Can I register my return to Thailand myself instead of my landlord, and is it legal for the officer to block my visa extension due to a late TM30 registration?

Jun 19, 2019
5 years ago
Chris **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I have just had an interesting experience at Mae Sai Immigration Office.

I arrived at Chiang Rai Airport on Saturday. I immediately went to the Immigration Iffice nearby hoping to report my return. The Offices were closed. I presumed Mai Sai would also be closed as it was the weekend. (The Website actually states that both offices are closed on Saturday and Sunday) I went to the Mai Sai office first thing on Monday morning to register and to renew my Retirement Extension.

The Officer processing my application informed me that my Landlord should have contacted them within 24 hours and would now gave to pay an 800 baht fine. I explained that I had tried to Register at Chiang Rai but they were closed and presumed Mai Sai would also be closed. She insisted that they are open at weekends despite the times printed on the door ( Open Monday-Friday ) and the Website stating that they are closed Saturday and Sunday. She would not process my Extension Application until the fine was paid. I had to pay the 800 baht fine and my Visa/Extension was processed. I was not given a receipt for the fine. I didnt make a fuss or point out the anomalies in her actions, as I live here and didnt want to create future problems for myself as I always use this Office.

I have several questions. Am I able to register my return instead of my Landlord ( they are both quite old ) and was it in order for the Officer to block my Extension Application because of a spurious infringement.

Thanks.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user shared their experience at the Mae Sai Immigration Office, where they encountered issues with their Retirement Visa extension due to TM30 registration troubles. They were fined 800 baht when their landlord failed to inform immigration within the required period. The user questioned if they could register their return themselves and whether it was acceptable for the officer to block their application due to this penalty. Community responses confirmed that individuals can file their own TM30 registrations but noted that immigration regulations could vary enforcement between offices.
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Robert *******
The OP has the answer. As this is just another TM30 address registration issue I close the commenting. All we know you can read here:
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Mark *******
Chris l have had many problems with mae sai immigration this year !! Paying for three Visa extensions this year alone when all l wanted was to renew my 1 year Visa..they even made me cross the border to lose my Visa which complicated things further ..be very careful Chris l payed for a one day overstay then recieved a threatening phone call from them 2 weeks later saying that they never received payment as it is not in their system and if we can't find any proof of payment within the next 15 minutes they will send immigration police to my house and kick me out of the country for 5 years..luckily we found proof of payment..and l just picked up my Visa yesterday..will talk in private if you have any queries or see you down the street Haha p.s get a receipt asap
Samantha ******************
You can report to the police when immigration is not open.
Chris **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Samantha *****************
Thank you Samantha. I didn't know that 😀
Tod *********
To answer your questions,

YES you are able to file your own TM.30

and

YES until you have a current TM.30 receipt they can and do block your application for extension.
Chris **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks
@T**
.
Bobby ********
In answer to the other part of your question, you can register the TM30 without help from your landlords by presenting the TM30 form with your passport (and copies of visa/entry stamp/extension), and your TM6 (and copy) and your lease. I should add this works at CW, but as we know every office is different
Chris **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bo***
, I did that, fully expecting it to be ok. I've done it for 2 landlords in the past with no problems and to be fair, Mai Sai office has always been great. It just goes to show that even within one office, interpretation of rules can vary.
Chris **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Just for confirmation.
Chris **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sergejs ********
Also the times in large letters on the door of the Mai Sai Immigrayion office clearly states Monday to Friday only. Google didnt put that sign there.
Sergejs *********
@Chris *********
it is unofficial compilation by Google of data that have been inserted by nobody knows whom
Scott **********
Cpletely normal for them to block your extension until the TM30 was fixed. 800 baht fine also legal but cruel in your case. With Mae Sai you have to figure they will be open 7 days a week because the border is open 7 days a week. I do not know exactly where you live but of you had gone to Chiang Rai office on Monday I think you would not have been fined.
Erik ***********
Well not wanna make a fuss only does that you help with the corrupt system here in Thailand. You should have stood your ground and insisting it was closed or even had her given you a written statement that they are open even if the sign says closed. And taken it as high up in the food chain one can do.
Tod *********
@Sammy ******
I have no problem going toe to toe with an immigration officer if they're trying to make up some b/s rule that I know doesn't exist OR if they're trying to fine me or do something without giving me a receipt.

I am not saying get in their face (although I will) I am saying bring it up, let them know you know what is going on and see if they don't change their tune..

I am not advising foreigners (I don't use that b/s f-word for foreigner that the thaiz call us ฝรั่ง :O ) to take on the entire corrupt system, I am advising them to have a spine, know when you're right and stand up for yourself.
Sammy *******
@Tod ********
of course not-- no problem asking politely, and then what, if refused?? make a scene? take on Thailand's corruption problem-- may feel good to vent and do that, but absolutely in the wrong long term interests of the individual. ive lived only a few years in cm but more than 20 all kver Thailand-- anyone advising a farang to take on Thailand's corruption problem is doing them a great diservice.
Tod *********
@Sammy ******
okay, there is NOTHING wrong with asking for a receipt when you get fined at the immigration office.
Sammy *******
@Erik **********
you're kidding right? this guy is going to take on the corrupt system and then screw up his chsnce at getting future service from that office??

you go ahead and take on the corrupt system that none of us new existed when we chose to live here. we have all been caught by total surprise and now must be the ones to fight and change a system, the Thais themselves will not touch. good luck with that.
Gregor **********
. .you have been taken for an 800-Baht ride by a scrupulous and greedy immigration official. Best thing you can do, mark it under "losses", forget about it and move on
Tod *********
Thousands of people in Bangkok have been fined 800baht since they started enforcing the TM.30's.
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