Foreign visitors to Thailand will have easier access to immigration and travel services through the newly launched Thai Immigration (THIM) Application, Pol Lt Gen Panumas Boonyalug, Immigration Bureau commissioner, said.
He said rising visitor numbers were pressuring airports and border checkpoints, prompting the bureau to expand digital services.
“THIM was developed to make entry into and stays in Thailand more convenient, faster, safer and more seamless for foreign nationals,” he said.
The app currently provides access to the Thailand Digital Arrival Card, which can also be completed through the Immigration Bureau’s website or THIM.
The bureau plans to add queue booking, certificates of stay, visa extensions, 90-day reporting and visas on arrival at authorised immigration checkpoints, enabling foreign nationals to complete more procedures through the app.
Available on the App Store, Google Play Store and Huawei AppGallery since Aug 1, THIM has recorded more than 600,000 downloads and over 580,000 users, representing 97.2% of downloads, Pol Lt Gen Panumas said.
The application uses passport-chip reading, liveness detection and facial comparison to verify users. Data is encrypted during transmission and storage, while biometric information is separated and access is controlled and logged.
Explore Thailand, a THIM feature, provides foreign visitors with privileges and coupons from businesses, redeemable through QR codes. The service is planned to expand to tourist attractions, accommodation and activities.