What should I do about TM30 updates after traveling within Thailand and returning to Chiang Mai?

Aug 4, 2018
6 years ago
Rob ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi all. I have yet another TM30 question (probably only applicable to Chiang Mai province residents).

My wife and I recently returned from an overseas trip. We both have a status of valid non-O extensions based on retirement. The day after we re-entered Thailand, we went to the second floor Promenada immigration office and they updated our TM30 by logging in our latest arrival date on the computer and putting a small date stamp on the form. This was easy and took only a few minutes of waiting with no paperwork or forms needed which coincided with what other people told us on this forum.

We're now planning on taking a trip that involves driving to Bangkok, leaving the car in a long term lot and flying to Vietnam. Upon returning to Bangkok by air, we'll then be traveling further south by car for about four to five weeks before returning to Chiang Mai.

Since the TM30 updates only seem to matter in CM, are we expected to then go to Promenada five weeks after arriving back in Thailand to update the TM30 and try explaining that the reason we couldn't come within 24 hours after arrival (or even 7 days) was due to our onward travels within Thailand?

Will they fine or scold us for being late? And if we don't bother updating the TM30 is there a chance that the next time we do a 90 day report online it will be denied due to a conflict between the latest arrival date on file and the now outdated TM30 date stamp? My understanding is you can only update the TM30 in the province it's valid for so it sounds like going to a Bangkok immigration office after returning isn't an option and they wouldn't care anyway because only CM makes you do this redundant and tedious task every time you leave Thailand.

I should mention we've successfully done our last two 90 day reports online and I know you need to fill in your last arrival date as well as the current visa number (we used the visa number on our re-entry permit when we filled out our new arrival card since I'd asked that question previously and that worked just fine).

I know the question sounds kind of redundant and unnecessary but I'd rather go waste a day in Bangkok if need be than pay unnecessary fines or argue with immigration folks. And the obvious answer of flying from CM instead of BKK is not an option we prefer so please avoid that answer. Thanks to all.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking advice on TM30 updates after a trip outside Thailand and traveling domestically. They re-entered Thailand with a valid non-O retirement visa and updated their TM30 at the Promenada immigration office in Chiang Mai. Now, they plan to travel from Bangkok for several weeks. They are concerned about updating their TM30 upon return to Chiang Mai after a prolonged absence and whether they will face any penalties for not updating within the usual timeframe. Commenters advise that TM30 updates should be done when back in Chiang Mai and suggest keeping proof of travel to avoid issues.
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Tod *********
You couldn't even file a TM.30 in Bangkok anyway seeing as you don't use that immigration office for your extensions or visa stuff and have a chiang mai address.

Just go update your TM.30 receipt when you get back to Chiang Mai (and if you can have some proof that shows you were staying in hotels or other places after you entered thailand but before you got back to Chiang Mai).
Rob ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Sounds good. Thanks as usual for the fast response. They are fairly easy going at the second floor of promenada so hopefully won’t be an issue if we bring receipts for hotels or Airbnb’s.
Tod *********
you file a TM.30 when you get "home" where ever that is (which in your case is chiang mai). So don't worry about doing a TM.30 while traveling inside the country when you re-enter the country.
Rob ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David *********
they are. Hence my post that stated it’s probably for CM residents
David **********
@Rob *******
the onus always lies with the individual and depends on how strict the immigration is, ie: Nonthaburi immigration say you don't have to report at all after leaving the country and coming back, Chiang Mai from what I have read are pretty strict on it.
Rob ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
David Mcmillan but I see the point. Technically, the responsibility to report lies with the proprietor or landlord of any place I stay once returning to Thailand that’s not the place on file as per my TM30.

But that’s kind of independent from my own responsibility to update the TM30 within 24 hours after re entering Thailand. According to the letter of their law the only way to comply is to fly back to Chiang Mai or drive across a border that’s close enough to the CM immigration office to make it there within 24 hours. So continuing to travel within Thailand once returning is technically subject to fines for failing to update a TM30 on a timely basis. Stupid rule. That’s why I posted the question
David **********
Robert Lagas I think people are talking about a personal appearance at there own immigration office, not hotels as that is the hotels responsibility I believe?
Robert *******
For
@Gunmetal ******
, if you go to Phuket the House owners, heads of household, landlords or managers of hotels who accommodate foreign national has to make that report within 24 hours after your arrival.
Robert *******
Not sure how you all read this: There is this law: "According to section 38 of the 1979 immigration act, "House owners, heads of household, landlords or managers of hotels who accommodate foreign nationals on a temporary basis who stay in the kingdom legally, must notify the local immigration authorities within 24 hours from the time of arrival of the foreign national." If there is no immigration office in the province or locality of the respective house or hotel, the notification is made to the local police station." As you can read there is no mention of only when you get home or only return to eventually address that is notified with tm 28.
David **********
David Broadfoot 100% correct, it's the return to the registered address,
Pedro **********
So are you saying that if my 'registered' home is in Pattaya, and if I were to travel to Phuket (say for 2 months) , then I do not need to notify immigration/police in Phuket ?
Pedro **********
oh i thought one had to report their location of stay within 24 hours of re-entering the country or changing place of stay.
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