I’ve been visiting Thailand for over 20 years, around 20 trips in total. Entry rules have changed many times over the years, but 2026 brings another significant shift — a reduction in the visa-free stay period and a mandatory digital arrival card. I experienced both on my recent trip, so here’s my honest report.
Visa-Free Stay Reduced from 60 to 30 Days
On May 19, 2026, the Thai cabinet officially approved the abolition of the 60-day visa exemption. Japanese passport holders will now be limited to 30 days without a visa. The exact implementation date is not yet confirmed as it takes effect 15 days after publication in the Royal Gazette, but the change is coming soon.
The reason behind the change
The crackdown targets illegal employment, organized crime, and overstaying — all of which increased under the more generous 60-day policy.
Extensions are still possible
You can apply for an additional 30-day extension at a Thai immigration office after arrival. So the maximum stay of 60 days (30 days initial + 30 days extension) remains possible. Anyone planning to stay longer than 30 days should either obtain a tourist visa before leaving Japan or handle the extension process in Thailand.
What is TDAC?
Since May 1, 2025, the old paper arrival card (TM.6) has been replaced by an online pre-registration system called TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card). It is mandatory for all foreign nationals entering Thailand by air, land, or sea.
My Real Experience Registering for TDAC
I registered for TDAC before my recent trip, so here’s what actually happened.
Registration is easy on a smartphone
Just visit the official website and fill in the same kind of information you used to write on the paper arrival card — passport details, flight information, accommodation, and so on. After submitting, a permit is sent to your registered email address. Save it or take a screenshot.
When to register
Registration opens 72 hours (3 days) before your arrival in Thailand. Note that the arrival day itself is counted as one of those days.
What actually happened at immigration
I showed my passport and the permit screen on my smartphone to the immigration officer. Honestly, the officer barely looked at the phone screen. Overall the process felt smoother than filling out a paper card on the plane or after landing.
How to Spot Fake TDAC Websites
The official site warns about fraudulent websites. But honestly, it can be hard to tell which sites are legitimate in the first place. Here’s how to protect yourself.
TDAC registration is completely free. Any site charging a fee is not official
The official URL is tdac.immigration.go.th
Paid “assistance” services appearing in search engine ads are likely unofficial
The safest approach is to follow links directly from the Thai Embassy or Tourism Authority of Thailand official websites
Pre-Trip Checklist
Up to 72 hours before departure
└ Register TDAC on the official website
└ Save the permit email or screenshot it
Check your stay length
└ 30 days or less → visa-free entry OK
└ 31 days or more → get a tourist visa
or extend after arrival
At immigration
└ Present passport + permit screen
Thailand’s entry rules can change with little notice. Always check the latest information on the Thai Embassy or Tourism Authority of Thailand official website before departure.
I’ve been visiting Thailand for over 20 years, around 20 trips in total. All that time, I was exhausted by taxi negotiations and traffic jams. Taxi drivers refusing to use the meter. Drivers refusing passengers heading into congested areas. Standing outside the hotel trying to flag down a taxi or motorbike taxi, wasting precious time. This was just part of traveling in Thailand.
This trip, I finally used Grab properly. And honestly, I was blown away. I had no idea it had evolved this much.
What is Grab?
Think of it as Southeast Asia’s version of Uber. It’s a ride-hailing app that lets you book cars and motorbikes from your smartphone, and it’s now widespread across Thailand and the rest of Southeast Asia. As of 2026, Thailand has tightened regulations requiring private vehicles to be properly registered for commercial use, making the service even safer than before.
What Genuinely Impressed Me
You can book before you even leave your hotel room
This was the biggest surprise. I’d open the app, book a ride from my room, take the elevator down, walk to the entrance — and the driver was already there waiting. Almost zero wait time. This happened multiple times.
No price negotiation, no explaining where you’re going
The fare is locked in at the time of booking. The destination is already in the app — no need to explain anything to the driver. Zero risk of being overcharged. Cashless payment when you arrive. I’ve never had such a stress-free travel experience.
Real-time tracking
You can watch the driver approaching on the map in real time. If they can’t spot you, they’ll contact you via chat or voice call. No language barrier required.
Choose your vehicle type
Bangkok and Pattaya traffic can be brutal. If you’re traveling solo, a motorbike taxi is by far the fastest option. I even rode three-up a few times this trip. Cars, motorbikes, vans — you can choose based on your group size and needs.
