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What should I know about the TM30 Immigration process in Thailand?
TM30Thailand ImmigrationVisa ProceduresExpats in ThailandCertificate of ResidenceOnline TM30Immigration Office Tips
Oct 30, 2025
6 months ago
Jim *******
ORIGINAL POSTERJust back from Samut Prakan Immigration Office for TM30.
What an ordeal, an ordinary Thai person (not working in hospitality/hotels/inns) would hardly know how to fill it in. Even if they can figure out, there are copies needed of everything. My Thai wife would not know what is needed. If I were not with her, she could not do it (never done before).
Good that I made copies before going to Thai.
A question: The clerk asked me if I needed anything more. I forgot (still tired from the bumpy flight) about Certificate of Residence. I have to go again to Imm office?
Tomorrow I will by a printer/scnanner and scan the TM30 document so those staying at their wife/girl friend place can use it, at least to know what the form is asking. I got one blank form to scan, will be printable or at least for viewing. Tomorrow.
What an ordeal, an ordinary Thai person (not working in hospitality/hotels/inns) would hardly know how to fill it in. Even if they can figure out, there are copies needed of everything. My Thai wife would not know what is needed. If I were not with her, she could not do it (never done before).
Good that I made copies before going to Thai.
A question: The clerk asked me if I needed anything more. I forgot (still tired from the bumpy flight) about Certificate of Residence. I have to go again to Imm office?
Tomorrow I will by a printer/scnanner and scan the TM30 document so those staying at their wife/girl friend place can use it, at least to know what the form is asking. I got one blank form to scan, will be printable or at least for viewing. Tomorrow.
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user describes their challenging experience at the Samut Prakan Immigration Office while trying to fill out the TM30 form. They emphasize the complexity of the process, especially for locals who are not familiar with immigration paperwork. The individual mentions forgetting to obtain a Certificate of Residence and is unsure if they need to return to the immigration office. Commenters share their own experiences, suggesting that using an agent or completing the TM30 online can simplify the process. They advise bringing copies of necessary documents and obtaining a checklist to prepare better for future visits.
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Mick ********
I would advise at the very least go early get the form explaining what documents are required and how many copies
Then you can go home and go through the list one by one Tick them off as you get them in order
Then you can go home and go through the list one by one Tick them off as you get them in order
Jim *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mick *******
That is what we had today, upfront. All the original documents and the copies.The Imm office has copiers and picture taking. No picture of me was needed.
Reply to
Jim *******
Reply
James ******
any photo shop will print or scan the last time I did it by myself the guy said I want one year of your bank account one for the previous 15 years it was six months. I said OK anything else and he said no. I came back with my paperwork with the bank paperwork a week later, and he says Where is your insurance for o--a. From then on I went to a service
Jim *******
ORIGINAL POSTERMaybe, this was our first time, after 25 years.
Chizel *******
Do online, it only takes 30 seconds 👍
Lyndon ************
She could register her address online, and then submit your TM30 online. It's pretty easy...
Jim *******
ORIGINAL POSTERWe went o Imm together. In person. To do TM30 online, she would need to have a copier/scanner and PC and know what what to submit. Now she knows that, but ordinary Thais would have no idea.
Lyndon ************
@Jim ******
my Mrs did it all on her phone. Sent images as pdf files. No PC, printer or scanner needed, just her phone.Reply to
Lyndon ************
Reply
Jo **********
I never do TM30
David **********
@Jo *********
sooner or later you will need one.Jo **********
@David *********
nope travel to oftenReply to
Jo **********
Reply
Sylvia ********
@Jo *********
should you need a certificate of residence or an extension to stay the fine is 1900 if no tm30Jo **********
@Sylvia *******
i have a 10 year visa no extension, no 90 day reportSylvia ********
@Jo *********
therefore your situation is very different to the majorityJo **********
@Sylvia *******
i have never shared interest the majority ofSylvia ********
@Jo *********
but following thus group!! So wanting to learn 😫John **********
@Jo *********
1 year reportJo **********
@John *********
yes but not for me fly out every monthJohn **********
@Jo *********
ach well, you wouldn't do 90 day reports either in that caseJo **********
@John *********
i know funny rightReply to
Jo **********
Reply
Jim *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jo *********
I had never heard of TM30, 110 trips to Thai over 25 years. Only here, in this group, over last 3 months, I learned about it. Now I have to know it and just did it 3 hours ago at the Imm office.Reply to
Jim *******
Reply
Nigel **************
Note, Western preconceptions do not apply Thankfully
Bob **********
Do it online
Alan *******
I had the same Prob when I first arrived! My wife (and ALL Family) said "Dont need" )..... Eventually, we did it together at Chaeng Wattana . Now I do mine online (TM30online) and print a copy for Reference. Need a new one each time we return from overseas Holiday. Takes a couple of minutes. Good Luck.
Jim *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Alan ******
I took the blank TM30 paper and took notes what is needed (what copies of what). Next time, if it ever comes, we would know and submit online.The thing is, I will never change my address, it is our home, I own it.
Tomorrow, I am getting my Yellow book and Thai ID for foreigners (Pink card or something, whatever it is called). Then, no more TM30.
Thai ID does not break TM30, wherever we go and stay within Thailand.
Nick ************
Register the property on line. Enter all these who come to stay there. Print out tm30 form. It takes a few minutes. I rent my home but I do both tm30 and tm47 myself on line which is easy and saves my landlady a lot of hassle.
Nick ************
@Jim ******
depends on your immigration office.Reply to
Nick ************
Reply
Craig ********
Just go to an agent. They know what they’re talking about. My experience was great. So easy if you let someone help.
Brian ********
@Craig *******
same here. Im in bkk, agent is 2 mins away, IO is a grab ride away and back not to mention half a day on site. No brainer using an agent.
Wendy ***************
@Craig *******
who do you recommend?Reply to
Wendy ***************
Reply
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