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Answered6 years ago

What are the requirements and procedures for staying with a friend in Thailand regarding the TM30 residence notifications?

Thailand Visa TM30 Residence Notification Expats in Thailand Migration Procedures Overstay Penalties Current Immigration Policies

Jai ********

OP

asked Nov 24, 2020

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I'm at Muang Thong Thani Immigration K Counter right now.

Today, they are "very serious about residence, Na". That's the TM30.

You HAVE to have the printed form if it was completed online by a landlord. If, like me, you're staying with friends in various places as you travel you have a lot more work to do. See below.

Your friend has to prove that you are staying with them. There are several ways they can do this but they seem to require some legwork. (I don't know what I'm going to do as my friend is working in Phuket until after my visa expires.) I've included pictures of the forms they'll require.

Also, there are new forms you're required to sign saying why you're staying (C-19 related) and that you understand the penalties of overstay.

EDIT: I added pictures of the new (to me) forms as well.

Answer summary

While at Muang Thong Thani Immigration, the user emphasizes the new strictness surrounding the TM30 residence notification, particularly for expats staying with friends. A valid printed TM30 form is essential, whether completed online by a landlord or otherwise. Friends must prove the stay through various documents, which can require significant effort. New forms concerning COVID-19 and penalties for overstaying must also be signed. Users describe challenges faced regarding the TM30 and share experiences about the bureaucracy involved in visa extensions. There is a strong sentiment about needing better clarity and cooperation from officials.

90 repliesnewest first

23

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Ahron ********

Ahron ********

Jai, what are the specific steps to take if staying with a friend? You dont really specify.

1

Ahron ********

Ahron ********

what do you mean by receipt

0

Ahron ********

Ahron ********

thanks this is so ridiculous. So if I have significant savings I should be good? The friend is not the owner, so they cant be the "landlord".

1

Ahron ********

Ahron ********

I usually book a hotel for the night before, but small hotels have stopped filing tm30 because they have no foreign customers. So I'm still shopping around.

You're idea is good, but there will be no tm30 on file for me, and I'm concerned they will say I need proof of where I stayed previously.

1

Ahron ********

Ahron ********

And they will not fine the hotel?

0

Jai ********

Jai ********

OP

She didn't tell me. Just said: get these documents from your friend and come back when you have them.

0

Ahron ********

Ahron ********

Are they going to fine your friend like they fine landlords?

0

Jai ********

Jai ********

OP

I dunno. I hope not.

0

Ahron ********

Ahron ********

Which documents specifically? Do you also need the landlords info? What is the evidence necessary to prove you live there?

0

Ahron ********

Ahron ********

Which documents specifically? Do you also need the landlords info?

0

Michael *********

Michael *********

A most helpful officer at Samut Sakhon IO suggested in late SEP that I could check into a nearby inexpensive hotel for at least one night and then bring with me the hotel-issued resident proof to apply for a 30-day visa extension.

This is one alternative for tourists to bye-pass (!) long delays as well as self-knowingly rude and sadistically uncommunicative officers at infamous IOs.

Isn't this option still available?

0

Michael *********

Michael *********

Jerem Groizard

If you decide to go it alone next time, you will have an easier time at SS IO.

0

Michael *********

Michael *********

Jerem Groizard

If you still have time, take a trip to Samut Sakhon (SS) IO tomorrow and ask to see the young male officer who speaks English (he told me he is an immigration police officer) and ask him for options.

0

Michael *********

Michael *********

Jerem Groizard

This was the first $ visa extension (30 days) made available weeks before the expiry date of the visa amnesty (26 SEP).

The former general kept playing the fear game to the very end, only to show mercy a few days later, thereby pushing forward the final amnesty date to 31 OCT.

Maybe this new 60-day COVID extension comes with residence rules that are new, different and far more stringent than previous rules?

0

Ty *****

Ty *****

May I ask is TM30(notification of residence) & TM47(90days report) also process at mueang thon thani?

0

Jai ********

Jai ********

OP

I don't know how to answer your question. I'm sorry.

1

Michael *********

Michael *********

From my experiences dealing with Thai Immigration, I will say that Samut Sakhon IO has been the most helpful and provided the best services thus far.

