Hi, wonderful advice givers! Another question, not sure if this is for this group or not.....when I arrive, on my non-immigrant O visa, I know I have to quickly open a bank account for the required 60 days 'sitting' period before I get the extension. To do that, I need a thai phone number and address, correct? I plan on renting an air b&B for a month while I look for a more permanent place. Will the air B&B landlord do a TM30 for me for just a one month stay in order for me to open the bank account? The alternative is to get a hotel for a week and just dive in and rent a place for 6-12 months immediately. Any sage wisdom would be appreciated! THANK YOU!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Upon arriving in Thailand on a Non-Immigrant O visa, it's important to open a bank account, which requires a TM30 form and a certificate of residence. If renting an Airbnb, confirm with your host that they can file the TM30 for you. Many hosts may not be aware of the new filing process. Alternatively, staying in a hotel for at least one night may suffice to receive the TM30. Remember that Airbnb rentals for less than 30 days are technically illegal, and consider using a serviced apartment to avoid issues. Consult an agent for assistance with immigration processes and documentation for longer stays.
I stayed in a hotel for the 1st week ....signed a 6mths lease on the 2nd week...open a bank acct with kasikron (they let me open the acct with nonO and lease agreement never ask for residency cert)....dint know about the TM30 while applying for the 1yr extensions......was advised by the immigration officer to do a TM30 in another counter (same building CW bkk)with my lease agreement once its done went back to same immigration officer to process my 1yr extension
Airbnb, it is technically illegal to rent it out. But not to rent it. Most Condo’s strictly forbid it.
So if the lease of law forbid it you’re on a sticky wicket as far as your TM30. Far better a serviced apartment. It must be legit. One month wherever is ample time to find a condo to rent long term. The onus is on the supplier or landlord to complete the TM30 for you. The Banks have strict protocols for opening accounts. So you really need to have your ducks in a line here. Which is why for your first extension I’d strongly recommend an agent to take care of it all for you. Money well spent.
You don't need to book a hotel for a week, one night will do to get a TM30 and you just need to check in and pay, no need to stay there when you have your TM30. The seasoning requirements for an extension is two (calendar) months, not 60 days by the way.
I would do what you suggest because 1 month will give you time to seek out a decent area to live.
There is nothing worse than signing a contract for 12 months then finding out you have a garage starting outside every morning at 7am, or soi dogs congregating outside your window.
Well, there are many worse things but you get the gist? 😁 To avoid that, get a pool facing condo if you're opting for a condo. High floor to avoid street noise and mozzies is also advisable as is not having your room opposite or next to the elevator or public stairwell
Julie Loving Ive made all those mistakes! Which is why, when I see condos for rent in the groups, I always want to see a pic from the balcony so you know what is outside.
I usually have an agent with 3 or 4 viewings for me in 1 day and choose that way
As per Thai law, any property whether a residence or business that accommodates a foreigner whether at a fee such as a rental property/hotel or private residence legally has to file a TM30 within 24 hours from your arrival. Many hosts don’t or can’t if they don’t have the proper rights on the property such as being the owner of the property or a proper lease that allows subleasing which isn’t really a thing in Thailand.
Best advice same as you already got in the other comment, check with the host beforehand if not book a hotel and ask the Hotel for a TM30. Any property legally has to provide a TM30 even if you only stay for one night. Again most hotels will not file this unless you ask them too especially on short stays.
Some older landlords are not familiar with the “newer” online TM30 system although it has already been around for a couple of years, back in the day they would have to go down to Immigration to file it with their Tabian Bans, Id and a copy of your passport. Now it takes less then two minutes online
When I know I'm going to need a TM30, and I plan on using an AirBNB, I always message the owner before I book. I ask them if they will do a TM30 for me. If they refuse, then I don't book that property and I keep looking for one that will.
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