Plan Your Unforgettable Journey to Thailand

Your Complete Guide to a Seamless Travel Experience

Thailand, the Land of Smiles, welcomes you with open arms, offering a perfect blend of culture, nature, and adventure. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Newsroom, along with its website and social media platforms, provides travellers with the latest updates, events, and essential travel information. With comprehensive coverage, the TAT Newsroom ensures you have everything you need to plan your trip effortlessly. This guide, inspired by its resources, will help you prepare for your journey, make the most of your time in Thailand, and bring home lasting memories.

Before You Arrive

Visa and Entry Requirements

Thailand has simplified its visa and entry processes to accommodate diverse traveller needs. Travellers should check the latest requirements before departure, as conditions may vary by nationality, purpose of visit, and length of stay.

Visa

• Visa Exemption and Visa on Arrival (VOA): Travellers should check the latest visa information before departure, as Thailand’s Cabinet has approved revisions to the 60-day visa exemption scheme and related visa measures, pending publication in the Royal Gazette.
• Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa: Available for eligible applicants, including remote workers and digital nomads, offering stays of up to 10 years.
• For visa applications, use the official Thai e-Visa portal. More information is available at Thai e-Visa Launches Worldwide.

Entry

• All international travellers must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online prior to arrival. They may also download the Thailand Immigration Management (THIM) application – now in pilot access ahead of its expected launch in August 2026 – to access TDAC-linked registration. However, THIM is not an additional arrival-card requirement and does not replace TDAC.
• Upon entering Thailand, foreign visitors may be asked to show proof of funds during immigration screening. This is a travel-preparation reminder and not a new measure.

Plan Your Visit

Thailand’s rich culture and diverse attractions make it a year-round destination. Travellers can use the following information to plan around seasonal highlights, events, payments, and activity requirements.

• Travel calendar and seasonal highlights: Discover Thailand: The Perfect Year-Round Destination, explore festivals and cultural events at Thailand Events & Festivals, and check Thailand’s Flower Blooming Calendar for seasonal nature experiences.
• E-wallet and digital payments: International visitors can use Tourist E-Wallet: TAGTHAi EASY PAY for cashless payments at participating tourism-related businesses, and learn more about Thailand’s “Pay Like a Local” Cross-Border QR Payment readiness.
• Drone regulations: Travellers planning to fly a drone in Thailand should read the updated rules and registration requirements before flying.

General Tourism Information

Essential facts to consider:

• The national language is Thai, and the currency is the Thai Baht (THB).
• Electricity runs at 220 volts, and sockets are compatible with European-style plugs (Type C or Type F).
• The time zone is GMT+7.

Cultural Etiquette

Respecting Thai customs enhances your experience:

- • Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples.
- • Avoid touching someone’s head or pointing your feet at sacred objects or people.
- • Learn 10 Essential Thai Phrases Every Tourist Should Know.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is essential for covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and unforeseen events.

Health and Legal Precautions

Travellers should stay informed about health, safety, and legal guidelines before departure.

• Health preparation: Consult your healthcare provider for recommended vaccinations, and refer to Thailand FDA’s Traveller-Friendly Guidelines for importing personal health products.
• Cannabis regulations: Cannabis flower is classified as a controlled substance in Thailand. Recreational use, possession, or purchase is illegal, and enforcement is in effect.
• Public health updates: Review Thailand updates on Ebola measures for travellers from risk areas and Situation Updates on the Nipah Virus cases in India.

While You’re Here

Stay Connected and Safe

• Tourist Police assistance: Download the Thailand Tourist Police App for assistance and updates, or contact the Tourist Police by dialling 1155 for 24-hour support.
• THIM assistance channel: Travellers who have registered on the Thailand Immigration Management (THIM) application may also contact the Tourist Police hotline through the app 24 hours a day.
• Connectivity: Purchase a local SIM card or portable Wi-Fi device for uninterrupted connectivity.

Transportation

• Airport passenger processing: Major airports now feature biometric systems to support smoother passenger experiences. Learn more at AOT Rolls Out Biometric System. At Phuket International Airport, the Automatic Border Channel (ABC) system is available for eligible international departures, with the system for the International Arrivals Immigration Area expected to commence later.
• Local transport: Travellers can explore local transport options such as tuk-tuks, songthaews, taxis, or the BTS Skytrain and MRT in Bangkok for convenient travel within and between destinations.
• Driving and vehicle rental: Travellers planning to rent a car or motorbike should check road rules, licence requirements, insurance coverage, and safety guidance before driving. Read more at Driving in Thailand: Essential Guidelines for Tourists and Foreigners.
• Phuket public transport: Visitors to Phuket may wish to explore Phuket OneMap, an official digital guide to local public bus routes.

Nature and Wildlife

Explore Thailand’s stunning natural attractions responsibly:
• Follow Safety Guidelines for Encountering Wild Elephants.
• Be aware of Seasonal Opening/Closure of National Parks.
• Stricter Diving Regulations Effective 22 April 2025

Thailand-Tourist-Police-Application

Health & Legal Considerations

Stay informed about local health risks and legal requirements during your stay.

• Marine safety: Review Jellyfish Warning & First Aid Treatment before swimming in coastal areas.
• Cannabis regulations: Cannabis flower is a controlled substance in Thailand. Recreational use is illegal; medical use requires a valid Thai prescription.
• Alcohol rules: Alcohol sales are generally permitted from 11.00 to 24.00 Hrs., with location-specific conditions and legally designated restrictions still applying. Drinking is banned on trains and at stations except approved events. Never drink and drive.

Cultural and Natural Heritage

- • Explore Thailand’s UNESCO-designated gems and their cultural and natural wonders at Thailand’s UNESCO Gems.
- • Step into ancient landscapes and dinosaur-era discoveries in Jurassic Thailand: Film Sites & Fossils.

Sustainability Tips

- • Sustainable tourism recognition: Explore the Thailand Tourism Awards, which recognise tourism operators, destinations, accommodation, attractions, and travel services that meet quality, safety, service, and sustainability standards. These awards can help visitors identify responsible choices across Thailand.
- • Responsible travel: Minimise your environmental impact by avoiding single-use plastics, choosing eco-friendly tours or accommodation, and supporting local businesses and responsible operators. Learn more at Responsible Thailand Awards.
- • Latest sustainability updates: Follow TAT Newsroom’s dedicated Sustainable Tourism category for news and updates on Thailand’s sustainable tourism policies, initiatives, and activities.

Post-Journey

Share Your Experiences

Help other travellers by sharing reviews or posting about your trip on social media. Highlight your favourite destinations, activities, and tips for a more meaningful journey.

Reconnect with Thai Culture

Support local artisans and businesses by purchasing authentic Thai products online. This helps preserve traditional crafts and keeps the memories of your trip alive.

Reconnect with Thai Culture

Thailand’s endless charm guarantees new experiences every time. Start planning your next adventure today by visiting the Tourism Thailand Official Website and exploring the latest updates and travel inspiration on tatnews.org.

By following this guide, you can ensure your journey to Thailand is as smooth, enriching, and fulfilling as possible. Thailand is not just a destination; it’s an experience that stays with you long after you leave. Safe travels, and enjoy the Land of Smiles!