The two young officers (guy and lady) who tried to help me, spoke perfect English and were pro-active in giving me pertinent information. The man even offered to give me his mobile number to help and guide me, after I told him that MTT had run out of appointment slots for visa extension back in late September.

When I finally made my decision, in front of him, to save all the trouble and leave Thailand the following day, the man had the presence of mind to tell me that he was sure I would soon come back to Thailand.

IOs, that's how it's done. Courtesy. Care. Working beyond the call of duty. Exploring all available options. In short, professionalism with plenty of sympathy.

If you need to apply for a COVID tourist visa extension and are not beholden to the IO in your jurisdiction, by all means visit Samut Sakhon IO.

Samut Sakhon IO can be seen on the left side of Thanon Ekkachai shortly after crossing the provincial border coming from Bangkok. I am sure buses run regularly along Thanon Ekkachai. Plus, the railway to that world-renowned, well-rehearsed patchwork trainride market passes nearby, as shown on Google Map.

Samut Sakhon Immigration

17 หมู่ 3 ถนนเอกชัย-บางบอน ต.บางน้ำจืด เมือง Samut Sakhon

*****

, Thailand

+66 34 867 666

*****************************************

4

Michael *********

Michael *********

Try calling the number above for SS IO and asking for the young male immigration police officer who speaks perfect English. He seems knowledgeable.

2

Jai ********

Jai ********

OP

Thank you so much for all your help 🙏🏻

0

Michael *********

Michael *********

Jerem Groizard

Call SS IO first. I see an office phone number listed for them on Google Map.

0

Jai ********

Jai ********

OP

Thank you for the suggestion, I'll keep it in mind!

@Chinems ***********************

Thank you for the second!

1

Chinems ************************

Chinems ************************

.. I have been there.. Very good officers there, so helpful, no stress!

1

David ********

David ********

I can't fault them myself after seeing the damage caused in the UK by the virus. They have done a magnificent job of keeping it out and that is part of the reason why I am going there.

0

マレー *****

マレー *****

I finally just got my extension. They made me pay for 3 days over fine even though it was their fault. And then they took a photo of me with my son like they needed proof. This country is so over the top. Not sure I can do it much longer.

3

Jai ********

Jai ********

OP

@Jaymie *******

🙄 At least you got it, I guess. I had to give up. I couldn't deal with anymore. I still have a few days left so I can try again tomorrow.

0

マレー *****

マレー *****

ah shit yea. They do make it very difficult. I came in 3 months ago so went through the expensive ASQ process to be here with my son. But honestly they are making me wish I hadn’t. I can see why people are less interested in Thailand than they used to be. Anyway don’t give up. Do you have some Thai friends that can help?

1

Jai ********

Jai ********

OP

@Jaymie *******

Thanks 😊 And, yeah, over the months I've also seen lots of people lose it completely. It does take a lot of patience.

1

マレー *****

マレー *****

yea that’s true. As far as visa goes I’d rather be here too. I’ve spent 2 days at the office and it’s funny how many people I saw Lose their shit haha. I will say the staff were all friendly though. Good luck tomorrow

0

Jai ********

Jai ********

OP

@Jaymie *******

Yes, I do have Thai friends to help. They'll be with me tomorrow. It's just the main one I'm staying with is out of town 😭😭

I'd still rather be here than back in America. My mother and closest friends have all told me that they hope I can stay out because it's gotten that bad where I'm from. But, going back (vetoed) or moving to another country has crossed my mind in recent months (because of way more than just immigration). So I feel you on almost regretting coming here.

0

Oscar ********

Oscar ********

Is it possible to just pay the fee to get the extension then file the TM30 after? My landlord is not cooperating and there might not be enough time to sort it before end of the month.

0

Heng **********

Heng **********

Why so many forms Jai?

0

Jai ********

Jai ********

OP

@Srey *********

No idea.

0

Steve *******

Steve *******

You've always signed a form stating you understand the penalties for overstaying when applying for any extention of stay.

1

Sen ********

Sen ********

Appreciate sharing this to us..🥂

1

Travis *******

Travis *******

So did you get approved for 60 days? Until the end of Jan?

