Chiang Mai requires me to file a TM-30 this year when staying at our Chiang Mai home. I believe that the regulation was in effect before but not enforced. It may or may not be enforced in other jurisdictions. I paid Baht 1600 last February for not filing one. I was at Immigration for an extension and the officer asked me and I believe then checked. He mentioned that had I not needed an extension no one would have known that I didn't file one and that I wouldn't have been fined. Because I filed for an extension he found out and said in Thai to my wife that he apologized but that he had to fine us since he knew that I didn't file the TM-30. I now file within 48 hrs.

Congratulations !

Mike,thanks for posting. I believe many learned a lot from your post and the discussion it generated.

@Andrew *****

yes I hear it's much different then others and more user friendly.

@Steve ******

Sounds like the consulate to go to then.

@Steve ******

I see. Non uniformity of requirements depending on the Consulate. Savanakhet appears to have a more relaxed view ...great to hear.

@Mike *****

Yes now I understand .

@Mike *****

My apologizes.

As others mention,if you are a US citizen go to the US embassy for an affidavit stating that you have the financial means to live here.

I haven't "worked" in Thailand since owning a footwear manufacturing firm last century and I haven't had a day job in years. The Thai consulate has always accepted a copy of a non Thai checking account and the first page of the most recent non Thai brokerage account statement as proof of financial means.