Thailand Immigration: TM30 24 hour reporting thread
Thailand Immigration: TM30 24 hour reporting thread
Thailand Immigration Controls: getting tough with guests
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/17 ... s#cxrecs_s
published : 24 Jun 2019 at 12:30
Many foreigners were shocked by the 25 March 2019 enforcement of the TM30 regulations requiring reporting of location of stay of foreigners visiting, living or working in Thailand. Even more will get their shock when they learn of the consequences of failure to report, in most cases knowing nothing about the regulatory enforcement.
The basic rule is that the owner or lease holder of any premises in Thailand must report the presence of any foreigner who stays overnight at their premises, within 24 hours of the foreigner’s arrival. Failure to report can mean a fine of Baht 800 to 2,000 against the premises owner or lease holder (Baht 10,000 if a hotel) along with refusal by the Immigration Department to process applications for visa or work permit issue or renewals by the foreigner concerned.
Is the Regulation Imposition really so shocking?
The Immigration Department has long had the power and duty to monitor the presence of foreigners on Thailand territory.
Several countries are much stricter than Thailand in this respect, notably Vietnam, which not only monitors where its foreign visitors are staying, but also limits their choice of stay location, especially in private homes and non-authorised lodgings for foreigners.
With increasing risks of terrorism, Thailand has come to realise that some foreign criminals have been able to make extended stays in-country, often renting houses or apartments for long-term stays.
Who must be reported by TM30?
Theoretically, all foreigners are required to be reported within 24 hours of arrival at a premises in Thailand. However at the present time, there are some exceptions.
Required to be reported are the following:
All registered hotels have routinely reported their guests within 24 hours of arrival, with copies of passports and personal details;
Foreigners staying at private houses, condominiums and private apartments that are not hotels, have been escaping registration. These establishments welcome guests, without reporting either to Immigration or to the Revenue Department. Both organisations are seeking to crack down on such evasions, so as to be able to collect data but also tax on income received. Registration is now required on each entry into Thailand;
Retirees on annual retirement visas, researchers and students on relevant visas are all required to be registered each time they enter Thailand;
Work permit holders must be registered on each arrival in Thailand and will need to present their TM30 registration receipts as part of their work permit applications, approvals and renewals.
Who need not be reported?
There are some exceptions to the registration requirements, although these may become subject to modification and therefore need to be monitored in order to avoid becoming liable to fines for late or non-registration.
These exceptions include:
Permanent residents of Thailand are not required to be registered either on their arrivals or under the Standard 90 day reporting process. Permanent residence used to be a regular process for those staying for extended periods in Thailand. Approvals for permanent residence are nowadays becoming rare privileges;
Those with diplomatic status are already registered and closely monitored by the relevant authorities. Some live on diplomatic premises while others stay in alternative accommodation but are already duly registered. The same applies to international civil servants and visiting official technical experts;
Special categories of work permit holders are also reported to be exempt from registration. These individuals are those whose work permits are handled by the “One-Stop Service Center” at Chamchuri Square, designed for Board of Investment privilege holders; Smart visa holders, and also some companies with large capitalisation.
This is a somewhat opaque category of registration exemption. If one can gain admission to this exclusive club, one can save a lot of trouble to one’s landlord, but the latter will need more than word-of-mouth reassurance that there is no need to register and therefore avoid fines;
Foreign personal owners of property titles have also been reported to be exempt. Since foreigners are not allowed to own land title deeds, these property owners will be condominium owners (not lease holders). Such foreign individuals will already be registered on house registration books (“tabien bahn”) and mostly be holders of retirement visas, or stay permits linked to work permits. Some foreigners have acquired condominiums in the name of a spouse or partner, in which case that person is required to register the foreigner in the capacity of property owner host. The exemption of condominium owners is challenged by some legal advisors. Such owners need to re-confirm their exemptions directly with Immigration authorities.
How to register: a bureaucrat’s delight
Bureaucrats love paperwork. Most of all they love to plough through a copious dossier and find just one key document lacking. That enables them to reject the application. This may mean rejection of an application filed within 24 hours and result in a fine.
