THIM app Thailand: this new official immigration app allows travellers to prepare their arrival in Thailand from a smartphone. It is linked to the Thailand Digital Arrival Card, but it does not replace the TDAC for now.
The TDAC remains the key arrival form to complete before entering Thailand. THIM should be understood as an optional mobile access point for some arrival-related procedures.
THIM app Thailand: key points to know in 2026
- THIM is an official app: it is linked to the Immigration Bureau of Thailand and appears on app stores under the name THIM – Thai Immigration Bureau.
- The TDAC remains required: foreign travellers must still complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card before arriving in Thailand.
- THIM does not replace the TDAC for now: the app is in a pilot phase and works as an optional mobile channel related to arrival registration.
- The app is not available in all languages yet: the visible language options are English, Chinese, Russian, Japanese and Korean.
- When in doubt: always use the official TDAC website or the official App Store / Google Play links.
What is the THIM app in Thailand?
THIM, short for Thailand Immigration Management, is a mobile app linked to Thai immigration services. It has been designed to help foreign travellers prepare their arrival in Thailand and submit some information before passing through immigration.
The app mainly highlights the creation of an Arrival Card, meaning a digital arrival card linked to the TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card). In the interface, users can find options such as Start a New Trip, Join Trip, trip creation, traveller information and, finally, a QR code to present on arrival.
According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, THIM is currently in a pilot phase, with a full launch expected later in 2026. The goal is to simplify foreign traveller registration and gradually develop a wider platform for immigration services.
The app also displays other services, such as Certificate of Stay and Queue Booking, but these were marked as Coming soon. This suggests that THIM could become a more complete immigration app over time, although not all features are available yet.
Does THIM replace the TDAC?
No. This is the most important point to understand: THIM does not replace the TDAC for now.
The TDAC remains the official arrival form required for foreign travellers before entering Thailand. It replaced the old paper arrival card and must be completed before travel, within the timeframe indicated by the Immigration Bureau.
THIM should instead be seen as an optional mobile app linked to arrival registration. During the pilot phase, travellers may use THIM to access a process related to the TDAC, but they can also continue to complete the TDAC directly on the official website.
In other words, if you are preparing a trip to Thailand, the main question is not only “should I download THIM?”, but rather: have you completed your TDAC before arrival?
The official TDAC website is available here: tdac.immigration.go.th.
To avoid mistakes, you can consult our full guide on how to complete the Thai Digital Arrival Card.
Do you need to download THIM before travelling to Thailand?
No, you do not need to download the THIM app before travelling to Thailand. In 2026, the app may be useful, but it remains optional.
You may consider downloading THIM if:
- you prefer preparing your arrival procedures from a smartphone;
- you are travelling as a family or in a group;
- you want to test the official Thai immigration app;
- you are comfortable using an English-language interface;
- you want to keep your travel information more easily accessible in the app.
However, if you want the simplest option, the official TDAC website is often the most direct solution, especially for travellers who are not comfortable using English in a mobile app.
Practical advice: only download THIM if you are sure you are using the official app. Otherwise, complete your TDAC on the official Immigration Bureau website.
How to use THIM to prepare your arrival
The THIM app follows a simple process: create a trip, add traveller information, then get an arrival QR code.
Before starting, prepare your passport, flight details, address in Thailand and the main documents needed for your trip.
The help screen in the app summarizes the process in three main steps:
- Create Your Trip: enter trip details such as arrival date, departure country or destination.
- Add Traveler Information: add personal information and passport details.
- Get Your QR Code: receive a QR code to use when entering Thailand.
In practice, the app first asks you to create a trip. The Trip Information screen includes fields such as:
- a trip name, for example “Thailand Jun 16, 2026”;
- the country or territory of departure;
- the purpose of travel;
- then, in the next steps, personal information and stay details.
Before validating anything, carefully check all the information you have entered: name, passport number, arrival date, flight, address in Thailand and email address. A mistake may complicate the immigration process or require you to redo the procedure.
Is THIM mandatory in 2026?
No. In 2026, THIM is not mandatory to enter Thailand.
The key requirement remains the TDAC. Foreign travellers must submit their digital arrival card before entering the country. THIM is an official and useful app, but it is not a separate new obligation.
This distinction matters because many travellers may confuse the two:
- TDAC: the mandatory digital arrival form for foreign travellers.
- THIM: an official optional mobile app linked to arrival registration and future immigration services.
If you do not want to install a new app, you can continue to use the official TDAC website.
TDAC already completed: do you need to redo it in THIM?
