01 International Airports
Thailand has several international airports serving different regions:
- Suvarnabhumi (BKK): Bangkok's main international hub. Serves most full-service airlines and long-haul routes. Located 30km east of central Bangkok with rail link (Airport Rail Link) and expressway access.
- Don Mueang (DMK): Bangkok's secondary airport, primarily serving low-cost carriers including AirAsia, Nok Air, and Lion Air. Located north of central Bangkok.
- Phuket (HKT): Major international gateway to southern Thailand. Direct flights from Europe, Middle East, East Asia, and Australia.
- Chiang Mai (CNX): Northern Thailand's main airport with direct international connections to Singapore, Korea, China, and regional ASEAN destinations.
Domestic flights connect most provinces with airports. Budget carriers offer frequent service between major cities, often for under 2,000 THB one-way.
02 Arrival and Immigration Procedures
The TM6 arrival/departure card has been discontinued for air arrivals at major international airports. You simply proceed to immigration with your passport and any required visa documentation. Land border crossings still require the TM6 form.
At immigration, you may be asked to show proof of onward travel, accommodation booking, and sufficient funds for your stay. While these checks are inconsistent, it's wise to have documentation available, especially if entering on a visa exemption.
The immigration officer will stamp your passport with your permitted stay duration. Verify the stamp is correct before leaving the counter — errors occasionally occur, and correcting them later requires a visit to an immigration office.
lightbulb Take a photo of your entry stamp immediately. If there's an error in the permitted stay date, it's much easier to resolve at the airport than at an immigration office weeks later.
03 90-Day Reporting
All foreigners staying in Thailand on long-term visas must report their address to Thai Immigration every 90 days. This is a separate requirement from your visa validity — even if your visa is valid for years, the 90-day reporting is mandatory.
Non-compliance results in a 2,000 THB administrative fine per occurrence. Reporting can be completed through three methods:
- In-person: At any Immigration office. Bring your passport and TM47 form.
- By mail: Send the TM47 form with a copy of your passport to the Bangkok Immigration Bureau or your local office, at least 15 days before the due date.
- Online: Via the Thai Immigration Bureau's online portal. This is the most convenient method but the system can be unreliable.
info The 90-day counter resets each time you leave and re-enter Thailand. If you travel internationally frequently, you may never need to file a 90-day report.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Information is current as of early 2026 but regulations and requirements may change. Always verify with official Thai government sources or consult a qualified professional before making decisions.