The documents that an applicant should present are the following:
Copy of passport information page relating to the foreigner. This can be a copy but should be signed by the passport holder and dated;
Copy of the page showing the arrival stamp placed on the passport at the time of arrival of the foreigner. This needs to be dated not longer than 24 hours before reporting. However if the foreigner arrives on a Friday night , Saturday or Sunday, an application may be lodged on the following Monday. If that Monday happens to be a public holiday, the next day Tuesday may be acceptable. Likewise, public holidays allow for time limit extensions.
But what if the foreigner stayed overnight at a hotel, and then moves on to stay, for example, with friends, who are obliged to register their guest?
Some evidence of the previous registration should be available and submitted as part of the application. Where a foreigner has stayed in other accommodation but has not been registered, then moves to a new location which proceeds to register the foreigner, the owner, lessor or host may be subject to a fine;
The departure portion of the arrival/departure card submitted to Immigration on arrival should also be submitted for endorsement as evidence of correct submission of a TM30 declaration.
Documents to be submitted in respect of the owner or lessor are complex and voluminous, including the following:
A copy of the title deed of the property where the foreigner stays may be required although this is not always demanded;
A copy of the purchase and sale agreement relating to the property may be required as a substitute for the title deed;
If a company is the owner of the property where the foreigner resides, a copy of the company affidavit (“nang sue rab rong”) is required;
A power of attorney authorising the person representing the company is required;
A personal identification of the power of attorney holder is required, usually an Identity Card.
Where to register
There are three possibilities for registration, as follows:
The Immigration Department, Chaeng Wattana for Bangkok, or upcountry Immigration offices are the normal locations for registration.
The Change Wattana office has two counters for TM30 registration, accommodating at
least 300 applicants per day, each registering one or more individuals;
On-line registration is permitted, with copies of all required documents. On-line applicants will need to register and obtain a code number in advance;
Application by registered post is permitted.
This must also be performed within 24 hours of arrival, with copies of all documents.
If the registration is performed more than 24 hours after arrival, and a fine is therefore payable, then the registration must be performed in person by the owner, lessor or power of attorney holder so that the fine can be paid and a receipt issued.
Conclusions
The requirements for registration are more complex than the regular hotel registration process. Many property owners will inevitably be reluctant to welcome foreigners as guests especially for short-term stopovers.
Will TM30 registration be observed or simply ignored? Foreigners are not presently asked on departure for evidence of TM30 registration. If they do not overstay or seek extension to their visas, foreigners are likely to avoid detection.
If, however, foreigners need to approach the Immigration Department, they may find that their requests are refused pending TM30 registration, potentially with evidence of fine payment. There are reports that the new system is under review and may be modified, although complete abolition is unlikely.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/17 ... s#cxrecs_s
published : 24 Jun 2019 at 12:30
Many foreigners were shocked by the 25 March 2019 enforcement of the TM30 regulations requiring reporting of location of stay of foreigners visiting, living or working in Thailand. Even more will get their shock when they learn of the consequences of failure to report, in most cases knowing nothing about the regulatory enforcement.
The basic rule is that the owner or lease holder of any premises in Thailand must report the presence of any foreigner who stays overnight at their premises, within 24 hours of the foreigner’s arrival. Failure to report can mean a fine of Baht 800 to 2,000 against the premises owner or lease holder (Baht 10,000 if a hotel) along with refusal by the Immigration Department to process applications for visa or work permit issue or renewals by the foreigner concerned.
Is the Regulation Imposition really so shocking?
The Immigration Department has long had the power and duty to monitor the presence of foreigners on Thailand territory.
Several countries are much stricter than Thailand in this respect, notably Vietnam, which not only monitors where its foreign visitors are staying, but also limits their choice of stay location, especially in private homes and non-authorised lodgings for foreigners.
With increasing risks of terrorism, Thailand has come to realise that some foreign criminals have been able to make extended stays in-country, often renting houses or apartments for long-term stays.
Who must be reported by TM30?
Theoretically, all foreigners are required to be reported within 24 hours of arrival at a premises in Thailand. However at the present time, there are some exceptions.
