Do I need to update my TM30 after domestic travel as a NON-O visa holder in Chiang Mai?

October 19, 2017
7 years ago
Rob ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
This was posted on other groups but probably belongs here.

Question/ advice wanted from Chiang Mai residents (or Tod Daniels) that are holders of non immigrant O visas and extend annually based on retirement. Do you report to immigration to update your TM30 every time you return from domestic travel? (Assuming you’ve provided your passport to check in at a hotel). If not, have you ever been fined when doing your next 90 day report? We are taking our first trip south since getting our first extension based on retirement. We are doing a 90 day report about two weeks before we leave so wouldn’t have to worry about it again til February but having read horror stories about 6000 Baht fines for not having an “up to date” TM30, I thought I’d ask the question.

I find this the rule absolute most asinine thing I’ve ever heard of because obviously if you’re checking in for a 90 day report in CM and there’s a valid TM30 on file with your passport that was filed legally on the day you took residence in this province, it’s obvious you’re not “staying” in another province but rather, you took a holiday, stayed at hotel and they followed the idiot law by filing a TM30 for every guest that checks in.

From the responses in the other groups it seems most think it’s not for domestic travel but the ones I trust say it is the law but it’s not often enforced
924
views
0
likes
24
all likes
14
replies
0
images
8
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the confusion among NON-O visa holders residing in Chiang Mai regarding the need to update the TM30 form each time they return from domestic travel. The original poster questions whether it is necessary to report to immigration upon returning, especially after hearing about hefty fines for non-compliance. Comments suggest varying enforcement levels of this rule in Thailand, with some claiming that Chiang Mai is particularly strict. Despite frustrations over the rule's redundancy, it's noted that compliance is necessary to avoid fines, and there are differing opinions on how strictly this is enforced based on one’s location in Thailand.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Tod *********
More and more immigration offices are getting on the band wagon about the TM.30 form.

Thankfully, (at least for now) Bangkok Immigrations doesn't care in the least if you or your land lord has ever filed a TM.30. ;)
Rob ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Lucky you. Want a housemate or two?
Johnsuma ******
Any problem with that till now but since 2016 they started to check closer so BE carefull.😉
Johnsuma ******
****************************************************************************************************************
Johnsuma ******
every provinces have their own rules, it is at the appreciation of the officer on duty, no one can change that "safely"...
Sean *************
This is a nice rundown, but the rule is pure bunk!
Joe ***********
It is an asinine redundant requirement ... it is done because authorities have the power and authority to do so and enforce an unneeded reporting requirement ... But we do it -- well some of the time... some of the places ... Over the entire country I venture to say it is not enforced all that much ... BUT if you live and report in one of Those jurisdictions - then you have to do it or face problems. Personally I have yet to file a TM.30 ever ... even though I have traveled all over Thailand in the past three years... It is the bad luck of the draw if you live in the stringent jurisdictions.... Do what you have to do ...
Lauren ****************
This is a timely post because we just returned from a trip to Malaysia, and were told we needed to file a new TM30, each time we re-enter the country. Is this just for domestic travel, or also for international? We didn't stay at a hotel, so there wouldn't be any record of us changing addresses. Thanks in advance!
Mark ********
TM30 links to TM6 (arrival form) so that's why they make a bigger fuss about updating if you've left the country, as their system no longer matches up
Rob ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
hmmm. Interesting.
Robert *******
@Rob *******
I read reports of Chonburi, Phuket and Krabi doing the same.
Rob ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
If you’re residing in Thailand on a non immigrant O visa you do have to update the date or your TM30 within 24 hours of returning to Thailand . That much I know for sure. But I’m told only Chiang Mai province gives a shit about this rule
Robert *******
I really hope that hotels in other countries can not update Thai Immigration systems with change of address. As soon as you leave the country, you address is updated to departed. That's why you have to report your address on return.
Robert *******
How the system works: You filled a TM30 for your address in Chang Mai, you go on holiday to other province and hotel ask your passport. They file a new TM30 form that you're staying at hotel address. When you come back in Chang Mai after your holiday and you do nothing you keep on staying on hotel address. If you on return file TM30 again, address will be changed to old (new) address. Some Immigration say for short term holiday inside Thailand you do not have to do, some say yes you have to and fine you not doing it. Solution: On return fill in the paper, go to Immigration and if not needed you're followed the law and if needed you saved money.
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