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

May 2, 2023
2 years ago
Jo **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
A issue that has been puzzling for a while. I have had long term stays in other countries and there was equivalent of 90 day reporting. What is the government’s purpose on this? what is it supposed to accomplish? i think a waste of time.
2,587
views
4
likes
60
all likes
20
replies
0
images
12
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The 90-day reporting requirement in Thailand has sparked curiosity and debate among expats. While some view it as a relic of outdated immigration practices, others suggest it serves as a form of monitoring. Despite initial frustrations, those holding the Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa, which allows for annual reporting, may find this requirement less relevant as frequent travelers might bypass it altogether. Overall, the community reflects on the necessity of such regulations given the advancements in technology and visa oversight.
LONG TERM RESIDENT (LTR) VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Bill **********
Does Immigration still offer the online 90 day check in after the first walk in live 90 day update?
Stuart *********
@Bill *********
yes.
*******************************************
Thomas *********
When in Rome comes to mind.
Tony ********
Online
Phil ********
To ensure we’re not dead yet?
****************************
Todd *********
Your LTR saves you from 90 day reporting though. No need
Mike *******
Yes, it has always puzzled me too. Once a country grants you a visa, they have already decided that you can stay for the duration of the visa. Any form of monitoring in between serves no purpose, other than make the involved officials look productive.
Paul *******
However aren't you on that new LTR visa? If so, it's only a once yearly reporting requirement..also, if like many of us you travel internationally a lot, no reporting is necessary as long as make at least one exit and re-entry per 90 days (or 12 months in your case).
Jo **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ******
yes on LTR and fly out frequently so it likely I will never need to report. but saw the sign 90 day reporting, and was curious
Paul *******
Do you mean to say "I've had long stays in other countries and there was NO equivalent of 90 day reporting"? Well, you'd be right. Not even Communist Laos, Communist Vietnam and Communist China require this. However, all three do require something similar to a TM30 to be done. In China, reporting must be done each time you come back from abroad, even if you don't change your address. Not reporting your address in Beijing can lead to refusal of re-entry on your next visit.

In the past, reporting requirements for foreigners traveling or living in Communist countries were even more cumbersome, but they've now been greatly simplified.
John ********
It's all about BIG brother is watching you all the time as is the tm30 just a waste of time
Adrien **********
@John *******
I think tm30 is to not allow people to go to another immigration. Like some province are really easy going and make reporting a decent experience. They help you if you are missing stuff or whatnot, they dont just yell 'get xxx now get out of here' after a 1h queue...
John ********
@Adrien *********
the tm30 is for your landlord or hotel to report to the immigration that you are staying in their hotel or condo, its just another way to keep a eye on us
Colin *********
@John *******
maybe, but it's likely that it's similar (thought anyway) to here in Australia...Government 'pen pushers' behind it to make sure that their cushy overpaid positions don't become defunct
Paul *******
@Colin ********
Yes but Australia doesn't do Orwellian things like have police officers do random checks on foreigners in nightclubs and when driving down a highway and demand passports to check for overstay. They don't demand foreign nationals do a TM30 or TM47 either.

Every country has its bureaucracy but Thailands is clearly much more creepy and privacy breaching than anything a western country demands of foreign nationals once they arrive in that country.
John ********
@Colin ********
without any doubt you are right
Stuart *********
It’s a throw back to the Jurassic era where there were no computers or phones and immigration wanted to know you were still where you said you were.

Complete waste of time for all involved. But TIT.
Paul *******
@Stuart ********
I thought it had something to do with all the Cambodian and Vietnamese refugees in the country back in 1979 but now it's clearly used just for control.

No other country makes you report your address every 90 days, it's pretty Orwellian when you think about it.
Jo **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
ok I thought something like that now it’s confirmed
เจสัน ******
@Jo *********
Ask yourself what are the Immigration restrictions in your country of citizenship and whether they compare.. But don't worry Jo....you leave enough of a digital footprint to be traced. 😉
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else