Thailand Travel 2026: New Rules, TDAC, Payments & Tourist Updates

 

A view of Bangkok City Thailand

Thailand Travel 2026: New Rules, TDAC, Payments & Tourist Updates

Thailand remains one of the most popular destinations for international travellers, and in 2026, several new rules and systems are now in place. From digital arrival forms and payment changes to alcohol sale timings and ride-hailing verification, these updates directly affect tourists.

Here is everything travellers need to know before flying to Thailand in 2026.

Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) Is Now Mandatory

Thailand has officially replaced the old paper TM6 arrival card with the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). This is now compulsory for almost all foreign travellers. Watch Here: 

Key TDAC Rules

• Must be completed online within 72 hours before arrival

• Free to submit on the official immigration website

• Generates a QR code to show at immigration

• Required for adults and children

• Applies to air, land, and sea arrivals

Who Is Exempt

• Transit passengers who do not pass immigration

Important Tip

Some airports may offer kiosks, but queues can be long. Completing TDAC in advance is strongly recommended to avoid delays.

Alcohol Sale Hours Updated Again

Thailand revised its alcohol rules after public feedback. The previously proposed afternoon ban has been removed.

Current Alcohol Sale Timings

• Alcohol can be purchased from 11:00 AM to 12:00 midnight

• Alcohol sales remain banned from midnight to 11:00 AM

Where Exceptions Apply

• Airport bars after immigration

• Licensed hotel bars and room service

• Licensed nightclubs

Violations can result in fines of up to 10,000 baht, including for tourists.

Ride-Hailing Apps Now Require ID Verification

Popular ride-hailing platforms such as Grab and Bolt have introduced stricter identity checks to improve safety.

What Has Changed

• Drivers must be fully licensed and verified

• Passengers may need to complete one-time identity verification

What Tourists May Need To Do

• Verify mobile number

• Upload passport photo

• Take a quick selfie within the app

This improves safety but may slightly increase wait times during busy periods.

Tourists Can Now Use QR Code Payments

Thailand’s QR payment system is expanding to include foreign visitors, making cashless payments easier.

How Tourists Can Pay

• Chinese travellers can use Alipay and WeChat Pay

• Other travellers can use the TAGTHAi app with Easy Pay

Why This Matters

• Easier payments at street food stalls

• Widely accepted at markets and taxis

• Reduces need for carrying exact cash

However, cash is still needed in some places. Carry small notes as backup.

Visa-Free Entry & Border Checks

Thailand continues to welcome short-term tourists, but immigration officers are paying closer attention to repeat entries and long stays without proper visas.

What Travellers Should Expect

• More questions at land borders

• Checks for frequent short trips in and out

• Proof of onward travel and accommodation may be requested

Short visits are welcome, but long-term stays should be supported by the correct visa.

Important Travel Tips for 2026

• Complete TDAC before flying to avoid long airport queues

• Set up ride-hailing apps at your hotel with Wi-Fi

• Carry some cash despite QR payment expansion

• Follow alcohol sale timings strictly

• Keep onward ticket and hotel details handy for immigration