Required to be reported are the following:
All registered hotels have routinely reported their guests within 24 hours of arrival, with copies of passports and personal details;
Foreigners staying at private houses, condominiums and private apartments that are not hotels, have been escaping registration. These establishments welcome guests, without reporting either to Immigration or to the Revenue Department. Both organisations are seeking to crack down on such evasions, so as to be able to collect data but also tax on income received. Registration is now required on each entry into Thailand;
Retirees on annual retirement visas, researchers and students on relevant visas are all required to be registered each time they enter Thailand;
Work permit holders must be registered on each arrival in Thailand and will need to present their TM30 registration receipts as part of their work permit applications, approvals and renewals.
Who need not be reported?
There are some exceptions to the registration requirements, although these may become subject to modification and therefore need to be monitored in order to avoid becoming liable to fines for late or non-registration.
These exceptions include:
Permanent residents of Thailand are not required to be registered either on their arrivals or under the Standard 90 day reporting process. Permanent residence used to be a regular process for those staying for extended periods in Thailand. Approvals for permanent residence are nowadays becoming rare privileges;
Those with diplomatic status are already registered and closely monitored by the relevant authorities. Some live on diplomatic premises while others stay in alternative accommodation but are already duly registered. The same applies to international civil servants and visiting official technical experts;
Special categories of work permit holders are also reported to be exempt from registration. These individuals are those whose work permits are handled by the “One-Stop Service Center” at Chamchuri Square, designed for Board of Investment privilege holders; Smart visa holders, and also some companies with large capitalisation.
This is a somewhat opaque category of registration exemption. If one can gain admission to this exclusive club, one can save a lot of trouble to one’s landlord, but the latter will need more than word-of-mouth reassurance that there is no need to register and therefore avoid fines;
Foreign personal owners of property titles have also been reported to be exempt. Since foreigners are not allowed to own land title deeds, these property owners will be condominium owners (not lease holders). Such foreign individuals will already be registered on house registration books (“tabien bahn”) and mostly be holders of retirement visas, or stay permits linked to work permits. Some foreigners have acquired condominiums in the name of a spouse or partner, in which case that person is required to register the foreigner in the capacity of property owner host. The exemption of condominium owners is challenged by some legal advisors. Such owners need to re-confirm their exemptions directly with Immigration authorities.
How to register: a bureaucrat’s delight
Bureaucrats love paperwork. Most of all they love to plough through a copious dossier and find just one key document lacking. That enables them to reject the application. This may mean rejection of an application filed within 24 hours and result in a fine.
The documents that an applicant should present are the following:
Copy of passport information page relating to the foreigner. This can be a copy but should be signed by the passport holder and dated;
Copy of the page showing the arrival stamp placed on the passport at the time of arrival of the foreigner. This needs to be dated not longer than 24 hours before reporting. However if the foreigner arrives on a Friday night , Saturday or Sunday, an application may be lodged on the following Monday. If that Monday happens to be a public holiday, the next day Tuesday may be acceptable. Likewise, public holidays allow for time limit extensions.
But what if the foreigner stayed overnight at a hotel, and then moves on to stay, for example, with friends, who are obliged to register their guest?
Some evidence of the previous registration should be available and submitted as part of the application. Where a foreigner has stayed in other accommodation but has not been registered, then moves to a new location which proceeds to register the foreigner, the owner, lessor or host may be subject to a fine;
The departure portion of the arrival/departure card submitted to Immigration on arrival should also be submitted for endorsement as evidence of correct submission of a TM30 declaration.
Documents to be submitted in respect of the owner or lessor are complex and voluminous, including the following:
A copy of the title deed of the property where the foreigner stays may be required although this is not always demanded;
A copy of the purchase and sale agreement relating to the property may be required as a substitute for the title deed;
If a company is the owner of the property where the foreigner resides, a copy of the company affidavit (“nang sue rab rong”) is required;
A power of attorney authorising the person representing the company is required;
A personal identification of the power of attorney holder is required, usually an Identity Card.
Where to register
There are three possibilities for registration, as follows:
The Immigration Department, Chaeng Wattana for Bangkok, or upcountry Immigration offices are the normal locations for registration.
