All Thailand Visa & government Info
Fill the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before you fly
Every non-Thai traveller must submit the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before entering Thailand — by air, land or sea — within 72 hours of arrival, at the official Immigration Bureau portal tdac.immigration.go.th. Any site charging a fee is not official.
Why it matters Skipping the TDAC or filing it on a paid copycat site can mean delays or scam fees at the immigration counter — submit it free on the official portal within three days of arrival.
Published 2026-06-22: Standing entry requirement for all foreign arrivals (see AraiWa Watch for the THIM rollout) · Review by 2026-09-01
Source: Thailand Immigration Bureau — TDAC portal ↗
All Thailand Cost & money Info
Know the real baht rate before you exchange cash
The Bank of Thailand publishes a daily reference exchange rate for the baht against major currencies. Use it as your benchmark: in-town money changers and ATMs usually come close to it, while airport bank counters and tourist-area kiosks can sit several percent below mid-market.
Why it matters Checking the official daily rate first lets you spot a bad airport or kiosk margin and keep more baht on every exchange.
Published 2026-06-22: Standing currency advisory — rates fluctuate; check the daily reference rate · Review by 2026-09-22
Source: Bank of Thailand ↗
Samui / Islands Surat Thani / Donsak ↔ Koh Samui, Pha Ngan, Tao Events & closures Medium
Rough Gulf seas can disrupt Samui-area ferries at short notice
Thailand’s met department forecasts the southwest monsoon strengthening over the Gulf, with waves of 1–2 m and above 2 m in thundershowers, and a standing caution for all boats. Ferries and catamarans from Surat Thani / Donsak to Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao can be delayed or suspended on short notice in these conditions.
Why it matters If you have a fixed onward flight or transfer, build in a buffer day and check your operator’s status the morning of travel — rough Gulf seas can cancel sailings with little warning.
Published 2026-06-22: TMD Gulf rough-seas caution during the monsoon · Review by 2026-07-06
Source: Thai Meteorological Department ↗
Phuket Patong, Kata, Karon, Kamala, Surin, Bang Tao (west coast) Weather & disruption High
Red-flag rip-current danger on Phuket’s west-coast beaches
During the southwest monsoon, Phuket’s west coast builds larger waves and strong rip currents, and lifeguards raise red warning flags at Patong, Kata, Karon, Kamala, Surin and Bang Tao. A red flag means swimming is unsafe no matter how calm the water looks, and many west-coast beaches are unguarded.
Why it matters If a red flag is up at your beach, stay out of the water — monsoon rip currents drown strong swimmers every season.
Published 2026-06-22: Monsoon red-flag season (May–October) · Review by 2026-07-20
Source: Phuket Community ↗
Pattaya / Chonburi Pattaya & Jomtien beaches Safety & scams Medium
Jet-ski “damage” claims persist on Pattaya and Jomtien beaches
A long-running scam continues on Pattaya and Jomtien beaches: you rent a jet ski, and at the end of the ride the operator claims new damage and demands large cash repair fees — often 10,000–50,000 THB — sometimes with aggressive pressure to pay on the spot. Report incidents to the Tourist Police on 1155.
Why it matters Before riding, film the craft with the operator present and agree terms in writing, so you have evidence if a damage claim appears afterward.
Published 2026-06-22: Standing beach advisory — report incidents to Tourist Police, 1155 · Review by 2026-09-22
Source: Pattaya Mail ↗
Bangkok Low-lying districts and areas near waterways Traffic & transport Medium
Heavy monsoon rain forecast for Bangkok — flash-flood risk in low-lying areas
The southwest monsoon is sitting over Thailand and the Thai Meteorological Department forecasts thunderstorms across roughly 70% of Bangkok with heavy downpours in places. Expect flash flooding in low-lying districts and near waterways, plus the usual rain-driven traffic slowdowns, through late June.
Why it matters Sudden afternoon and evening downpours can flood low-lying streets and snarl traffic — build in buffer time and avoid waterlogged roads during heavy rain.
Published 2026-06-20: TMD heavy-rain forecast for Bangkok (18–24 June window) · Review by 2026-06-27
Source: The Nation ↗
Chiang Mai Chiang Mai and the northern provinces Weather & disruption Medium
Monsoon heavy-rain warning for Chiang Mai and the North
The Thai Meteorological Department has Chiang Mai under heavy-rain warnings as the southwest monsoon intensifies, with thunderstorms across most of the North. The practical risk is sudden flash flooding and runoff, especially near waterways, low-lying zones, and the foothill roads up to Doi Suthep and the Samoeng loop.
Why it matters Build in buffer time and avoid mountain and riverside roads during and right after downpours, when runoff and slick surfaces appear fastest.
Published 2026-06-13: TMD heavy-rain / flash-flood warning for the North · Review by 2026-07-04
Source: The Thaiger ↗