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What should I do if my friend refuses to file a TM30 for me while I'm in Thailand on a visa exemption?
Feb 9, 2026
3 months ago
Chris *********
ORIGINAL POSTERI've been in Thailand for 17 days on a VISA exemption from the US. I'm staying in a friend's home and he refuses to file a TM30. I spoke with an agent who said she didn't know but would ask. Waiting for her to get back to me.
How much of a problem is this? What should I do?
Thank you.
How much of a problem is this? What should I do?
Thank you.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is concerned about not having a TM30 form filed while staying in Thailand on a visa exemption. Their friend, with whom they are staying, refuses to file the TM30. Many responses suggest that if the user is not seeking any immigration services, such as extending their stay, the TM30 may not be urgently needed. However, if they plan to apply for an extension or require a driver’s license, having the TM30 filed is necessary. The community advises the user to consider staying in a hotel for a night, where the hotel will handle the TM30 filing for them.
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Troy *********
You have to find someone that will file one for you than.
Jay **********
It's not your problem, so why do you care what someone else does if it has no affect on your situation?
Chris *********
ORIGINAL POSTERJay Chestnut I care about other people. It also affects me to get a Thai license for a motorcycle, although it seems there are good options for that.
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Chris *********
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Jeff *************
Get a new Friend, unless he’s not supposed to be there??
Martyn *********
Tm30 not to do with you so what you trying to get involved for check into hotel tm30 still nothing to do with you unless you need one for visa extentions
Alan *****
Go book yourself into a hotel
Frank **********
Book a hotel for a few nights
Jim ********
Don't worry about it because it's his responsibility to file a tm30. same as if he was a hotellier
Arma ********
A lot of places in Pattaya charge guests to pay 200-500 baht for tm 30. It's free by law but they all call it print service.
Larb****
I always stay at my girlfriend's house she never files a TM30 but I don't need to go to immigration as always stay less that 60 days on visa exempt. Never had a problem.
Peter ******
As others have said, you need a tm 30 to extend your stay , every time I arrive on a 60 day excemption I go straight to immigration the next day to in form them where I am , so no problem when I apply for a extension
Cliff *********
Don’t waste your time
Thomas ***********
Go spend the night at a lagit hotel and get a copy your tm30 thai tey to
Thomas ***********
Typical no money tramp cant do things according to law want tp spend his money chugging chang fk him
Larry *********
just go stay in a hotel for 3 nights . they will do the TM30.
Graham ******
Larry Wheeler why 3? you can check in for one night, ask for a copy of the TM30 and leave immediately
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Graham ******
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Pete ********
LOL 😂 MUST BE THIS GUYS FIRST TIME IN THAILAND
Chris *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Pete *******
This is true. Lot's to learn.Pete ********
@Chris ********
yes mate a lot hahaha but worrying about a tm30 isent necessary atall hahah forget it and enjoy your holidayReply to
Pete ********
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Greg ***********
You need a properly filed TM30 for ANY service you ask from Immigration
Wannikea *********
You only need the TM30 if you are looking for services from immigration such as an extension.
Trevor **********
I know that it's not strictly needed but I'd personally just book into a a hotel for a night just for my own peace of mind. It's always good to cover your arse ☺️😁.
Bob **********
Great Friend
Bruce *******
you didn t need a visa only need it if over 90 days
Julian ********
He will get fined
Brett *****
Julian Bailey no he won't immigration won't know
Martyn *********
Brett Lee if he goes see them they will
Julian ********
Brett Lee that agent probably will for her 50%
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Julian ********
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Optimistic***********
U can file yr own tm30 online.
Chris *********
ORIGINAL POSTERIs this legal? I read that the owner must file.
Martyn *********
@Chris ********
you have now been more than 24 hrs fineMichael *********
@Chris ********
within 24hrs of the guests arrival. It’s a legal requirement wether the OP needs an extension or not latterly.Reply to
Michael *********
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Patrick **********
OptimisticRaccoon6231 yep i just do it 5 min ago for my mom
my wife give her bookhouse and id card
its easy to do
my wife give her bookhouse and id card
its easy to do
Reply to
Patrick **********
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TerranceBrdge ********
The onus is on the owner, they have to file a TM30 or they will get fined
Jake *****
Friend? 😆
Jay *******
Unless you're staying more than 60 days and need to go to immigration to extend, no one will notice.
Cory **********
Lived in Thailand 4 years. In and out of the every 2-3 months, almost every single time I forget to do a tm-30. Not a big deal unless going to immigration.
Avi ******
Don't ponder and fret, get a hotel room. They will file the TM30 and you won't need to worry.
Kevin ******
I would not worry about it unless you are going to apply for a 30 day extension and then in which case, check into a hotel for a day or two prior to the application, verify they will file the TM 30 and even ask for a copy.
Dan *******
Good advice.
Reply to
Dan *******
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Ryan ********
Why do you need the TM30?
Chris *********
ORIGINAL POSTERRyan Thomas I though that everyone needs a TM30 filed on their behalf, which is usually done by the hotel or landlord. Maybe I'm wrong about that?
The other reason is that I now have a scooter. I have an IDL but only for vehicles. So, I think I need to get a Thai license for the scooter. But is that only after 90 days? Is that 90 continuous days or total days? I will be leaving before 60 days, then returning for another close to 60 days, then I need to determine my path to a long term VISA.
The other reason is that I now have a scooter. I have an IDL but only for vehicles. So, I think I need to get a Thai license for the scooter. But is that only after 90 days? Is that 90 continuous days or total days? I will be leaving before 60 days, then returning for another close to 60 days, then I need to determine my path to a long term VISA.
Jeff *************
@Chris ********
you need a motorcycle license if your international one doesn’t have it, wear a helmet tooGraham ******
@Chris ********
so you don't need Immigration services for less than 60 days stay so no TM30 and on re-entry your IDP gives you a new 90 days motoringDavid ******
@Chris ********
you are really asking for the impossible. You will not get an appointment in time for driver license. That will be your last issue. You better truly have a motorcycle license. It is a motorcycle and not a scooter. Don't die, not having proper training.Dylan ********
@Chris ********
the idl is good for 90 days every time you enter the country. If you have a motorcycle endorsement then it applies here.Ryan ********
@Chris ********
gotcha, if you don't have a motorcycle endorsement on your home country's license, then yes you'll need that or a Thai DL to legally drive a scooter/motorcycle which will require the TM30 (and other things).If your friend refuses they can technically be fined. You could also stay at a hotel for a night and they'll file one for you. That's probably the easiest option (I noticed others mentioned this too)
Reply to
Ryan ********
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John ****
And you use the word FRIEND !
Dan *****
John So it's not about how good his friendship to his friends is 🤔
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Dan *****
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Brandon ************
Do you need to go to immigration for anything? The only time you would need a TM30 is if you are planning on going to immigration. If you're just going to leave before the end of your 60 day stamp, then don't worry about it.
Reply to
Brandon ************
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