What is the THIM app?

The THIM app (Thailand Immigration Management) is the official mobile platform of the Thai government for the pre-registration of arriving travelers. Developed by the Thai Immigration Bureau, the app extracts passport data and generates a verified Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within three minutes. The app will be available for iOS and Android as part of a pilot phase starting in June 2026; mandatory use for all arriving foreign travelers will begin in August 2026.

The Thai Immigration Bureau has begun public testing of a new mobile entry app, Thailand Immigration Management (THIM), ahead of its mandatory nationwide rollout in August 2026. The platform, headed by Deputy Commissioner, Police Major General Pratchaya Prasansuk, will allow incoming foreign nationals to digitize their passport and travel information to generate a verified Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) prior to arrival.

For a detailed description of how the broader TDAC framework works and what it replaces, please refer to the complete Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) guide.

The platform was developed to reduce congestion during peak hours at key entry points, including Suvarnabhumi and Phuket International Airport, by transforming the entry card process into a secure, encrypted digital transmission directly linked to Thailand's national immigration database.

This is how the THIM app works: Core functions

The THIM platform is based on four operational functions designed to process the arrivals of individuals and groups faster than traditional web-based alternatives:

OCR passport scanning

Travelers photograph the data page of their passport directly in the app. The system automatically reads the data, enters it, and encrypts it in the national immigration database, thus preventing input errors. Travelers who do not wish to use the camera function can enter the data manually, which takes approximately 30 to 45 seconds.

Completion time under 3 minutes

Thanks to OCR data capture, individual pre-registration is completed in less than three minutes. The health declaration, required to generate the final QR code, can only be completed up to 72 hours before the scheduled arrival date. All other sections can be completed in advance.

Group booking (up to 10 travelers)

A single account holder can register up to 10 travelers simultaneously. This feature was developed for families and commercial tour operators to reduce processing times at checkpoints.

Multilingual user interface

The pilot phase fully supports English, Russian, Japanese, and Chinese. According to official implementation documents from the Immigration Bureau, at least 15 more languages ​​will be integrated in the near future to serve a broader range of arrivals.

Here's how to register in the THIM app

The THIM app requires a one-time account setup. For subsequent trips to Thailand, travelers only need to update their flight number and accommodation details. All personal and passport information is automatically transferred.

Registration takes place in three steps:

  • Create your trip: Enter your arrival date, flight number, trip purpose, departure date and the address of your accommodation in Thailand.
  • Add traveler data: Scan your passport using the app's camera function or enter the data manually. All name fields must exactly match the information in your passport.
  • Submit your health declaration: This step will be unlocked within 72 hours of your arrival. After submission, the app will generate a verified QR code, which you must present at the checkpoint.

    • Implementation timeline: Pilot phase vs. mandatory start in August 2026

    The Immigration Bureau has confirmed that TDACs generated via the THIM app during the pilot phase are fully valid. Travelers who register now will receive the same verified digital entry document that will be required at all points of entry starting in August.

    Future strategy: THIM as a platform for long-term residents

    According to official guidelines, the immigration office's long-term roadmap expands THIM's functionality beyond tourist entry. Planned digital modules for long-term visa holders, executives, and retirees include:

  • Direct online submission of identity documents to immigration officials
  • Application status tracking without mandatory in-person visits
  • Appointments at local immigration offices to minimize the number of offices.
  • 90-day reporting requirement for long-term visa holders
  • Integrated 24/7 emergency hotline of the tourist police for coordinating emergencies

    • This expansion marks a significant operational shift towards a fully centralized, digital data environment for foreign long-term residents in the Kingdom.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is the THIM app currently mandatory?

    No. Since June 2026, THIM has been in a voluntary pilot phase to allow for public testing and system calibration. Mandatory use at all Thai entry points begins in August 2026.

    Does a TDAC generated in the THIM app work at all border crossings?

    Yes. TDACs issued via the THIM app during the pilot phase are valid and will be accepted at all monitored entry points. The Immigration Bureau has not announced any exceptions for checkpoints during the upcoming mandatory rollout in August.

    Can I continue to use the web-based TDAC portal instead of the app?

    The web portal will remain accessible during the pilot phase. However, the operational directive set by the Immigration Bureau stipulates a complete transition to the THIM mobile platform as the primary submission channel by August 2026.

    What happens if the OCR recognition of my passport scan fails?

    The application offers an option for manual data entry. Travelers with passports that have OCR errors – often older passports with faded machine-readable areas – can manually enter their data into the application.

    When can I fill out the health declaration?

    The health declaration section will be available within 72 hours of the traveler's scheduled arrival date. All other travel and traveler details can be entered in advance. The final QR code will only be generated after the health declaration has been submitted.

    Are you planning a trip or a longer stay in Thailand?

    Siam Legal International offers personalized support with visa applications, document preparation, and long-term immigration planning. With over 20 years of experience advising foreigners on Thai legal and immigration matters, our team can provide you with comprehensive information about your options and handle the entire process correctly from the outset. Contact Siam Legal.