Nationwide
Every Thai Times item for Nationwide, with sources.
Hot Travel Tip
Do your TDAC before you fly, and only on the official site
Every non-Thai national entering Thailand by air, land or sea has to submit the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), and that includes children and infants. You file it within the 3 days before you arrive, and you need a new one for every entry. Use only tdac.immigration.go.th, because copycat sites charge for something that's free.
Sources: tdac.immigration.go.th · buenos-aires.thaiembassy.org
Travelling as a family? One TDAC submission covers up to 10 people
The official TDAC guide lets you put up to 10 travellers in a single submission, and every non-Thai traveller needs to be included, infants too. The system is free and you file it within the 3 days before you arrive.
Sources: tdac.immigration.go.th · tdac.immigration.go.th
Leave the vape at home
The UK government's travel advice says it's illegal in Thailand to possess or use vapes, e-cigarettes or heat-not-burn devices, and there's no exception for tourists. Offences can mean confiscation, heavy fines and court proceedings.
Sources: www.gov.uk
Thai Phrase
Mai phet (ไม่เผ็ด): not spicy
Say "mai phet" when ordering to ask for no chilli heat. Add "khrap" if you're a man or "kha" if you're a woman to be polite. Want a little heat? Try "phet nit noi" (a little spicy).
Sources: general Thai language usage
Tao rai? (เท่าไหร่): how much?
"Tao rai khrap/kha?" means "How much is it?" You'll use it at every market stall.
Sources: general Thai language usage
Khop khun khrap / kha (ขอบคุณ): thank you
"Khop khun" means thank you. Men add "khrap" and women add "kha". Say it with a small smile and you'll go a long way.
Sources: general Thai language usage
Thailand News
Proposed 450-baht tourist fee moves forward
At an Oct 6 consultation, government and business representatives backed a proposed 450-baht fee for foreign tourists, starting with air arrivals. The money would fund visitor insurance and tourist sites. It isn't in effect yet: it still needs approval from the National Tourism Policy Committee and the Cabinet.
Sources: www.nationthailand.com
Departure tax proposal is open for comment until Oct 29
The Revenue Department is taking public comments until Oct 29 on a draft departure tax. As proposed, it would be 1,000 baht per departure by air for both Thais and foreigners, with land and sea departures exempt at first. It's only a proposal for now.
Sources: theledger.asia · www.bangladeshmonitor.com.bd
Immigration's THIM app now handles the TDAC
Thailand's Immigration Bureau officially launched its THIM app on Aug 1, 2026, on the App Store, Google Play and Huawei AppGallery. You can submit your Thailand Digital Arrival Card in the app or on the official website, and you still need the TDAC either way. The Immigration Bureau plans to add more services, such as visa extensions and 90-day reports.
Sources: www.tatnews.org · thim.immigration.go.th · www.nationthailand.com
Checked bags can now be opened without you present
From Oct 16, 2026, airport security in Thailand may open checked bags without the passenger present if screening flags a suspicious item. The inspection is video-recorded and a notice is left inside the bag. The official advice is to use TSA-approved locks and keep valuables, documents and fragile items in your carry-on.
Sources: thailand.prd.go.th
Update: the THIM app is confirmed official
Following up on issue #2, we've now confirmed the THIM app through official sources. Immigration Bureau runs it, and TAT says it does not replace the TDAC. You still need to complete the arrival card, either in the app or on tdac.immigration.go.th.
Sources: www.tatnews.org · thim.immigration.go.th
Expat Corner
File your 90-day report online
If you're on a long-stay permit, you can file the TM.47 90-day report online at tm47.immigration.go.th. Bangkok Immigration says to submit it between 15 and 7 days before your due date. Your first report after a new passport or a first extension still has to be done in person, and after that you can file online.
Sources: bangkok.immigration.go.th · bangkok.immigration.go.th
Driving here: IDP or a Thai licence
According to the Transport Ministry, foreigners can drive with a valid Thai licence, a valid International Driving Permit (IDP), or a licence from an ASEAN country. To convert a foreign licence, residents need their passport, a certificate of residence, a medical certificate, the foreign licence, and a DLT e-learning certificate. Helmets are compulsory on motorbikes.
Sources: thailand.prd.go.th · www.gov.uk
Events
Loy Krathong 2026: Tuesday, Nov 24
The festival falls on the full moon of the 12th Thai lunar month, which this year is Tuesday, Nov 24. People float krathong (small offerings) on rivers, canals and lakes. It isn't a public holiday. Each city runs its own festival around the date, so check local listings.
Sources: www.visit-thailand.org · rooozt.com
Eat This
Som tam (green papaya salad)
Shredded green papaya pounded in a mortar into a spicy, sour salad. The Isan and Lao styles are saltier and funkier, often made with pla ra (fermented fish). The central Thai version is sweeter, with peanuts and dried shrimp.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org · theisaanrecord.co
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