Do I Need a TM30 Registration Stamp When Returning from Abroad to Chiang Mai?

Read the rules without bending it in your agenda. "a Foreigner needs to be reported within 24 hours after arriving at an address in Thailand".

Every plot in a city, village, rural areas etc in Thailand has an address, not only hotels in Bangkok.

>If I return from abroad to CM and go directly home, my Thai wife can register the TM30 on the website, but I will not have a stamp in the passport paper as I have at present, does that matter

A TM30 is not a stamp, it's a print off. Your wife can print out the confirmation screen, and you can put it in your passport.

>If I stop overnight in a hotel in BKK on my way back does the hotel TM30 mean that no further action is required as it is movement within Thailnd and CM immigration do not worry about that

A hotel SHOULD file a TM30. You can ask for a print out from them. I do not know if you need to re-register when you return to CM though; ask their immigration office.

Your wife should print out a TM30 receipt

Good question. I suggest you ask your local Thai Immigration office in Chiang Mai to be sure of the correct answer.

You have been outside of Thailand. As I understand it you are to file a TM30 when you return to your HOME ADDRESS RESIDENCE OF RECORD in Thailand.

Please let us know if you find out different.