Do I need a TM30 to apply for a COVID extension on my Thai Tourist Visa?

Question

Hi everyone,
I know this has been asked before here, but there are so many contradictory answers to be found on different groups:
I am on Ko Samui and already extended my 60-day Tourist Visa for another 30 days. Last week I went to the Immigration and was told, I can get another 30 day Covid extension, but only 2 weeks before my first extension runs out.
So far, so good.
My question is: do I definitely need a TM30 as proof where I will be staying during my extension? If so, does it have to cover the whole extension cycle (when applying for the first extension no TM30 was needed, they just wanted the address where I stayed at that time)? To get a TM30 might be difficult if I stay with a private owner, besides I don‘t want to be stuck at one location and change places at a whim.
Yes, I know I could book something, get the TM30 and cancel later, but think that‘s not very fair.

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user is seeking clarification on the requirements for a TM30 form when applying for a Covid extension for their Tourist Visa in Thailand, specifically on Ko Samui. They have already extended their 60-day Tourist Visa and want to know if a TM30 is necessary to prove where they will be staying during their extension. They have received mixed responses, with some suggesting the necessity of a TM30 while others indicate that it depends on the immigration office. The importance of filing a TM30 timely by the property owner is emphasized, along with the possibility of needing to show proof of a TM30 at the time of the extension application.

Achim ********* · Answer

Thanks a lot, now I understand for the first time what the TM30 is good for in my case 😃

I will inform the group what was needed for a Covid extension at Ko Samui Immigration.

Pui ***** · Answer

The TM30 is not a proof of where you will be staying throughout your extension, as you seem to think. It is a form for the homeowner/hotel to inform immigration within 24 hours whenever a foreigner is staying somewhere. If you are staying at different places, each place should be reporting you via a TM30 when you arrive. In practice, immigration offices that want to see a TM30 for extensions just want to see that one has been filed for you before they grant the extension, and they have no way of knowing if you have been accurately reported every time you may have moved to stay in different places. It is not a report of where you will be staying in the future so if you are traveling around after getting the extension, that has nothing to do with the proof of filing TM30 you may need to show to get the extension. Also, as Benjamin stated, the TM30 is filed only after you arrive somewhere, so making a hotel booking doesn't mean they will file a TM30 for you until you actually check in.

Achim ********* · Answer

Thanks for your reply, but your answer leaves me just as smart as before. But I will take your advice and ask at Immigration directly. Getting a TM30 from my current address doesn't seem to make much sense to me, once I apply for extention, I will be staying somewhere else as I plan to travel around and stay at each location just for a few days.

Benjamin ****** · Answer

> Last week I went to the Immigration and was told, I can get another 30 day Covid extension, but only 2 weeks before my first extension runs out.

You should be getting a 60 day extension of stay based on unable to travel due to COVID-19, and not a 30 day extension

>do I definitely need a TM30 as proof where I will be staying during my extension?

The only answer I can give you that's definite is that it's up to each immigration office.

>f so, does it have to cover the whole extension cycle

I'm not sure what that means :( You may need to show the immigration officer where you are living.

>To get a TM30 might be difficult if I stay with a private owner,

The owner of the property MUST report you no later then 24 business hours after you arrive

>Yes, I know I could book something, get the TM30 and cancel later, but think that‘s not very fair

I never seen a hotel that would submit a TM30 without you paying.

My advice:

1. Get the person who you are staying with to file a TM30 for you. This is free

2. If you want a definite answer, either post on a local group, or ask the immigration office.

Do I need a TM30 to apply for a COVID extension on my Thai Tourist Visa?

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