Is the TM30 still required in 2023 for extending a 45-day visa exemption in Thailand?

Feb 9, 2023
2 years ago
Martial *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Is the TM30 still required in 2023 for extending my 45-day visa exemption for 30 more days?

My landlord (foreigner) insists that he never needed a TM30 for himself, nor never issued one for his tenants, therefore refuses to register me.

What shall I do? Is there an official law I can refer to him?

TIA
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TLDR : Answer Summary
In 2023, the requirement for the TM30 form to extend a 45-day visa exemption varies by location in Thailand. While some immigration offices may demand the TM30 for an extension, others may not. The TM30 is a legal requirement that landlords must file when a foreigner stays in their property. However, the necessity of showing this document during an extension application can differ based on the immigration office's policies. Official references, such as Section 38 of the Immigration Act 1979, affirm that landlords are obligated to report foreign tenants within 24 hours of arrival. If a landlord refuses to submit a TM30, one option is to contact the immigration office directly or consider moving to a different property.
Debbie ******
Just a recap please -- documents for extension of visa exempt at IT Plaza --1. Photocopy of passport pages 2. TM 7 form 3. TM30, 4. photo . That's it right?
Valère *************************
I did an extension yesterday in Chiang Mai and it was required. I saw a few ppl who did not get it from their landlord and the immigration officer called them in to come fix it and pay a 1.600 thb fine. They're not joking around.
Paul ********
You definitely need it, even my recent extension they put my application on hold until my tm30 was updated.
Martial *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yes this is what I thought, I always needed it last year. Thanks guys, I just need to convince my landlord
Maxim ***********
@Martial ********
The TM30 is not a requirement for an extension but some immigration offices will ask for it. It depends on where you apply for the extension. As I said above, avoiding confronting your landlord is always best. I don't understand why you still haven't called your nearest immigration office to ask. Either A) Your landlord is telling the truth so you could have avoided all the recent headaches, or B) Your landlord doesn't want to do it, so most likely is doing something shady or slightly illegal on the side. If it's this then I would just move out asap. You do not want to be seen as a snitch, stay away from potential problems.
Martial *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Maxim **********
yeah good point. It didn't occur to me that they would answer such question over the phone and in English. Also I already paid my accommodation so I would loose the rent if I move out asap. My lease is up soon so i'll make sure I get a TM30 this time.
Espen *************
I needed TM 30 3 weeks ago when I extended.I tried the day before without but they told me I need it.
Matt *********
What if you’re just staying one night at different places?
Martial *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Matt ********
When I stay at friends, I would just book a cheap dorm for 1 night on the night before going to immigration, and ask them for issuing the Tm30. It worked each time in Bangkok (Laksi)
Helloo *****
@Martial ********
which dorm, please introduce. Tq
Martial *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Helloo ****
Any hostel that agrees to issue a TM30. I usually pick one in my area because they usually want me to be physically here for check-in. Even if I don't stay for the night. I ask them to print the online submission form so I have it ready at hand to go to immigration.

Note that at my last extension in March, they didn't ask me for TM30. It's a gamble.
Helloo *****
@Martial ********
thanks for your reply mate. Ok I will ask the hostel first before i book.
Helloo *****
@Martial ********
thanks for your info
Matt *********
@Martial ********
interesting. Thanks for the info
David *******
@Matt ********
each place must submit a new TM30.
Simon **********
It depends where you are. If you’re in Pattaya/Jomtien or Si Racha they might pick you up on it. These two offices will also definitely demand proof of where you are residing. Unless you use an agent.

If you’re doing it in Bangkok then you should be fine.
Bill *********
If you are not changing location and you informed immigration where you will stay during your visit, no. The TM30 must be filed every 90 days or if you change location like go to a hotel. You are here only 75 days. By the way, your landlord is either stupid or lying. Depending on what kind of visa he has he has to report every 90 days anyway so he probably IS filing a TM30 but just too stupid to know it. If you want to be safe, just file it yourself when you go to get your extension.
David *******
@Bill ********
the 90 day report and TM30 are not the same thing. Completely different requirements for different people under different sections of the law.

90-day report is a requirement for the foreigner.

TM30 is a requirement for the householder and is only done if someone new moves in.
Deanna *******
We did our own TM30s. Got a form from immigration, and supporting docs (immigration will give you a list), and just took it directly to them.
Bob ***********
@Deanna ******
Hi. Can I ask how you did your own? My landlord seems completely oblivious to TM30's! Oh well, they're nice people so it looks as though I'll just roll my own. Was it complex? Easy? Thanks.
Jw ********
@Deanna ******
We had to do our own too. I really do not think my landlord even knows what the fuck it is. When I asked, I only got the deer staring in the headlights response.
Deanna *******
@Jw *******
Yep. We got that same look. LOL
Blake ***********
It was required for me in BKK, CM, and lamphun. He can go online and report that you live there and get a digital one
Paul ********
Tell Immigration?? Your Landlord thinks Immigration a Mug's
David *******
The TM30 is a legal requirement for all homeowners to register any foreigner staying in their property.

