Foreign chambers push for TM30 review

Reporting requirement has heavy impact on many foreigners; broader immigration reforms also needed

PUBLISHED : 31 AUG 2019 AT 04:00

NEWSPAPER SECTION: NEWS

WRITER: POST REPORTERS

Tourists join the immigration queue upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi airport. The government says the enforcement of TM30 is mainly a national security measure. (Bangkok Post file photo)

The Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT) has proposed a significant review of the Immigration Bureau's TM30 reporting requirement for foreign students, retirees and expatriates due to its negative impacts, and has urged deeper regulatory reform over the medium to long term.

While the majority of foreigners who enter Thailand as tourists are exempt, most of those who are in possession of longer-stay visas have to report any changes of address within 24 hours. This applies even if they visit other provinces on short breaks or are returning to Thailand from holidays or business trips abroad.

"The immigration form TM30, or 24-hour reporting, places an onus on property owners and lessors [Thais as well as foreigners] to report the movements of foreigners using such properties," said Stanley Kang, the JFCCT chairman. "As can be seen in the press, there is much unhappiness with the current TM30 requirement, both from foreigners and Thai citizens, which has caused some unfortunately negative views about Thailand both as an investment and 'doing business' location, and as a tourism destination. This need not be so."

The TM30 requirement has been on the books since 1979 but was rarely enforced. But since March 25 this year, immigration authorities began enforcing it with renewed vigour, including to the point where a correctly completed TM30 is a precondition for getting long-term visas renewed. This has angered many foreign long-stayers.

Even though the TM30 form should be submitted to immigration by the landlord or property owner, foreigners tend to shoulder the burden as in practice they are the ones who actually pay the fines, which range from 800 to 2,000 baht per offence.

The regulation, which was imposed in the 1979 Immigration Act, is ostensibly to boost national security. Given the increasing risk from terrorism, the bureau says it has also come across numerous cases of foreign criminals making extended stays in-country; hence the crackdown.

On this note, Mr Kang said: "Ease of doing business is a hallmark of any nation's attractiveness for trade, investment and tourism. We commend the government for positive steps in 'ease of doing business'. Currently TM30 is undoing those good achievements. Our neighbours do not have this continuous tracking requirement."

Mr Kang also stated: "While no-one would wish to remove tools which can effectively prevent harmful criminal behaviour, this particular form does not seem to be the best way to do this as it relies on self-disclosure. Also many cases [for example those with work permits and business visas are already well covered. Finally there is overlap with another part of the Immigration Act about inter-provincial travel. Thus, we have made specific recommendations about review and changes to reduce scope and make it user-friendly."

Mr Kang also noted "In the medium to long term, we urge regulatory reform. We understand that the Guillotine Unit [Simple and Smart Licence project] has recommended the removal of TM30 in the interests of the Thai economy and ease of doing business. JFCCT supports this."

COMMENT

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- FredKubasa

Thailand Posted : 7,471 | 4 Sep 2019 at 20.17

- You bilko, appropriately named after the unhinged sergeant in a U.S. TV series are uninformed/arrogant and often have no clue about the subject at hand, Immigration now says keep my 800 M for 2 months in advance of visa application AND 3 months afterwards

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Fucme

Thailand Posted : 163 | 4 Sep 2019 at 18.58

- Scam scam guys wake up they got you here, they got you to invest here, they've got you, you're been scam. There's plenty born every day bad luck guys, but if you can get out now before it's too late, before you end up building railroads from Thailand to Burma for free.

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BobbyK

Thailand Posted : 5 | 4 Sep 2019 at 07.40

- Would you have the Farang Tennant pay the landlords business or property taxes if the landlord should fail to do so? If not, then why should the Farang Tennant pay the fine if the landlord fails to submit a form TM30?

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FredKubasa

Thailand Posted : 7,471 | 3 Sep 2019 at 04.31

- AND NOW to add to Expat's grief it is legal starting Sept. 29 to charge Expats at least twice the rates for native Thais for any/all services

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Franken

Thailand | 4 Sep 2019 at 14.19

- If, as suggested below, it is for publically funded hospitals vs private hospitals it is only as it should be. A Thai making 15,000 per month and a foreigner with a mandatory 65,000 in monthly income. Thai citizens who might actually pay taxes vs foreigners who only pay VAT (sometimes). There is a difference and most expats use private hospitals anyway.

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bilko

Thailand | 4 Sep 2019 at 08.32

- FrdKubasa/jimstar Do you sit up all night think up this nonsense? Just asking.

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jimster

Thailand | 3 Sep 2019 at 09.30

- I think you mean for public hospitals? Even more worrying is that foreign migrant workers aka guest workers will be charged less than expats while those married to Thais will be treated like tourists and charged the highest rates. Preferential dual pricing where people who look like locals are charged less than farang is the final nail in the coffin. It is worrying that the government is becoming ever more xenophobic.

