Not correct, two weeks ago Jomtien fined several foreigners for failing to report (TM30) after they went and stayed in hotel in Bangkok (hotel) and returned. One old guy even argued that Jomtien previously told him (like you) that he did not need to report when traveling within Thailand for short trips, and he only went to Bangkok (hotel) and back.. he still had to pay fine!
It's very inconsistent, safer to report always, only takes 5-10 minutes usually anyway 🙂
Tod Daniels yes I understand, and all i pointed out was that these inconsistent policies are NOT consistent with the LAW - such as Bangkok not requiring TM30 presently.
Jomtien fined several people the other day for failing to lodge new TM30, after returning form overseas and other provinces...one foreigne argued that he was told by staff at Jomtien he did not need to lodge new TM30 if he was not departing the country and returning to same address...and his account is consistent with other peoples accounts too...yet they still fined him and refused to accept they had given him the different advice previously.
My warning is simple, we all know there are in consistencies across different offices, but there are also inconsistencies within the same office that could get you fined.
Álvaro R. Royo everything you said is not compliant with the law...as the owner must notify by completing the TM30 online or on paper, within 24 hours, everytime the foreigner stays/returns to their rsidence after being away for 24 hours - regardless of returning to same address or not.
The lodgement of a new TM30 form allows for any changes to TM6 on returning foreigners too.
The fact a local immigratiom office may apply their own set of rules and procedures does not mean they are technically compliant.
And I've seen firsthand foreigners fined in the same office that told them previously they didn't need to do it...the IO would not accept any responsibility or reality that they had provided wrong or misleading information.
That's why I said, be warned...you may follow their local procedures (as you outline) only to be fined later (in the same office) for not following the technically correct process!
Sorry but only hotels and property owners have access to online TM30 reporting, if you are doing it yourself then you need to do it in person at immigration - and depends on your location as to whether it's strictly enforced.
Yes their system has the ability to record notes on your record such as interviews conducted, refusal of entry and banning,and also shows all current and history of passports - if you have multiple or replacement etc. it also shows all entries and depatures, and all addresses registered at.
You are playing with fire if you tamper with passports or get caught trying to enter the country illegally - it can have world wide repercussions in any future travel with denial of visas and refusal of entry based on "poor character" assessments.