What is the purpose of the 90-day report for expats in Thailand?

The answer is self evident.

makes sense. they should charge for the biometric scanning at the point of entry. .

So they can fine you when you fail to do it. It's ridiculously stupid.

A police state....!? Just a thought..!

The purpose of 90 days report, is that immigration like to know where foreigners stay ( Whereabout )

So with the DTV you need to report after 90 days ?

You have to report to immigration every 90 days staying in Thailand

If you live and come back..

The 90 days start over the day you enter if thailand..

If you stay less than 90 days.. you don't have to report..

Only TM30 by your landlord (hotel or whoever you stay) must register your stay at the immigration

I think the Thai 90 day report is ridiculous but here is what ChatGPT lists as the reasons

The 90-day reporting requirement for expatriates in Thailand is part of the country's immigration control system. It serves several key purposes:

1. Monitoring Foreign Residents: The Thai government needs to track the presence and whereabouts of foreigners residing in the country for security, regulatory, and administrative purposes. Regular reporting helps ensure that expats are complying with visa rules and not overstaying or living in the country illegally.

2. Preventing Overstays: The system helps authorities prevent foreign nationals from overstaying their visas, which could lead to fines, deportation, or blacklisting. By requiring frequent checks, the government ensures that people who are in the country on long-term visas remain compliant with their visa conditions.

3. Updating Records: Immigration officers need to have up-to-date information about expats' addresses in case they need to contact them for any legal or official reasons. This could be for security reasons, emergencies, or legal matters like work permits or visa renewals.

4. Regulating Foreign Employment and Stay: The requirement helps the government maintain control over the number of foreigners living and working in the country. It also ensures that expats are abiding by the terms of their visa, such as working or staying within the scope of their permitted activities.

By mandating periodic address reporting, Thailand can keep better track of foreign nationals living in the country, ensuring compliance with immigration laws and maintaining national security.

If this is your first 90-day after entering Thailand, the online reporting may not work. You will need to do it at your nearest immigration office with your TM30, TM47 and photocopy of your passport.