No. If you have already completed your TDAC correctly on the official website and received your QR code, you normally do not need to redo the whole process in THIM.
The most important thing is to keep your proof of submission:
- the QR code received after validation;
- the confirmation email if you received one;
- a screenshot of the QR code;
- and possibly a printed copy if you want extra security.
If you already have your TDAC, simply keep it accessible on your phone when departing and when arriving in Thailand.
If you need to update important information, use the update function available on the official TDAC website, or follow the instructions in the app if you created your trip through THIM. When in doubt, the official Immigration Bureau website remains the reference.
Languages, App Store and Google Play
At the time of our check, the THIM app offered several language options.
The visible language options in the app were:
- English;
- Chinese;
- Russian;
- Japanese;
- Korean.
For most international travellers, English will therefore be the easiest language to use in the app. If the interface seems complicated, completing the TDAC directly on the official website remains the safest option.
You should download THIM only from the official app stores:
Always check the app name and publisher before installing it. The official app is called THIM – Thai Immigration Bureau.
Beware of fake websites and unofficial apps
As with the TDAC, travellers should remain careful. Arrival procedures in Thailand quickly attract fake websites, unnecessary paid services and pages that may appear official even when they are not. For more general travel risks, you can read our guide to Thailand scams to avoid.
To avoid problems:
- do not pay for a TDAC if you can complete it for free through the official website;
- do not scan a QR code from an unknown source;
- do not enter your passport number on a suspicious website;
- do not download an app from a link received by private message or from an unverified advertisement;
- use only official links from the Immigration Bureau, the App Store or Google Play.
The official TDAC website is:
https://tdac.immigration.go.th/
THIM can be useful, but it is not a reason to forget basic online safety rules. You may enter sensitive information into the app, including passport details, identity information, travel details and stay information. Use official channels only.
FAQ about THIM and the TDAC
Is THIM the official Thai immigration app?
Yes. THIM is presented as an official app linked to the Immigration Bureau of Thailand. It is published on app stores under the name THIM – Thai Immigration Bureau.
Does THIM replace the TDAC?
No. In 2026, THIM does not replace the TDAC. The app is an optional mobile channel linked to arrival registration, but the TDAC remains the key form to complete before entering Thailand.
Is the TDAC still required?
Yes. Foreign travellers must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card before arriving in Thailand, except in specific cases such as transit without passing through immigration.
When should you complete the TDAC?
The TDAC must be completed within the 3 days before arrival in Thailand, including the arrival date. It is better not to wait until the last minute, especially if you are travelling with children or as a group.
Is THIM mandatory for tourists?
No. Tourists are not required to download THIM. They mainly need to make sure their TDAC has been completed correctly before departure.
What languages are available in the THIM app?
The visible languages in the app were English, Chinese, Russian, Japanese and Korean. If your language is not available, the official TDAC website may be easier to use.
Can you use THIM for a family trip?
Yes, the app is designed to make individual and group travel procedures easier. This can be useful for families, couples or travellers arriving together.
What should you do if THIM does not work?
If the app does not work, use the official TDAC website. Do not force the installation of an unknown app and do not use an unofficial paid website. The priority is to obtain a valid TDAC before arrival.
Before travelling, save your QR code offline and make sure you have a reliable connection, for example with an eSIM for Thailand.
Do you need to print the QR code?
It is generally not mandatory if you can display the QR code on your phone. However, keeping a screenshot and a printed copy can be useful in case of low battery, email issues or lack of internet connection.
Is THIM also used for visas?
No. THIM and the TDAC are not visas. They are related to arrival registration and immigration services. If you plan to stay in Thailand without applying for a visa, you can read our guide to the Thailand visa exemption.
Should you use THIM or the official TDAC website?
If you are comfortable with English and mobile apps, THIM can be convenient. If you want the most direct and safest option, use the official TDAC website. In all cases, carefully check your information before submitting anything.
Could THIM become mandatory later?
For now, no general requirement has replaced the TDAC with THIM. The app is still developing and new features are expected. Travellers should therefore follow official announcements from the Immigration Bureau and the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
THIM App Thailand: should you really use it?
The THIM app is a new option offered by Thai immigration. It allows travellers to prepare their arrival from a smartphone, create a digital arrival card, manage a trip and, over time, access other immigration services.
But for travellers, the main message is simple: the TDAC remains required, while THIM is optional. If you are preparing a trip to Thailand in 2026, first make sure you complete your digital arrival card through an official channel.
THIM can be useful if you want to use the official app, but it is not essential for every traveller. If the app language options are not convenient for you, the official TDAC website may be easier to use.
