PASIR MAS – A fresh breeze of convenience is sweeping across the Malaysia-Thailand border as Malaysian tourists welcome the Thai government’s new Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) with open arms and positive vibes.
Launched on May 1, the TDAC replaces the traditional handwritten arrival forms, offering travellers a digital alternative that’s fast, efficient, and, most importantly, less stressful. The new system allows visitors to submit their travel details online up to three days before they set foot in Thailand, streamlining the immigration process and making cross-border travel much smoother.
For many Malaysians crossing at the Sungai Golok checkpoint in Narathiwat, the change is not just about speed—it’s about ease and modernisation.
“I submitted my info two days before my trip to Rantau Panjang. When I reached the checkpoint, everything just flowed. It was smooth, no unnecessary waiting,” shared Siti Aishah Karim, 34, a tourist who praised the new system for being simple and stress-free.
Sharifah Zafirah Said Madri, 33, who frequently travels to Thailand for business, called TDAC a “game changer.”
“I used to worry about forgetting things or messing up the forms. Now, it’s all done before I leave home. It’s faster, and I feel more confident when I travel,” she said, hopeful that the system will be here to stay—and even improved further.
Even those less tech-savvy are warming up to the new method. Siti Mariam Mohamed, 56, a retired teacher, admitted she was hesitant at first.
“I’m not the best with phones, honestly. But my daughter helped me, and it turned out to be really easy. Once we reached immigration, everything was in order—it felt very organised,” she shared with a smile, applauding the system as a smart step towards better security and record-keeping.
A quick survey by Bernama at the border checkpoint observed a steady stream of Malaysians crossing into Thailand, many already using the TDAC system with ease. Evening hours saw heavier traffic as travellers returned from short trips, highlighting the continued strong bond between the neighbouring nations.
From first-timers to frequent flyers, it seems clear: Malaysia’s travellers are giving Thailand’s digital leap a big thumbs up.
