Do I need to lodge a TM30 notice after returning to Thailand or only when my address changes?

Oct 18, 2018
6 years ago
Mike ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Returned to the kingdom last week and went to Jomtien to do TM 30. Advised it is no longer needed after leaving the country unless your address changes.
1,577
views
6
likes
54
all likes
25
replies
0
images
7
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
In returning to Thailand, a user reported that they were advised that lodging a TM30 form is no longer necessary when leaving the country, unless their address changes. However, after experiencing the process in Jomtien, they noted that despite this advice, they were informed by the officials that filing is still required despite travel within Thailand. Several comments highlight the potential fines for not lodging the TM30 after returning, as well as differing opinions on whether it is necessary to file for domestic travel.
Neo ************
Will be fun to see they told me as well don’t file for domestic travel. I just back from 3 hotels and going to Cambodia on Monday for a bounce then wen I am doing it since Tuesday is a holiday. Will be fun to see if they bring up the province travel I will update
Adam *********
I think some of the confusion at the same office is part of the game/scam so you can be fined later. The law requires it and recommend, regardless what an individual officer says, be respectful and persistent to lodge it so you have a paper copy/receipt in your passport.
Glen *********
I just returned from overseas and went to Jomtien last week (Thursday) and lodged TM30, normally with same address.

Not only was it accepted but I saw 3 people in front of me get fined for failing to lodge TM30 after going to Bangkok and not filing new TM30 when they returned to Jomtien - they didn't even go oveseas!!

I will continue to lodge!!!
David ************
Sitting drinking coffee with the wife I asked her how are foreigners supposed to figure out the government. Her reply, what makes you think we Thai have figured it out.
Glen *********
Dode Keates if your staying in hotel in BKK they will lodge TM30 anyway, so you only need to do it when you arrive in Jomtien, within 24 hours (but i hear mostly they allow 48 hours)
Glen *********
David Cee technically yes, but each office applies the law differently...
David ************
Sure would be nice if inmigration offices were consistent. But please don't hold your breath waiting for that to happen.
Tony ********
@Glen ********
and theoretically a TM28 should have been filed in Bangkok
Terry **********
@Glen ********
correct mate me too
Tony ********
@Mike *****
youre going to have to insist they give you a receipt off the bottom of the form or the next crew might dob you
Glen *********
Mike Luck it is a requirement by law, it's the application of the law which is inconsistent and which will catch you out!

I've never had a TM30 refused to be accepted, returning to the same address, even as late as last week. Not sure why they told you that after I saw them fine 3 people.
Mike ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
What the hell does one do? We went down, stood in the queue for an hour, got told it is no longer needed UNLESS you change address! I thought it was a requirement ( which is why we wrte there), but they wrre adamant! What now?
Glen *********
@Tony *******
yeah, the inconsistency within the same office is what concerns me...so I prefer to spend 30 minutes to lodge a new TM30 each time I return, thus peace of mind.
Tony ********
@Glen ********
I always report to the local police when I come from out of country but this out of province thing is really gettin wild.
Glen *********
Tony Dadson yeah I had never seen this focus before...but like this OP states he was told not to lodge last week - no consistency!

One of the guys fined argued that he had been told before they didn't need to lodge but immigration simply stated the law, and didn't care what he said...and when he refused to pay they refused to process his extension - needless to say he paid!
Tony ********
somebody up top is sure putting the pressure
Tony ********
WOW!!
Glen *********
Glen *********
Tony Dadson two were lodging TM30 and two of them had other things at the same time but cant be sure what it was, maybe extensions- they had to go another counter after. One was just lodging TM30. But with everyone they were checking history of TM30 lodgments for discrepancies, even i was questioned but I've always lodged every time.
Tony ********
was it form TM30 or TM28 they were concerned about
Tony ********
@Glen ********
wow! and what were they doing at immigration?
Glen *********
Tony Dadson because they had been registered with immigration by hotel/owner in Bangkok...one was hotel, another was hostel type owner, the third I couldn't hear properly.
Tony ********
how did they know they went to bangkok?
Tony ********
how long were u away?
Mike ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thai Visa Advice
... members · 40% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice