My landlord (Airbnb) refuses to fill out the TM30 form, what are my options? I want to apply for the TIN number
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TLDR : Answer Summary
If your Airbnb landlord refuses to fill out the TM30 form, which is mandatory under Thai law for foreigners staying at their property, you have several options: 1. Move to a different rental that complies with TM30 filing requirements. 2. Try to file a TM30 acknowledgment yourself at the local immigration office, depending on their policies. 3. Attempt to apply for a TIN without the TM30, though results may vary by office. 4. Pressure the landlord calmly about the legal implications of not filing the TM30. 5. As a last resort, report the landlord to Immigration, keeping in mind this may end your rental agreement. Ensure you clearly communicate the legal obligations involved.
TM30 is a legal requirement for your landlord and is a criminal offense to ignore. he/she should basically be filing tm30s for all tenants which i think they can just do online themselves. Plus airbnb, or any rental/accomodation offering less than 30 day stay needs a hotel licence registered with the DOPA. Thats also a criminal offence (you can check the register online to see if he/she/thehotel is on there.
if it were me, ide just send her/him a screenshot of googles advice on it which will be its a legal requirement for both of you. If they cant because their subletting they need to get the real landlrod to do it. If none of that works, leave. you dont need problems with your own visa over someone elses dodgyness lol
Under Thai law, the property owner or host must file the TM30 when a foreigner stays at their property. That duty sits with the landlord, not you. Immigration uses TM30 records to confirm your address. The Thai Revenue Department doesn’t always require the TM30 itself, but many local offices cross-check Immigration records when issuing a TIN. Airbnb hosts often refuse because • they’re renting illegally (no hotel licence) • they don’t want Immigration attention • they don’t know the rule and don’t care.
Your realistic options (ranked from cleanest to nuclear):
1. Move to a place that will file TM30 (cleanest). If you want zero friction • short-term serviced apartment • hotel • proper condo landlord used to foreigners. Once the TM30 is filed, you can • go to Immigration for confirmation if needed • apply for your TIN without drama. This is the path lawyers use when time matters.
2. File a TM30 acknowledgment yourself (sometimes works). Legally this is not your obligation, but in practice some Immigration offices allow • passport • lease or Airbnb booking • proof of stay. They may • log your address • issue a receipt or acknowledgment • tell you to pressure the owner. This depends entirely on the officer and province; Bangkok and tourist areas are stricter.
3. Apply for a TIN without TM30 (hit-or-miss). Some Revenue offices will issue a TIN with • passport • visa • address declaration • reason for TIN (banking, tax, business, future income). Key point • the Revenue Department does not own TM30 enforcement • some offices don’t care • others will quietly ask Immigration. If rejected, it’s administrative, not legal—try another branch.
4. Put pressure on the Airbnb host (often works fast). Calm but firm message • TM30 is mandatory • failure exposes them to fines • you’re being blocked from legal compliance. Many hosts suddenly “figure it out” once they realise they’re the one at risk, not you.
5. Report the host (last resort). You can report to Thai Immigration Bureau. Reality check • this may force TM30 filing • it may also get you kicked out • it will definitely end the relationship. Only use this if you’re already planning to leave.
I had a similar experience and got help from Airbnb. I quoted the local rule that states landlord/lessor is required to apply for, obtain and provide renter with copy of tm30 within 24 hours of arrival. It was a day or 2 but the landlord did get it. They have too much at stake if they plan to keep renting on Airbnb. BTW ignore comments re Airbnb illegal. Only <30 day leases are not allowed, if enforced.
You dont need a tm30 while applying for a tax ID....you will become a tax resident only if you stayed more than 180days in a calendar in thailand ....at the revenue office u filled up a form details of your passport, contact number (thai) and your address in thailand....the staff at revenue office dont look at your tm30 or residency cert
Thank you for this interesting comment, how could you prove to the tax department that you’ve lived in Thailand 181 days or longer? Are they in direct contact with immigration or is there an extra bureaucratic step I should take?
Anonymous participant visit a tax revenue office (สำนักงานสรรพากร) and get your answers......becoming a tax resident is one thing do you have to pay tax is another.....I have gotten myself a tax id but after submitting my tax returns (home) and statements of thai bank acct with incoming funds from overseas ...the assessment officer send me home without paying any tax due to double tax avoidance.....everyone's scenario is different depending on country and treaty between the 2 countries
In these cases they are not the actual owner - i come to find out anyway - but its law for them to do it goto the government agency esp immigration and tell them they are refusing they will get a call from them
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