PASIR MAS – For Malaysian travellers heading to Thailand, the journey just got a whole lot smoother—and they’re loving it.
Since May 1, the Thai government has rolled out its new Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), replacing the old-school paper forms once needed at immigration counters. The digital card allows visitors to submit personal and travel details online up to three days before arriving—a move that’s already winning hearts.
At the Sungai Golok border checkpoint in Narathiwat, just across from Rantau Panjang, Malaysian tourists were seen embracing the new system with enthusiasm.
“It was so quick!” said Siti Aishah Karim, 34, a tourist who had pre-filled her information online. “I did it two days before my trip, and when I reached the checkpoint, I just breezed through. No long queues, no paperwork. It felt modern.”
For frequent travellers like Sharifah Zafirah Said Madri, 33, who regularly visits Thailand for business, the TDAC has made a noticeable difference.
“This is a real time-saver,” she said with a smile. “I used to worry about small errors on those paper forms, but now, everything is clearer, easier. I truly hope Thailand keeps improving this.”
Even those who aren’t tech-savvy are finding their way.
“At first, I wasn’t confident,” admitted Siti Mariam Mohamed, 56, a retired teacher. “I’m not very good with smartphones. But my daughter helped me, and once we got to the checkpoint, everything went smoothly. It’s a good initiative—safe, and much more organised.”
From younger tourists to seasoned travellers, the overall sentiment is clear: TDAC is a welcome change.
A quick look around the border area revealed a steady flow of Malaysian visitors heading into Narathiwat, many already used to the new system. By evening, traffic picked up again as happy travellers made their way home, grateful for an easier, more efficient border-crossing experience.
With positive feedback pouring in, the TDAC is proving that a little tech upgrade can go a long way in making travel more enjoyable.
