Answered4 years ago

Do I need to file a TM30 every time I enter Thailand for a 30-day extension?

TM30 Thailand visa Immigration Visa extension Tourist visa Visa regulations

Robert *********

asked Feb 21, 2023

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I have a condo that I rent year for the year and travel back and forth from the US and have never been asked for a TM30 when I do my 30 day extension at immigration. 

Should I be filing a TM30 every time a I enter the country?

Answer summary

The TM30 form is legally required for every entry into Thailand, especially when staying long-term or needing extensions. However, in practice, many tourists, especially in Bangkok, are rarely asked for it when applying for short tourist visa extensions. If your interaction with immigration doesn't necessitate a TM30, you can often ignore it. Some users suggest registering to file it online, which is a quick process.

8 repliesnewest first

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Wayne *********

Maybe register with immigration and do it online it takes a few minutes. I do it every month online its very easy

4 years ago

Brandon ************

Based on you saying 30 day extension, I'm assuming you've only ever done tourist visa or visa exempt extensions? Bangkok almost never asks for a TM30 for these extensions, so if you don't see yourself getting a longer visa in the near future, don't worry about it.

The reality is that you only need to worry about TM30 when you are going to have an interaction with immigration that requires you to have it. You can ignore it the rest of the time.

Most tourists are in Bangkok or Phuket, both of which don't require TM30 for the tourist extensions. Or they don't even stay long enough to ever need to get an extension. This is why most people don't know about the TM30, because they just never need to know.

Legally it needs to be done every time you return to Thailand. Realistically you only need to do it when you need it.

4 years ago

Robert *********

4 years ago

Richard *********

@Brandon ***********

LEGALLY only needs be done if you change ur address, NOTY n returning

Brandon ************

wrong

Brandon ************

there's a difference between the law, and what your local office requires. The law says a TM30 must be filed within 24 hours of a foreigner arriving at any location. It says nothing about returning. The law says you must file a TM28 when you change your address also but immigration doesn't enforce that anymore either.

Richard *********

true for phuket

Robert ************

Notably, CM always requires TM30, when applying for Extension or anything else at Immig. But, as Brandon says, unless you do intend to interact with Immig. Office during your stay, no problem.

4 years ago