0

Jai ********

Jai ********

OP

Nope. Had to leave and will fight the battle another day. I'm glad I started this early. Had I waited til the last minute to find this out I would be panicking.

1

Travis *******

Travis *******

Thanks for the info. If I go there I'll be sure to bring a print out of the online reporting. Since you said it's required. Which is strange if it's already been filed and is in the system 🤔

1

Jai ********

Jai ********

OP

Thanks!

0

Travis *******

Travis *******

lol. Thanks for all the info and good luck to you as well!

1

Jai ********

Jai ********

OP

No, they need blood from your first born child, too, even if they aren't conceived yet. 🤣 Sorry.

I honestly don't know. What I pictured is what they needed today, at that point in the process. Had I passed this point, they may have wanted even more. I have no idea. TIT. Tomorrow, it may be different.

You can get copies there so don't worry about that part. They'll give you the forms, so don't worry about that either. Bring the ฿1900 fee just in case (I didn't get that far so I don't know if they're charging it now or not), photos, passport, and make sure your landlord did your TM30 online. They can look that up if they feel like it. If not, the officer upstairs may print it out for you if they feel like it (the lady said they might print out out). It's best to bring a printout with you if possible just to be safe.

Good luck 🙏🏻🙏🏻

0

Travis *******

Travis *******

So i make an appointment online, bring passport photos and photocopies, fill out tm7 and covid form and bring in a print out of the online registration from my hotel? That's it?

0

Jai ********

Jai ********

OP

Yep. Be sure to have you confirmation notice up.

0

Travis *******

Travis *******

Did you need to book an appointment online?

0

Jai ********

Jai ********

OP

She didn't even look at her computer, let alone look it up. I don't know... TIT

0

Ashley ********

Ashley ********

I thought they had dropped the TM30.

obviously I was mistaken.

1

Tod *********

Tod *********

The TM30 was NOT dropped or discontinued. The only change is IF you have a "primary address" where you filed a TM30 to get your yearly extension, you don't need to refile when you travel around inside the country and come back to that address.

Tourists <- by their very nature don't have a primary address so they need to prove via a TM30 that they're staying where they say AND it's an easy 800baht fine for people who don't have one filed that immigration can pick up :P

2

Ashley ********

Ashley ********

okay so in effect it’s kind of dropped for me as I have a primary address in Thailand 🇹🇭

1

マレー *****

マレー *****

I’m at immigration with the same shit.

0

Jai ********

Jai ********

OP

@Jaymie *******

Good luck

0

マレー *****

マレー *****

thanks, you too. So lucky my partner is here or I’d be struggling

1

Martin ***********

Martin ***********

THAILAND IS TOO STRICT,people need to stop going there and let there economy die...Then maybe they will learn...

6

Michael *********

Michael *********

The Malaysian government is smarter.

Malays know they are competing dismally against Thailand in the tourism industry.

They compensate for this by adjusting their visa policies to allow relatively rich passport holders to enter visa-free, stay for up to 90 days per entry and re-enter without limit.

0

Michael *********

Michael *********

Martin Gillespie

I am always unwilling to give up my Baht at the IO, for reasons we tourist-felons know.

I would rather give it to my Thai friends or others who really deserve or need it.

0

James ********

James ********

@Martin **********

sombody sounds pissed of 😂

0

Martin ***********

Martin ***********

yes,im not an ass sucker.When yournot being treated well,you dont give them your business and money.

1

Michael *********

Michael *********

Thai officials, many of whom still have some Chinese blood in them, love tourists from China. Who are usually honest spenders and ethical followers of Confucian/Buddhist teachings.

Plus, which business doesn't love Chinese money nowadays?

It is easy money for Thailand, given up nonchalantly by the nouveaux-riches from China who enjoy the warmth and exoticness of Thailand while still feeling at ease in a culture reminding them of home.

0

Tod *********

Tod *********

Feel better after that rant do you

?

0

Martin ***********

Martin ***********

rant,can't handle the truth Tod ? When people treat you bad,you dont give them your business or money.

