, length of stay, and accommodation info on the TDAC. This move comes as Thailand prepares for an anticipated surge in tourism following its appearance in HBO's White Lotus series.
Previously, locations such as Hawaii and Sicily each witnessed a tourism boom after being featured in the first two series. Interestingly, data from Hotels.com indicates a 40% increase in interest for Four Seasons in Koh Samui, where season 3 of White Lotus is slated to be filmed.
In 2024, Thailand welcomed over 35 million visitors, with plans to attract 40 million in 2025. British tourists can currently stay in Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days, although there are reported plans to shorten this to 30 days.
Thailand's Minister of Tourism and Sports has hinted at changes regarding the visa exemption time, citing an increasing number of foreigners working illegally in the country while on tourist visas[2]. This development follows reports from the Association of Thai Travel Agents[3].
[1] https://www.tourismthailand.org/thailandtravelinformation/travelrequirements/arrival/tdac[2] https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thai-minister-says-foreign-tourist-visa-exemption-time-could-be-cut-2023-04-27/[3] https://www.tatnews.org/tatn-reports-increasing-cases-of-foreigners-working-illegally-in-thailand/
- Starting from May 1, 2025, foreign tourists visiting Thailand will need to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before traveling, as per the new regulation.
- The FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office) has advised British travelers to be aware of this necessity, as the TDAC has replaced the conventional paper-based arrival cards.
- Tourists are required to provide their personal details, length of stay, and accommodation information on the TDAC.
- The move to digital arrival cards comes as Thailand prepares for an anticipated surge in tourism, following its appearance in HBO's White Lotus series.5.In 2025, Thailand plans to attract 40 million visitors, but reports suggest a potential shortening of the visa-exemption time for British tourists from 60 days to 30 days.
