How should I handle the address entry on the CoE application for my OA visa and what do I need to know about TM30 and TM28?

Nov 16, 2020
4 years ago
Neil **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I've been considering over-wintering in SE Asia since I retired 2 years ago.

I'm applying for an OA visa from the UK. First long trip to Thailand so I don't have property/domestic address etc but intend to spend a couple of weeks in BKK and then visit some of the beaches and islands for a month or two.

I will spend the obligatory period in an ASQ hotel and so I know that address but after that I haven't yet got fixed plans and would like to be flexible.

How can I handle the address entry on the CoE application? I'm not sure what is expected.

Also do I have to do anything about TM30 and TM28 as I travel? I only learned about these forms today and am quite confused by it all.

I will probably be in Thailand this time for about 60 days in all.

Thank you in advanve.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user, a retiree from the UK, is seeking clarity on how to complete the address section on their Certificate of Entry (CoE) application after applying for an OA visa for an extended stay in Thailand. They express uncertainty about managing their accommodations due to plans for flexibility while exploring Thailand and inquire about the TM30 and TM28 forms, which they recently learned about. The discussion includes advice from other users on booking hotels or apartments, addressing TM30 requirements, and strategies for staying compliant with immigration regulations during their travels.
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Steve *******
Book a hotel for the CoE. Hotels/resorts/landlords etc take care of the TM30, it's their responsibility.
Steve *******
1. Ask your local embassy instead of facebook comments. That way you'll get factual and up to date information.

2. Instead of coming to Thailand, try one of the better countries in the area. Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippines or even Laos are all better options.
Nick *******
Forget Thailand....look at Cambodia or Vietnam
Shaun *********
You could book a hotel with free cancellation show the proof you have a hotel booked for your time tyen cancel the booking
Andy ***********
The TM30 is not really policed except if u go to immigration for an extension . They will fine u if u do not have a current tm30 registered .

IMHO it is a good time to be here . Very quiet now and best weather thru March . Good luck
Greg ********
@Andy **********
Never bothered with TM30 in Bangkok. 90 day reporting done by office admin staff. Nothing ever said. This is through BOI though. If I get fine at extension company will pay.
Steve *******
@Andy **********
They actually fine the hotel/landlord but if you dont pay it there and then you wont get the extention.
Andy ***********
At immigration they had a separate “fining” station set up for not confirming with TM30 . Maybe gone now. But that was fining Individuals. Even though technically it is landlord responsibility
Neil **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andy **********
I agree, quiet and good weather and lowish Covid-19 levels
Jane ***********
I think you'd probably be ok just giving the first month (and if that's not the case, the Embassy will inform you). Personally I'd book a cheap condo on a monthly lease. That's what I did when I first visited Thailand. When you check in you can request a copy of the TM30 (it's the landlord's obligation to fill out and only really apply to apartments, not hotels so it doesn't matter as you travel. I've lived in Thailand for around 6 months of the year for the last 6 years and have never filled in a TM28, or know someone who has. I've also never been asked for a TM30 but do always request a copy). If you want to travel after 2 weeks, you'll have to wave the last 2 weeks in rent but monthly apartment rates are often not that much more expensive than booking 2 weeks. There's a huge number of discounted apartments atm. Settling in and travelling in Thailand is incredibly easy, even in the current situation so you really shouldn't have any problems as long as you do everything by the book.
Neil **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
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I can't be sure it's an up to date account because it's from 2019 but this article does mention hotels
Neil **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jane **********
thank you for the really helpful input.
Neil **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jane **********
having googled, I read that hotels are meant to do TM30s too. If so then that would open up the possibility of my first two weeks outside ASQ as being in a hotel I think?
Jane ***********
@Neil *********
Sure. I don’t really know why you’re getting so hung up on TM30, it’s just more or less the same as hotels registering your passport. It’s just part of the process of registering people in country. I just mention an apartment because I think you need to specify and provide evidence of booking for at least a month post AQ on the application. If you want to pay for a hotel for a month, that’s up to you but apartment will likely be cheaper, for reasons given.
Neil **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jane **********
thanks Jane. The one month expectation isn't something I'd come across. Do you know where I can research that requirement? Thank you
Jane ***********
@Neil *********
BTW if you're applying in London, even more reason to enquire directly from them. Speaking to other over the years who have applied elsewhere (esp in the US) the London Embassy is a pita to deal with and is v picky/random about requirements, in my experience.
Jane ***********
@Neil *********
Personally I'd seek advice from the Embassy where I'm applying for the visa. Requirements vary from Embassy to Embassy and they also change frequently. You'll get much more accurate info from the primary source than from an expat FB group.
Neil **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jane **********
thanks Jane. Visa application seems to be going smoothly. I can try to ask them about the questions I asked the group for sure. I was thinking they might not be particularly helpful since my questions extend to immigration into Thailand and details of my stay in Thailand. But hopefully they can help.
Jane ***********
@Neil *********
Well they are the gatekeepers to that. If you don’t fulfil their requirements, they won’t grant you access. If the Thailand side immigration ask you questions, that’s pretty easy to deal with by, for eg, booking a longer stay somewhere if that’s a requirement. It often depends on the individual immigration officer you get. I hardly think they are going to put you on the next plane back.
Madz ******
Plan out a good route (or expected route at least) to comply with forwarding addresses. That way, worse case scenario and you HAVE been in contact with someone with COVID-19 you don't go spreading it around Thailand unknowingly.
Nick *******
Paranoia? Get through those tests and that expensive quarantine there will still be some who don't want to touch you because you might have brought the lurgy 😅
Neil **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Madz *****
you said "to comply with forwarding addresses" which suggests you are familiar with the regulations. Can you enlighten me at all? My original post was looking for guidance on these. Thank you.
Neil **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Madz *****
fully sympathetic with Covid-19 concerns. I will test prior to flying and then twice in quarantine and am definitely Covid-19 free now so it's all one can do. But yes, planning ahead is a small concession in light of this terrible pandemic 😇
Andrew *****
Maybe this time is not the best time to start anything like that better to wait until the place is more open get some roots first
Steve **********
Neil **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andrew ****
I've gone through a lot of steps to get the OA application sorted and expect it to grant. Also booked flights.

So I'm hoping that folks who know more than me on the forum can help me understand the TM30, TM28, address on immigration form items.

It certainly isn't the easiest time to travel, I can agree with you there. A tourist visa is a back up plan as I mentioned.

My uncertainties revolve around the address reporting requirements and how to handle. If I can understand those better then I can make an informed decision.

I studied this forum today searching for the posts on the topic and didn't find quite the info I needed so started this topic.

Appreciate all and any help.
Andrew *****
@Neil *********
I think your get plenty of help on this forum I’m more thinking after you get out of your ASQ do you know anybody there to help you
Neil **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andrew ****
thanks Andrew. I do have some contacts in BKK so have a bit of a support system there.
Andrew *****
@Neil *********
that’s ok as Thailand can be a bit of a minefield for your first trips
Jim **********
I’ve give up on the OA visa too many hoops to jump, decided to wait and see what the new year brings
Neil **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jim *********
I believe my OA will be granted soon. I hope you find a solution that will work for you.
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