1

マレー *****

マレー *****

@Martin **********

I honestly think this as well. We need to go elsewhere. Was in Phillipines and was so easy. Unfortunately the food is shit

0

Jai ********

Jai ********

OP

@Martin **********

I really do think they want us gone. They don't want expats who buy stuff once to keep it and homestead. They want to make room for the constant stream of ultra-rich, big spending tourists that the new special visas are targeting.

1

Michael *********

Michael *********

Thailand is becoming more like Myanmar in its tourism policies.

A military junta policing foreigners' daily activities.

2

Маркус *****

Маркус *****

2

Маркус *****

Маркус *****

I just back from Muangthong they fine me 800 baht

0

Michael *********

Michael *********

David Broadfoot

You have just described Big Brother Myanmar.

Thais in general don't bother reporting and IOs in the south usually don't check.

0

Маркус *****

Маркус *****

Maybe I’m lucky man

0

Маркус *****

Маркус *****

David Broadfoot

0

Маркус *****

Маркус *****

1

Michael *********

Michael *********

Маркус Лим

I still don't know why you were fined. For a tourist to remain at his stated residence for the entirety of stay in Thailand defeats the purpose of touring.

I was curious, because I was visiting and staying at a different location almost every day while traveling on a bicycle.

1

Michael *********

Michael *********

Did you lie about your residence?

0

Маркус *****

Маркус *****

this my first time man

0

Маркус *****

Маркус *****

0

Маркус *****

Маркус *****

2

Маркус *****

Маркус *****

report where I stay

2

MJ ****

MJ ****

Where did you get your last Visa Madam? Before you go in Muangthong?

0

Michael *********

Michael *********

Jai Cutler

It was too much work for her.

IOs know they are pulling the strings.

You are still here after all and give the impression you wish to stay for a long time.

Only one way to get out of all this ...

1

Jai ********

Jai ********

OP

I was in Samutprakan before so I went to that office. But once I moved to stay with this friend, in particular, who lives in BKK I had to start coming to MTT.

0

MJ ****

MJ ****

oh IC. yes they normally required that one when you came from the province then moved to Bangkok.

0

Jai ********

Jai ********

OP

She didn't even look at where I had been before. Asked if I had the TM30, said to get it printed ahead of time if done online, or get documents #1-4 and then come back once I have all that. She didn't look at anything on the computer to see where else I had been.

2

Marguyvin **********

Marguyvin **********

How do they prove it? Photos? Or ???

0

Michael *********

Michael *********

The onus is on your Thai friends to show concrete proof, as their word in front of an IO does not pass muster.

Thai officials seem to be their own worst enemies, unwittingly helping more and more Thais turn against them and, in turn, sympathize with the protest movement.

I am far more convinced by Thai Tourist Office's slogan: Amazing Thailand! One can really feel the very essence of Thailand nowadays.

1

Jai ********

Jai ********

OP

I don't know. I guess these documents signed by the friend is the proof.

0

Todd *********

Todd *********

All good arguments for using an agent...

0

Seth *********

Seth *********

Saw that one thanks tod 😁

1

Michael *********

Michael *********

LOL @ "afordable agent bkk"

These three words should never be juxtaposed when mentioning Thai visas.

0

Dave *********

Dave *********

I was told only the other day ..that this nonsense was pushed aside.. when will all this crap ever stop..😡😡😡

3

Dave *********

Dave *********

and it came from a GM at one the big hotels..he told me personally they dont do it anymore.. perhaps the BiB immigration are bored and looking for ways to extract more money 🤪🤪

0

Tod *********

Tod *********

The hotels have been doing TM30's online for probably 15 years now. They didn't discontinue it, the country discontinued the tourists :P

I think you were told wrong..

2

Dave *********

Dave *********

I will speak to the GM of the hotel ..but that was the reply I got..all the hotels have to report paying guests ..thats it..I live in an apartment in Ratchada.. been there 20 years ..never been asked by immigration .. never go to immigration except once a year..thats it.. was wondering thats all as im now in ASQ

0

Daniel ************

Daniel ************

normal papers to sign - also the overstay paper is pretty long used already -

0

Jai ********

Jai ********

OP

@Daniel ***********

Well, they were new to me in the months I've been here. I'm not saying they are abnormal. I'm just giving a heads-up to anyone who might appreciate it.

0

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