Thailand Bets on AI and Innovation to Expand e-Visa Program
Thailand’s digital push enhances consular services with AI-powered mobile apps, streamlined visa processes, and new online reporting systems, making travel and residency simpler for foreign visitors and expats.
The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched a mobile application to simplify access to consular services, offering features such as an alert system, internet-based calls, an automated Q&A service, and embassy location finding.
The app is available for download on iOS and Google Play.
Users can securely access these functions using fingerprint authentication. The department has also introduced an electronic handbook, e-Consular, serving as a comprehensive knowledge base for consular agents worldwide, streamlining information access and communication with central authorities.
A new online platform for foreign residents’ stay declarations
Thai authorities have introduced an online platform for reporting stays by foreign nationals in the country. Known as the "90 Days Report" (or TM47), this initiative is available at https://tm47.immigration.go.th/tm47/. It allows foreigners staying longer than 90 days to notify immigration authorities of their intention to remain via a simple email or online form, eliminating the previous need to visit an immigration office in person or send a representative.
This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s goals to attract more tourists and foreign businesspeople to Thailand.
The online service will initially be available only to investors granted privileges by the Board of Investment, though it is expected to expand later to other visa types.
e-Visa system expansion planned for early 2024
As part of its digital transformation, Thailand’s Department of Consular Affairs plans to expand its e-Visa system by adding 11 new offices across nine countries and supporting 15 additional languages. Implementation is set for early 2024. Other planned enhancements include:
Introduction of a secure authentication system called e-Legalization, designed for documents intended for international use, enabling better application tracking and holographic sticker integration to prevent falsification.
A new “consular index,” compiling global consular activity data to support budget allocation decisions.
A “system for monitoring overseas voting” to ensure electoral compliance at embassies, including real-time tracking of voting processes and support for remote voting.
Thailand’s AI-driven future
Beyond consular and visa improvements, Thailand is now leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) through smart algorithms that automatically respond to frequently asked questions from users, providing quick access to essential information.
What will this mean for the future of consular relations?
