You should be doing it realistically. I don't know of anyone that does it when staying in another province but there's a stamp in your passport if you leave the country

Could be either depending on the situation. If you have a rental agreement then I think it may be your responsibility after the agreement is signed and the landlord has done the initial report to register you as being there. I think it's only a fine for them if they don't do the initial TM30 when you first move in. The agent I used when renting my place was very thorough on this in both Thai and English with both parties present. When all is said and done it's easy enough to pop to immigration and ask. Here in Chiang Mai I've found them to be really helpful with anything I've needed. It's worth the visit prior just to ensure the minimum hassle on the day you need to sort things in my opinion. Getting it from the horse's mouth so's to speak.

Not really no, the TM30 is used to trace the whereabouts of us foreigners not the Thais. If you are renting a property from a Thai and they fail to register you on a TM30, as it is their responsibility to do so, then they can be subjected to a fine.

As far as I'm aware, if you leave the country and come back your TM30 has to be updated ASAP. If you have the TM30 which I think you should have you can do it yourself. I don't have any idea about doing it online though

You would just get your existing one stamped. The motel is responsible for registering you with immigration whilst you stay there. That's why your landlord does the registration when you move into rent a property. After this it's usually quicker just to pop in and do it yourself.

A few other provinces are tightening up on it too.

It's an old law which they started to enforce over a year ago. So in answer to your question, yes, you do a visa run and leave the country therefore you must update TM30 as I've been and I'm back.

The TM30 should be updated after leaving the country and returning. I think, technically, you're actually supposed to do it if you just leave the province.

Yes and no, TM30 is a very quick process in my experience. I don't ever use tuk tuks, don't feel safe in them. Taxi's I use if I'm going out for beers, other than that I'll drive myself. I know that obviously doesn't apply to the majority so I do see your point. Just seems pretty crazy having to go from one side of the city to the other if you fly in. A lot of people would be on tourist visas so not needing the service. I guess the mere fact it's logical and simple means it'll never happen

Let's hope so. About time they stamped the TM30 on entry, it would be so much more efficient that way.