What should I know about filing my 90-day report after returning from Laos to avoid fines?

Sep 14, 2024
3 months ago
Len ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I boo bood

I do my 90 day thing online. An email usually comes to remind me but this time the email didn't come and I was 4 days over the limit, thus 2000 baht fine.

Possibly the email didn't come because it was my first 90 day report after returning from Laos.

Maybe I'm wrong with my assumption but I'm 2000 baht wiser. 😌
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around the 90-day reporting requirement for expats in Thailand, emphasizing that the first report after re-entering the country must be done in person, not online. Several users share experiences of missing deadlines and incurring fines, highlighting the importance of tracking dates and not relying solely on email reminders. The conversation also touches on the TM30 form and other visa-related queries, with advice on setting personal reminders to avoid penalties.
Peter **********
Buy a diary and put the dates in
Greta *****
Set a reminder on your phone. Don't rely on other people to remind you. It's your responsibility to remember
Greta *****
@Len *****
I know a great tattoo parlour if you need one
Len ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Greta ****
Might be ok for some people but I might get it tattooed on forehead.
Tim *********
It's a timely reminder for me as I head to a short break in Penang next weekend
Tony *********
I got very muddled in my head about the TM30 and 90 day reporting. Despite having a very clear reminder set on my phone to do BOTH for some reason I only submitted the TM30.

I realised my mistake about 2 months later and tried to do it online but got an email back saying go to the local Immigration Office. Of course I got the 2000 baht fine.

I was livid but it was all down to my stupid self. What a waste of money.

I have made myself feel a little bit better by telling myself how much money I save versus the UK by living here and also by knowing that (hopefully) my bad experience will ensure I don't mess up again.

I expect there are many of us that make these silly mistakes. I read recently some guy messed up his visa extension because he forgot to purchase a re-entry permit I guess that's a bigger and worse mistake 🙄🙏🏼
Tim *********
@Tony ********
It's a learning experience every day, especially developing the patience to deal with the bureaucrats. But there are so many huge benefits to living here 😎
Tony *********
@Tim ********
- absolutely.

I think we all just get on with our life so it's easy to make these mistakes. It's a shame that we have to do the 90 day reporting at all really hopefully in time it will go. Not sure what the purpose of it is anyway tbh.

We do live much better lives here though so that's why we are here. In the UK I just existed that's all here I actually live. I feel sorry for those stuck there especially with the new totalitarian government and impending taxes coming...all the seriously rich are already planning their escape routes 🙄
Tim *********
@Tony ********
Same same, my life in UK would be minimal, dull, just awful
Roberto ************
I am new in the group, I just came back from Thailand, what is the max stay in Thailand with tourists visa?
Graham ******
@Roberto ***********
A tourist entry stamp is currently 60 days which can be extended once for a further 30 days then you leave
Nick ************
@Roberto ***********
you also need to give more information to get an accurate answer.
Len ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Roberto ***********
You might need to post your question on a new post if you don't get an answer here.
Roberto ************
Nick ************
You put the entry date into Thailand on the report. They check to see if it is correct. No need to do first report on entering the country in person. Well not for me anyway. I was away in UK for 4 months.
Glenn *****
@Nick ***********
in Jomtien there is a sign on the desk for 90 day reporting stating that after an international trip it must be in person.

In any event, that is not what the OP was asking.
Nick ************
@Glenn ****
so what was he asking?
Glenn *****
@Nick ***********
he was making an observation that he did not get a 90 day report notification causing him to pay a fine.
Nick ************
@Glenn ****
you are clearly reading something different to me.
Brandon ************
The online system would have no idea you were out of the country and would have no idea that your due date was 90 days after you returned.
Ruth *******
Nick ************
@Brandon ***********
they can check your entry date whenever they like.
Brandon ************
@Nick ***********
that has nothing to do with an automated email. That's what I was talking about.
Len ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
Thanks - that's interesting, first time I've been late, too busy lately and didn't check my passport thinking the email was due, won't do it again.

Time goes so fast when you're having fun.

Maybe the reminder email did come and I ignored it because of the trip, then forget about it.
Brandon ************
@Len *****
Something to keep in mind. A late 90-day report is 2000 baht regardless of how late. Once you miss your date, forget about it until you need to use immigration again. 8 days is the same fine as 8 months. Easier to not make a special trip just to pay a fine. Some people never do 90 day reports and just pay 2000 baht each year when they do their extension.
Tony *********
@Brandon ***********
- so we have 7 days report in person when returning even with a re-entry permit correct?

I haven't left yet but may be taking a holiday elsewhere over Christmas and New Year.
Brandon ************
@Tony ********
I'm not sure what you're asking. The property owner should report you returning to a location within 24 hours per law.

