Answered3 years ago
What is the purpose of the 90-day reporting requirement for expats in Thailand?
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.
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 While some view it as a relic of outdated immigration practices, others suggest it serves as a form of monitoring.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.
20 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
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 **********
OP@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 curiousPaul *******
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.
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 defunctPaul *******
@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 rightStuart *********
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.
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 **********
OP@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. 😉Activity
13 joined13
people
Related
25How far in advance can I apply for the 90-day reporting in Thailand, and what documents do I need?
373252mo
What should I do if I missed my 90-day report in Thailand?
423104mo
Do both spouses need a separate TM30 for 90-day reporting in Thailand?
642396mo
Where can I download the TM47 90-day reporting form for Thailand?
7.1k291447mo
Is the TM30 now required for a 90-day report at Chaeng Watthana Immigration?
1.3k1171y
What is the difference between TM47 and TM30 in Thailand?
9.7k571641y
Is the immigration office in Bangkok open for the 90-day report and what documents do I need?
2.6k2472y
What documents are required for the first 90-day reporting at immigration on DTV in Thailand?
1.4k1142y
What is the process for filing a TM30 and 90-day report in Thailand for expats?
2.5k20132y
How do I report my address in Thailand if I don't have a rental contract?
3.1k26172y
Do DTV Holders Need to Make 90-Day Reporting in Thailand?
5.2k41512y
Can my friend do his 90-day reporting in Koh Samui with a retirement visa?
2.6k14363y
What date should I enter for the 90-day reporting in Thailand: my arrival date or my extension date?
2.3k11353y
What is the current status of the TM30 registration app and website in Thailand?
1.1k593y
Is the first 90-day reporting in Thailand still required to be done in person?
9653133y
What are the implications for US passport holders in Thailand regarding 90-day reporting as of March 1, 2023?
820534y
What should I do if my 90-day reporting for my Thai visa is still pending after filing online?
739344y
Do I need to make a 90-day reporting for my stay in Thailand on a COVID extension?
49824y
What are the steps for reporting residence in Thailand and why was I fined for overstaying?
1.2k864y
Do I need to complete my 90-day report if I'm traveling and return just before the due date?
704425y
Is the TM30 filing required for a 30-day extension in Thailand and where can I find the online registration?
1k95y
Do I need to report my 90-day TM30 notification at Samut Prakan after extending my ED Visa at Chang Wattana?
1.5k10117y
What should I do if my landlord refuses to file a TM30 for my visa extension in Thailand?
4407y
What should I be aware of when using the online service for 90-day reporting in Thailand?
1.1k6107y
Can everyone do the 90-day reporting online in Thailand, or is it limited to certain areas?
531228y
Resources
Need help with 90-day reporting?
Trusted service that gets people to a real agent fast