Comparison with Other Transport Options
Transport
Cost
Convenience
Notes
Grab
Medium
★★★★★
Safe, reliable, transparent pricing
Regular Taxi
Low-Med
★★★☆☆
Meter refusal and route rejection common
Songthaew
Very cheap
★★☆☆☆
Fixed routes, tricky for tourists
Tuk-tuk
High (negotiated)
★☆☆☆☆
Tourist attraction, not practical transport
Things to Watch Out For
During peak hours (rush hour, rainy days) surge pricing can multiply the fare several times. If it looks too expensive, wait a few minutes or compare with competitor apps like Bolt
If the driver takes the expressway, the toll (around 50-75 baht) is paid by the passenger separately
At large shopping malls with multiple exits, send the gate number to your driver via chat to avoid confusion
Grab Food Has Taken Over Too
Grab delivery riders are everywhere — on the streets, inside fast food restaurants, all over the city. Thai people routinely order group meals through Grab Food, and with frequent promotions running, it’s become completely embedded in daily life. Thailand doesn’t have a strong home cooking culture, and Grab has filled that gap entirely. It’s infrastructure now.
There’s No Reason Not to Use Grab in Thailand
After so many trips, I’d gotten tired of negotiating transport and dealing with traffic. I’d started relying mostly on the BTS and subway. But this trip changed my thinking.
No language barrier. No haggling. No waiting around. It’s the most comfortable way to get around. Download the app and complete SMS verification before you leave — you can set it up after arriving too, but you’ll need Wi-Fi or a local SIM card. Getting it ready in advance makes everything smoother.
Final Thoughts
Grab has changed what it means to travel in Thailand. The era of transport negotiation is over.
I Wasted My First Trip to Thailand by Only Visiting Bangkok
I’ve been to Thailand over 20 times. And every time I see tourists heading straight back home after only visiting Bangkok, I think the same thing — what a waste. Just two hours from Bangkok lies Pattaya, a city that shows a completely different side of Thailand.
Getting from Bangkok to Pattaya
Take a direct bus from Ekkamai Bus Terminal — about 2 hours and very affordable. Even first-timers can manage it easily. For getting around Pattaya, songthaews (shared trucks, from 15 baht) and ride-hailing apps like Grab and Bolt are convenient and reliable.
Hotels in Pattaya
Pattaya has options for every budget, from cheap guesthouses to luxury resorts.
For nightlife: Stay along the songthaew routes for easy access to everything
For relaxation: Choose a resort with a pool away from Walking Street and the main strip
For island lovers: Koh Larn has hotels too — staying overnight lets you enjoy the island at a deeper level
What I Did in Pattaya
Shooting Range You can’t shoot real guns in Japan. Thailand has shooting ranges across the country, but Pattaya has some of the best. TACTICS AND GUN SHOOTING RANGE is one of Asia’s largest, with a wide variety of weapons and tactical scenarios. Must be 20 or older. Bring your passport. Wear sneakers, not sandals.
Koh Larn Island Take the public ferry from Bali Hai Pier — about 30-40 minutes and only around 30 baht one way. Crystal clear water perfect for snorkeling, parasailing and jet skiing. Tawaen Beach is lively with activities while Samet Beach is quieter for those who want to relax. Consider staying overnight on the island for a deeper experience.
Walking Street At night this becomes a pedestrian zone filled with neon lights, go-go bars and clubs. Love it or hate it, it’s worth seeing at least once. Be firm with aggressive touts, keep valuables secure in the crowds, and always check prices before ordering.
Tree Town (Soi Buakhao) There’s a street food court at the entrance with cheap and delicious Thai food. Surrounding it are rows of beer bars packed with people. At night this place gets even more lively than Walking Street according to many regulars. Popular with long-term Western expats — this is the real, raw nightlife of Pattaya.
Roti and Pad Krapow Street food in Pattaya is cheap and incredible. Don’t miss the roti and pad krapow (Thai basil stir fry). Eating at street stalls is one of the great joys of Pattaya.
The Best Part of Bangkok
The massage parlors in the Taniya area are world class. Japanese is spoken here and you can get traditional Thai massage in a relaxed, comfortable setting. After walking around all day, melting into a massage chair is the true highlight of Bangkok for me.
My Honest Regret About Going in May
It was too hot. I even gave up on golf. If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, November to February (dry season) is by far the best time to visit. Everything — sightseeing, food, outdoor activities — becomes so much more enjoyable. Even for repeat visitors like me, May is tough.
Safety Tips
Avoid walking alone late at night
Never accept drinks from strangers
Keep bags in front of you in crowded areas
Who Should Visit Pattaya
Travelers who have already been to Bangkok
Those who want a resort-style holiday
Anyone looking for unique experiences
Nightlife lovers
Budget travelers and luxury seekers alike
Who Should Stick to Bangkok Only
First-time visitors to Thailand
Those with limited time
Travelers focused on shopping and gourmet food
Final Thoughts
Bangkok is a city trip. Pattaya is a resort stay. With 6 days you can comfortably enjoy both. Next time I’m coming back in the dry season for golf and Koh Larn. If you leave Thailand having only seen Bangkok, you’re missing half the story.