The Change Wattana office has two counters for TM30 registration, accommodating at
least 300 applicants per day, each registering one or more individuals;
On-line registration is permitted, with copies of all required documents. On-line applicants will need to register and obtain a code number in advance;
Application by registered post is permitted.
This must also be performed within 24 hours of arrival, with copies of all documents.
If the registration is performed more than 24 hours after arrival, and a fine is therefore payable, then the registration must be performed in person by the owner, lessor or power of attorney holder so that the fine can be paid and a receipt issued.
Conclusions
The requirements for registration are more complex than the regular hotel registration process. Many property owners will inevitably be reluctant to welcome foreigners as guests especially for short-term stopovers.
Will TM30 registration be observed or simply ignored? Foreigners are not presently asked on departure for evidence of TM30 registration. If they do not overstay or seek extension to their visas, foreigners are likely to avoid detection.
If, however, foreigners need to approach the Immigration Department, they may find that their requests are refused pending TM30 registration, potentially with evidence of fine payment. There are reports that the new system is under review and may be modified, although complete abolition is unlikely.
May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil know`s you`re dead!
Re: Thailand Immigration Controls: getting tough with guests
Sigh. So I guess the next time my mum is over I'm going to be jumping through a myriad of hoops?? Why can't they just have something set up at the airport (although I am aware that it is compulsory to state where you will be staying on the arrival card).
วินเชนท์
Re: Thailand Immigration Controls: getting tough with guests
On the plus side, jumping through those myriad of hoops will take less than 5 minutes each time your mum visits (plus the time it takes you to get to and from the Immigration Office).
Championship Stoke City 3 - 0 Plymouth Argyle
Points 48; Position 20
![Crying or Very sad :cry:](./images/smilies/icon_cry.gif)
![Crying or Very sad :cry:](./images/smilies/icon_cry.gif)
![Crying or Very sad :cry:](./images/smilies/icon_cry.gif)
![Crying or Very sad :cry:](./images/smilies/icon_cry.gif)
Points 48; Position 20
Re: Thailand Immigration Controls: getting tough with guests
As a owner of a Condominium, i prepared a TM30 at my Computer at home in Germany, and been in Tha Yang to register me and my wife.
Officer told me, as owner i have to use TM28 for myself and for my wife as well - and not TM30.
Officer told me, as owner i have to use TM28 for myself and for my wife as well - and not TM30.
Greets,
Phyton
Phyton
Re: Thailand Immigration Controls: getting tough with guests
Well, I guess a tracking collar might be the answer after all!
I suppose the following is Ok to post:
https://www.legal.co.th/resources/visa- ... n-address/
As the title of this video suggests, we are going to be discussing Form TM 28. Specifically the title of that form is Form for Aliens to Notify their Change of Address or their Stay in the Province for over 24 Hours.
I suppose the following is Ok to post:
https://www.legal.co.th/resources/visa- ... n-address/
As the title of this video suggests, we are going to be discussing Form TM 28. Specifically the title of that form is Form for Aliens to Notify their Change of Address or their Stay in the Province for over 24 Hours.
May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil know`s you`re dead!
Re: Thailand Immigration Controls: getting tough with guests
As Vincent lives near the main immigration office on Cheng Wattana Road, it could well take him 4 hours for a round trip!
It needs to be set up as per the 90 day BS so that it can be done online.
May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil know`s you`re dead!
Re: Thailand Immigration Controls: getting tough with guests
No idea how current the following is, but the comment about the police in small country areas says it all!
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
http://donslifeinthailand.com/TM28_Imm_Law.html
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
http://donslifeinthailand.com/TM28_Imm_Law.html
Regarding reporting Address Change to the local Police Station. In all probability, no one at the
Police Station will know anything about the TM 28 or TM 30. I would recommend printing a copy of this
page and take it with you to the Police Station. A friend of mine, living in Isan, spent a lot of time at the
police station trying to get someone to accept his TM 28. They finally agreed to accept it and sign his copy
to staple into his Passport. The Police had no idea what to do with their copy (the Top Portion). They threw
it in the trashcan.
May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil know`s you`re dead!
