Thailand: THIM Immigration App Officially Launched After Trial Period

After several months in the testing phase, the Thai Immigration Bureau officially launched the THIM (Thai Immigration Application) app on September 25, 2026. The agency, which operates under the Royal Thai Police, is presenting the app as a future “digital gateway” designed to assist travelers before their arrival, during their trip, and throughout their stay in Thailand. The app had been in trial operation since late May, but September 25 marks its official launch and provides further details on its planned future development.

According to Police Lieutenant General Panumas Boonyalug, Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, THIM was developed to make entry into and stay in Thailand more convenient, faster, safer, and smoother for foreign nationals. The goal goes beyond simply simplifying entry formalities: The entry services are to be gradually expanded into a digital platform that can be continuously enhanced with additional features—while maintaining a balance between service quality, security standards, data protection, and support for the Thai tourism sector.

Since August 1, 2026, the app has already been downloaded more than 600,000 times—a clear indication of how strong travelers’ interest is in digital entry solutions for Thailand. Currently, THIM primarily provides access to the TDAC digital entry card, which has been mandatory for all travelers arriving by air, land, or sea since its introduction. In the future, additional immigration services are set to be integrated into the app, including stay extensions, the 90-day registration requirement for long-term residents, and the Visa on Arrival.

For travelers planning a trip to Thailand, this step means one thing above all: entry formalities are becoming increasingly digitized and centralized. Anyone preparing for an upcoming trip should take care of the necessary documents well in advance—whether it’s an e-visa for Thailand, a traditional tourist visa for Thailand, or entry under visa-waiver programs followed by TDAC registration. Since digital processes and requirements are constantly evolving, it is advisable to submit the forms correctly and completely to avoid delays upon entry.

Even though THIM primarily simplifies the administrative process on-site, the basic visa requirements for entry into Thailand remain unchanged for the time being. Anyone traveling to Thailand for business, tourism, or a longer stay will still need the appropriate visa or entry permit. Options range from short-term tourist stays to longer-term options such as the non-immigrant visa or special categories for study, internships, or retirement.

For applicants who are unsure which visa is appropriate for their planned trip to Thailand or which documents are required, it is worth reviewing the overview of visa options for Thailand before embarking on the trip. Given the ongoing digitization of entry procedures, it’s advisable to prepare early and thoroughly so you can take advantage of the new digital conveniences without any unpleasant surprises.