BANGKOK — Thailand’s Immigration Bureau (IB) has officially launched the THIM application, or Thai Immigration Application, as part of efforts to provide foreign nationals with a digital gateway to immigration services, travel information and privileges.
Operating under the Royal Thai Police, the Immigration Bureau said the platform is designed to support foreign nationals throughout their journey, from preparing to enter Thailand and traveling and staying in the country to accessing tourism-related information and services.
The initiative focuses on three key objectives: improving security and data accuracy, expanding the use of digital technology and supporting Thailand’s tourism economy.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Panumas Boonyalug, Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, said Thailand’s tourism promotion has attracted large numbers of foreign visitors, while airports and border checkpoints face physical capacity constraints.
The bureau is therefore using digital technology to improve service efficiency, streamline procedures and facilitate travel while maintaining its national security responsibilities.
“THIM application was developed with the aim of making entry into and stays in Thailand more convenient, faster, safer, and more seamless for foreign nationals,” Pol. Lt. Gen. Panumas said.
He added that immigration services would continue to be developed as a digital platform with additional services while maintaining standards for security, data accuracy and data protection.
From arrival cards to one-stop immigration services
The THIM application currently connects foreign nationals with services related to entering and staying in Thailand. Key features include the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) and Explore Thailand.
The TDAC is the Immigration Bureau’s official digital arrival card system. While it remains available through the bureau’s website, foreign nationals can also access and submit the TDAC through the THIM application.
The Immigration Bureau plans to expand THIM into a one-stop platform for immigration services. Planned features include Queue Booking, Certificate of Stay, Visa Extension, 90-Day Report and Visa on Arrival at authorized immigration checkpoints.
The application became available on the App Store, Google Play Store and Huawei AppGallery on 1 August 2026.
According to the Immigration Bureau, THIM has recorded more than 600,000 downloads and over 580,000 users, representing 97.2% of total downloads. The bureau expects usage to increase as more services are added.
Security and data protection
The Immigration Bureau said security, data protection and data accuracy are key priorities because the application handles travelers’ personal and biometric information.
THIM uses technologies including Near Field Communication (NFC) to read passport data and electronic passport chips, as well as Liveness Detection and Face Comparison for identity verification.
The system also uses multiple layers of data protection, including encryption during data transmission and storage, separation of biometric data from other personal information, access controls and activity logging.
The bureau said personal data is protected in accordance with Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Act B.E. 2562 (2019) and other applicable laws.
THIM is built on cloud technology provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS) through the AWS Asia Pacific (Bangkok) Region. The system uses security technologies including threat detection, security monitoring, data encryption and protected communications between systems.
Explore Thailand expands tourism services
The Immigration Bureau is also expanding the Explore Thailand feature to connect foreign nationals with travel-related information, services and privileges.
Currently, participating partners offer privileges and coupons through the application. Users can redeem them using QR codes or promotion codes, subject to each partner’s terms and conditions.
The bureau said the feature could later be expanded to include information about tourist attractions, accommodation and activities, helping foreign visitors access services and spend during their stays in Thailand.
At the launch event, private-sector companies including The Mall Group, GrabTaxi (Thailand), Wipay, True Corporation, The Minor Food Group, Minor International and Bangkok Dusit Medical Services presented services and privileges available to THIM users.
The Immigration Bureau said it aims to continue expanding the platform and its partnerships to provide foreign nationals with more convenient, faster and safer access to immigration and travel-related services.
More information is available at www.immigration.go.th