- Dannie Boy
- Hero
- Posts: 12263
- Joined: Wed Jan 13, 2010 8:12 pm
- Location: Closer to Cha Am than Hua Hin
Re: Thailand Immigration Controls: getting tough with guests
The last time my family of five visited in April this year, it took at least 30 minutes and probably longer. Although I had filled out the TM30 with the names and details of the family members and had copies of their passports and arrival cards, the Immigration officer made out five separate sheets that were then stapled into the individual passports. Add on the 30 minutes each way travel, it was closer to 2 hours than one - if they could provide an on-line reporting facility, it would be much easier.
Re: Thailand Immigration Controls: getting tough with guests
"Let the sleeping dog lie"
AFAIK Hua Hin Immigration is not very hard on enforcing the TM30 requirement....let us keep it that way...
![Rolling Eyes :roll:](./images/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif)
Re: Thailand Immigration Controls: getting tough with guests
Surachate "Big Joke" Hakparn is now back on the police advisory board as we've seen today in another post, and I would expect in months to come he may become more highly involved with immigration matters again. There were indications when he was in charge that changes or cancellation of the 90 day requirement were in the planning. My assumption is that this crazy Tm28 and 30 routine would see some changes or cancellation as well if he becomes influential again. We can hope.....
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Source
Re: Thailand Immigration Controls: getting tough with guests
In reality, I think it is hard for any district to enforce. After all, Thailand is not known for it's proactive policing. I think your average visitor to Thailand would get away without registration providing their visa is in order beforehand. We've had a couple of reports on here where visitors have gone to extend visas, and it is then that they find themselves in trouble. Usual scenario, Thailand's police sit in an air conditioned room waiting for the crime to come to them.
It is of course the house master's responsibility, but in instances where the registration has not been done, application for extension gets refused. The visitor is usually an innocent victim.
When we have visitors we do it as a matter of course, but living in Hua Hin it is a very easy process. Living remotely must be an absolute nightmare. Nereus is correct, it should be an online process, and I believe it is for hotels. Such a shame they can't extend it to individuals.
Championship Stoke City 3 - 0 Plymouth Argyle
Points 48; Position 20
![Crying or Very sad :cry:](./images/smilies/icon_cry.gif)
![Crying or Very sad :cry:](./images/smilies/icon_cry.gif)
![Crying or Very sad :cry:](./images/smilies/icon_cry.gif)
![Crying or Very sad :cry:](./images/smilies/icon_cry.gif)
Points 48; Position 20
Re: Thailand Immigration Controls: getting tough with guests
I think an individual homeowner can register and report on-line as well. The above link by TOM I believe is the one. Use Chrome and it should translate out into English. I'm not on Chrome at the moment so can't check.
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Source
Re: Thailand Immigration Controls: getting tough with guests
Yes, it looks a possibility (I'd missed that link
)
Mind you, I honestly think Mrs BB would not be happy with it, and tell me to drive her to Immigration. Just the initial registration would be too much for her.![laugh :laugh:](./images/smilies/icon_biglaugh.gif)
![Embarassed :oops:](./images/smilies/icon_redface.gif)
Mind you, I honestly think Mrs BB would not be happy with it, and tell me to drive her to Immigration. Just the initial registration would be too much for her.
![laugh :laugh:](./images/smilies/icon_biglaugh.gif)
Championship Stoke City 3 - 0 Plymouth Argyle
Points 48; Position 20
![Crying or Very sad :cry:](./images/smilies/icon_cry.gif)
![Crying or Very sad :cry:](./images/smilies/icon_cry.gif)
![Crying or Very sad :cry:](./images/smilies/icon_cry.gif)
![Crying or Very sad :cry:](./images/smilies/icon_cry.gif)
Points 48; Position 20
Re: Thailand Immigration Controls: getting tough with guests
Yes, maybe they can, but the whole bloody exercise is to keep track of pesky Farangs that insist on breaking the law.
How many Thais are going to have Farangs staying with them? Not ALL Farangs are married to Thais, OR can read and write the language. It is just another example of the mentality that ALL Farangs must be trying to pull a swifty, because isn't that what Thais do themselves?
![Rolling Eyes :roll:](./images/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif)
May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil know`s you`re dead!