The 90 day report is due 90 days after you return, since you'll have been in the country for 90 days at that point.
Tony *********
@Brandon ***********
- arrh yes of course. I get so confused with it all sometimes I wonder if I'm losing my mind. The more you read the more I get confused 55.

So a re-stamp back in automatically updates the system so they know a new report is due 90 days from then...no need to go to the local office or you have to in 90 days time?
Brandon ************
@Tony ********
it doesn't update the system. They know you missed your 90 day report when you go to immigration and they check. Sometimes they miss it and don't fine you.
Ken ******
did you do your address report the next date you come back from laos?
Len ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ken *****
I guess so, can't remember but my wife would have done it.
Martyn ***********
I was told the the online system hasn't been working for a couple of weeks... I believe though the first one must be done in person for some reason..
Mikkel *******
Used to get an email reminder, but not the last two times.. Just put it in your calendar.
John ********
Up to you to know the dates. . Not wait for an email...dolt
John ********
You're in another country. It's your responsibility to to get things right...

Or are you another Karen, gripes about penalties because you can't follow rules?
Oliver **********
@John *******
he clearly isn't complaining, just telling his story. You on the other hand are complaining like a cat with an inflamed vulva. Your reading comprehension is also similar to that of a cat.
Kerry ***********
@John *******
I didn't find it to be a gripe, just more of a statement W⚓️
Len ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *******
There is all types of people in this world, your one type and I'm the other type, I wasn't winging about penalties, not a problem.

I couldn't care less let the wingers do the winging.
John ********
@Len *****
yep I know you're not worried about the penalty...but you can't organise your priorities
Len ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *******
Haven't you got better things to do than try and insult people on platforms.

I made a mistake and I posted it here thinking it might stop other people from making the same mistake.

I have been living in Thailand for 16 years. I'm now 81 years old. I made a mistake of being so busy building houses for Thai people and not keeping a proper account of when my 90 days was up.

Maybe it would be better if I stopped working and spent my time sitting on a bar stool and tick the days of the calendar.
Kace *******
@Len *****
this forum is a mix of helpful people and complete jerks, friend. almost everyone gets some abuse no matter what you post. it sometimes gets ugly. you’re doing good work. don’t let the sunday morning quarterbacks and barstoolers bug you.
Len ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Kace Jonez, thanks Kace. I have always been a fringe dweller and get huge enjoyment from watching what you call ‘complete jerks.’

My kids and I enjoy classifying them as knuckle draggers, drop kicks, drones, etc.

I think some expats have reached the top of the education system and gained the top desk as chief box tickers, and they automatically have a wobbly if someone forgets to tick a box. Meanwhile, the fringe dweller learns life skills such as engineering, jaywalking, and pushing their mind well beyond the mundane.
Tony *********
@Len *****
- you should block him...he's one of those 'know it all' type of idiots 🙄
Len ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tony ********
Nah, keeps me interested - I don't follow football or anything - Google me,
Tony *********
@Len *****
- arrh interesting so you are an artist. Plenty of beautiful places to paint in Thailand. I will have a good look at your media later today.

Do you like Banksy? I Iove his work very political but always very clever. I thought the self destructive art piece was a masterpiece I laughed so much 🤣🤣🤣
Len ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tony ********
- I had to look him up, Banksy, Yes - spot on.
Tony *********
@Len *****
- really you have never heard of Banksy?

I love his work...don't always agree with his political views most of the time yes but he's mostly to the left. But his work is amazing considering it's from a can lol.

I love the way he uses things in the street to create something amazing from his imagination. Probably the greatest of modern artists certainly inspiring 🙏🏼
Tony *********
@Len *****
- OK I will 55
Ruth *******
@Len *****
I’m not judging because my memory is atrocious, but I hope you’ve now set yourself a calendar reminder. I have them for EVERYTHING. I have too many monthly, bi-monthly…things to remember. I’ll also set a 90-day reminder when I get back, although I travel enough that that has never been an issue yet.
Len ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ruth ******
Thanks Ruth.
Tony ******
When you come back first 90 days report must be done in person not online that's the mistake 😑 we all learn
Tony *********
@Tony *****
- this is confusing but I am sure you are correct I think Tod Daniels has said this before now.

So if you pop out for a short visit elsewhere you still have to report in person even if you have a re-entry permit? I don't want to mess up so want to be sure about this. I think I've read going out re-sets everything.
Tony ******
@Tony ********
I listen to Tod
Tony *********
@Tony *****
- exactly he's the guru 55 👍🏼
Claude *******
@Tony *****
Right 100% 👍
Terry **********
@Claude ******
read my comment bud
Terry **********
@Tony *****
not true. I had 2 weeks out of country and came back around 20 June. I've just done the ONLINE 90 day report. Had it back within 2 hours approved.
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