Do you need to file a TM30 after a border bounce for a 30-day visa exemption in Thailand?

Aug 22, 2019
5 years ago
George *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Do you need to do a TM30 if you do a border bounce to get a 30-day visa exempt? My last visa was a tourist one and the TM30 was fine for it. I didn't get it updated because I didn't stay overnight in another country, just in and out. Residence and everything is the same.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Yes, you are required to file a TM30 within 24 hours after re-entering Thailand, even if you perform a border bounce to obtain a 30-day visa exempt. Hotels typically handle this for guests, but some immigration offices may have different requirements concerning extensions. When re-entering, you receive a new TM6 arrival card, and thus, you must indicate your current residence. If you're unsure about your TM30 status at the time of extension, it's advisable to check if the hotel can provide you with proof of the filing.
Benjamin ******
Ok, now I'm confused:

1. You can't get a transit visa by bouncing in and out of the border. You can only get a visa exempt, which is good for 30 days (assuming you are from certain country ).

2. You can get a transit visa from an embassy, but they usually aren't issued. Laos have been issuing them as a "this is your last visa, get your stuff and leave" type visa. This takes one business day. This can not be extended.

3. You can get a tourist visa, which can be extended. You get them from places like Laos, and are good for 60 days.

Words are extremely important when discussing visa rules, to minimize confusion.
George *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
that's very true I have to do the TM30 twice. Once there and then once back. Or maybe I should just risk it and see if they'll let me extend using the old TM30 which was not updated after the border bounce.
Benjamin ******
@George ******
A couple of ideas:

1. You can ask for the hotel to provide a print out of the TM30 from their screen. They have to do it if they have a license.

2. When you return back from your hotel, you'll have to refile the TM30. Since it'll be less than 24 hours, you can refile the TM30 without a fine.
George *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
really? That's an interesting possibility. I know that hotels are supposed to do it, but what if I go to extend the visa and they have no evidence that the hotel has provided this?
Benjamin ******
@George ******
Another option is, if you need to visit another city, just stay at a hotel and then file the TM30 when you return. The hotel will do the TM30 when you stay with them, and the 24 hour clock will restart.
George *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
I believe the 24 hours have passed already. I guess I'll have to deal with it at the time
Benjamin ******
@George ******
Then do your TM30 as soon as possible, so you can extend the visa exempt.
George *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
it is a 30 day visa exempt which can be extended by another 30 days
Ron *******
And as you cannot extend a Transit visa.....
George *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ron *******
@George ******
no problem.
George *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ron ******
thanks for your input
Ron *******
@George ******
ask about the price of Haddock. It's as relevant.
George *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ron ******
other people knew what I meant and have provided actual answers jesus christ
Ron *******
@George ******
you asked about a transit visa. Jesus christ.....
George *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ron ******
30 day visa exemption. I don't care much for pedentary as it isn't helpful
Paul *********
- everything is not the same,

- on reentering Thailand you'll have gotten a new tm6 (arrival card).
George *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ********
TM30 slip doesn't list tm6 but I know what you mean
Benjamin ******
Yes. Legally, you must do a TM30 24 hours after arriving into Thailand. This includes bouncing in and out.

IF you're staying at a hotel, they will do it for you though.

Now, should you do it? Maybe, maybe not. Some immigration offices require it for extensions, some don't.
George *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Right. It's too late now. I'll have to see what happens
Bob **********
George Perry if you hope to do a 30 day extension in country I would definitely do it
Benjamin ******
@George ******
Your TM6 (arrival card) number will be different, so you'll still have to go and do a TM30.
George *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
it's not a hotel, it's an apartment I was renting for some months. Just needed to extend my stay so got a 30 day visa this time, hoping to extend it by another 30
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