It is not a requirement for an Extension BUT many Immigration Offices check if it’s been done when you ask for an Extension.

It is the house owner who is breaking the law and should be fined but it’s easier for the IO to fine you as you’re sat in front of them.

It shouldn’t stop you getting an Extension.

Personally, I’d move property if the owner refuses to submit a TM30.
Ivica ************
@David ******
In Jomtien imigration they always ask , me two times and guy i know he dont have Tm 30 they find him 1600 bht
Ivica ************
Yes , it,s not fair last year agent dont want make tm 30 for me and i loose almost four hours waiting at fuckin imigration to make tm 30 , reason is they always ask and is easy money for them the fine tourist, but never they botherd with owner of cindo🤨
David *******
@Ivica ***********
Yes, I’ve heard many reports of Jomtien doing this. It’s easy money for them. It’s why I said I’d move if the landlord refused to do a TM30.
Maxim ***********
@David ******
Finally someone who understands the law. I've dealt with many immigration offices, and I think I've been asked for TM30 on an extension twice in 10 years.
Incognia **********
@David ******
but normally they should force them for tm30 and if i sat in front of IO they should extend my visa.And force to pay fine owner.
Paul *******
Correct. Depends on the office whether they care about the TM30 or not.
Julie ****
The actual legal definition of the law in Section 38 of the Immigration Act of 1979 is:

“Landlords and leaseholders that receive a non-immigrant resident on their premises, have a legal obligation to report that individual to Thai immigration; this report needs to be completed within a 24-hour period of the non-immigrant resident’s arrival

Ref,
*******************************************************************************
Maxim ***********
@Julie ***
Section 38 has nothing to do with extensions, which is at the discretion of officers if they see fit.
Bonnie *******
The landlord knows you need one. He also knows he will get in trouble for not giving you one if you tell immigration
Maxim ***********
People saying it's an official law should know better... it depends on your location.
Marc ********
@Maxim **********
Actually you should know better and refraining from giving wrong infos
Maxim ***********
Section 38 has nothing to do with extensions, which is at the discretion of officers if they see fit.
Alistair **********
@Maxim **********
"Is there an official law I can refer to him?" that's what he asked... Is there a law. The answer is yes.

Are policies and requirements different between immigration offices. Yes, some ask for a TM30, some don't. But, the requirement for your landlord to file one exists no matter where you are in Thailand.
Maxim ***********
@Alistair *********
Yes, but the law doesn't include extension, so why even bother wasting energy. There is no point in being stubborn if I'm OP. He should just call immigration and ask instead of arguing with his landlord.
Alistair **********
@Maxim **********
not a single person said TM30 is a legal requirement to obtain an extension under immigration Act section 38... Not one
Alistair **********
@Maxim **********
why do you keep bringing up extensions?? He asked multiple questions... ONE of his questions was about the laws around landlords filing a TM30... Which I and many others pointed out is a legal requirement..
Maxim ***********
@Alistair *********
Both questions are connected. When OP says "What shall I do? Is there an official law I can refer to him? ", he is referring to his own personal situation related to his first question.
Alistair **********
@Maxim **********
of course they're connected. Say there was a law requiring TM30 for an extension he could show his landlord. Unless that law says his landlord has a legal requirement to submit one, it's completely useless. Whereas a law which states the legal requirement of the landlord is actually useful. Which is exactly what Section 38 says and exactly what he asked for.
Maxim ***********
@Alistair *********
It won't help OP because either his landlord has truly never had to file a TM30 (which means the nearest immigration doesn't ask for it) OR his landlord has something to hide so don't want to do it. Either way, better to call immigration first rather than confronting the landlord. I would personally never try to argue with landlord who is trying to dodge TM30.
Alistair **********
@Maxim **********
wasn't giving advice, plenty of people have already done that. Just answering his question regarding a law he can show his landlord.

I wouldn't bother either, immigration probably won't do anything and the fine is what 2000B to the landlord.
Alistair **********
@Maxim **********
Thailand. The law applies to Thailand.

Immigration Act 1979

"Section 38 The owner, owner or possessor of a dwelling place or a hotel manager who accepts aliens who are permitted to temporarily stay in the Kingdom Must notify the competent official at the immigration office located in the area where the house, dwelling place or hotel is located within twenty four hours from the time the alien enters the residence. If any locality does not have an immigration office located, inform the police officer at that local police station."
Stuart *********
What office are you intending to use? Someone with experience of that office may be able to say whether they require it or not.
Steve *******
It is an official law. 'Reporting an Alien in residence'.
Andy *******
Move, it's an official law.
Brandon ************
It varies office to office. In Bangkok it's usually not required, in ChiangMai it's always required.
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