If you aren't Thai and you're passing through immigration, you almost certainly need one.
The official rule is broad: all non-Thai nationals entering the Kingdom must file before they arrive. Only a few narrow cases fall outside it.
Guide 01 of 06Last checked against official sources: See sources
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Every case, with its source
You need to file
Visa-exempt and visa-on-arrival visitors
The card works with every visa type. FAQ
Children and infants
All travellers count, whatever their age. FAQ
Long-term foreign residents
Listed among those who must file, and advised to choose Thailand as country of residence. Consulate, Hong Kong
Diplomatic passport holders
Required if they aren't Thai nationals. FAQ An embassy notice says it applies regardless of passport category. Embassy, Kuala Lumpur
Land and sea arrivals
All routes are covered. FAQ
Charter and incentive groups
All foreigners entering must file, and an agent or tour leader can do it for them. FAQ
Transit passengers who leave the airport
Leaving the airport means you need a card. FAQ
You don't need to file
Transit passengers who stay airside
Not required unless you pass through immigration. FAQ
Crew
The FAQ says it isn't required. FAQ Some embassy pages don't list crew among the exceptions. Embassy, Colombo
Thai nationals
The rule is written for non-Thai nationals. FAQ
Check before you travel
Border Pass holders
Embassy pages name this exception. Embassy, Colombo Consulate, Hong Kong The portal's FAQ doesn't mention it.
Dual nationals (Thai and another)
We found no official statement. Ask a Thai embassy before you travel.
Card and visa are different things
A TDAC doesn't get you in on its own.
The card isn't a visa, and you still need to meet the entry rules for your passport. User guide
The arrival card
A free information form, filed for each entry. It doesn't give permission to enter or stay.
Your visa position
Check this separately with a Thai embassy or the Thai e-Visa website. Visa-free stay lengths have changed before and can change again.
Staying more than 90 days
The portal reminds foreigners staying longer than 90 days to notify immigration every 90 days. Portal