The Immigration Bureau has announced that it will be enforcing regulations surrounding the notification of foreigners’ place of residence, otherwise known as the TM. 30 notification, which first took effect in 1979. According to a statement from the Bureau, applicants who are unable to provide an official receipt indicating the completion of the TM. 30 notification will not be eligible to apply for visa extensions, complete their 90-day reports, or request for multiple re-entry permits.
The TM. 30 notification is used by the immigration bureau as a way of tracking where foreigners reside in Thailand, and its submission is primarily the responsibility of lessors or hotel operators. The notification must be submitted within 24 hours of the foreigner’s arrival; and failing to comply with this requirement will incur a maximum fine of THB 10,000 on the lessor or hotel operator.
Although lessors or hotel operators are primarily responsible for filing the notification, foreign residents should ensure that this has been duly completed on their behalf, particularly if they plan to file for applications at the immigration bureau. Lease agreements are required when filing the TM. 30 notification, and lessors/hotel operators are permitted to report submit the notification for more than one foreigner at a time, so long as it has been within 24 hours of the foreigner’s arrival. The notification can be submitted either by reporting directly at the Immigration Bureau, sending the application via post mail, or through the Immigration Bureau’s online platform.
Until recently, active enforcement of this requirement varied widely among different immigration offices around the Kingdom. However, the Immigration Bureau has brought the requirement to light in its effort to enforce its aim of maintaining national security. Failure to comply with this requirement within 24 hours of a foreign national’s arrival at the property will incur a fine of THB 2,000 for private property owners and THB 10,000 for hoteliers.
Exemptions
While this requirement targets most property owners and foreign nationals who stay in their properties, there are a select few who are exempted from the need to file the TM. 30 notification, which include permanent residents, diplomats, or those who hold diplomatic status. It should be noted, however, that these exemptions may be subject to change and are the discretion of the Immigration Bureau.
For further clarification, Silk Legal can provide more information regarding the matter and holds that capacity to make arrangements for the submission of the TM. 30 at the Immigration Bureau on your behalf. We also specialize in other matters related to immigration, visas, and work permits.
For more information regarding this matter, please feel free to contact us using the contact form provided.
*this article was updated on 25th July 2019