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- FredKubasa

Thailand Posted : 7,471 | 2 Sep 2019 at 20.15

- While reviewing this TM 30 they should also look at the 90 day reporting and 800,000 B in the bank for 5 months - all a problem

- 26 1

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bilko

Thailand | 4 Sep 2019 at 08.37

- Frdekubasa I would ask do you actually live in Thailand or are you simply a "foreign" troll with your constant feeding of ideas to authorities on how to treat expats. You need to think before you hit you respective keyboard some officials in many departments make it their business to read this section of the BP. Plus where does this 800,000 baht for five months come into anything the period required as laid down quite clearly in immigration laws is 2 MONTHS although 3 months is often quoted.

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- DonR

United Kingdom Posted : 2 | 1 Sep 2019 at 19.21

- The very idea that Landlord's should provide the data for ImmiG to track movements of Falang tenants in Thailand is flawed. Imagine the problems of a remote Landlord who can have no idea of the comings and goings of his tenant / tenants. It's just nonsense. And all ImmiG will ever find out from the whole exercise is maybe, someone, somewhere broke some rules which if kept, wouldn't help them at all with any meaningful issue anyway ::) If Crime/National Security IS the issue, this Pantomime achieves nothing. If a criminal act is committed somewhere, they need to catch the offenders or trace them from the crime scene, witnesses and so on.

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bilko

Thailand | 4 Sep 2019 at 08.42

- LennyJ Utter nonsense or deliberate scaremongering. If your landlady is in this unfortunate situation the hospital will happily supply a letter for immigration to this effect. It happened to me personally when I was hospitalised due to an accident when my 90 day report was due. Immigration were quite happy on the production of this letter to allow my wife to report on my behalf.

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LennyJ

Thailand | 4 Sep 2019 at 06.38

- My landlady is in a hospital several hundred kilometres away, undergoing chemotherapy and spinal operations. My only contact with her is via Line. She cannot report to Immigration under these circumstances and I cannot leave my home on an overnight trip.

- 5 1

jimster

Thailand | 3 Sep 2019 at 09.31

- Exactly. Plus any criminal worth his money can easily escape across a border within hours of committing a crime anywhere in the country. Thailand's limited size and dozens of border crossings makes this a simple affair.

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- Nicky45

Thailand Posted : 1 | 1 Sep 2019 at 16.22

- I have l spent nearly half my adult life in Thailand. I'm nearly 70. I am allowed to stay on a retirement visa. I always confirm to the requirements of the visa as a long term guest. I would submit that anyone entering Thailand on a Tourist visa if they had criminal intention would be much safer to commit whatever crime they planned without the problem of notifying the Thai security and immigration authorities, wishing to see and protect the kingdom. What happened to the beautiful Country and people of Thailand. I hope the Authorities can relax this rule to a discrectional application, as to across board.

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LennyJ

Thailand | 4 Sep 2019 at 06.43

- Bilko what's wrong with you? - You asked me why I thought Thai Immigration like a criminal and I justified my opinion with an identical analogy, One I am qualified to give and you failed to comprehend it! The treatment is IDENTICAL to the way criminals are treated in some other countries! - Can't you grasp that?

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LennyJ

Thailand | 3 Sep 2019 at 07.42

- 55555! - my last comment that simply stated correct facts gets 3 "thumbs-down"! - Incredible! Who, in their right mind, DISAGREES with a statement of facts? You can look right across the spectrum on posts in all the fora threads and see the constant 1 to 3 "thumbs-down " on almost ALL posts. They sort of remind me of trained monkeys who learn to press a red button to get a peanut.

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bilko

Thailand | 2 Sep 2019 at 17.05

- Lennj Pray tell me what the Australian police get up to has anything to do with this Thai immigration so called problem.

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LennyJ

Thailand | 2 Sep 2019 at 12.52

- Bilko after a long career in an Australian police force I'm very familiar with all manner of parole requirements and the 90-day reporting and 24-hour notifications are identical to those imposed on criminals, not just in Australia but many other countries as well.

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bilko

Thailand | 2 Sep 2019 at 10.19

- Nicky45 Exactly spot on! One really does have to wonder what some do to get into the situations they claim to do where immigration is concerned

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bilko

Thailand | 2 Sep 2019 at 10.17

- Lennyd I just have to wonder why you think they treat us like criminal? Like Nick45 I have been a regular visitor to Thailand since 1970 and lived here for 16 years married to a lovely Thai lady and I have never felt both at a personal level or an authority level that I am being treated like a criminal.

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LennyJ

Thailand | 2 Sep 2019 at 07.26

- I just hope they stop treating us like criminals on parole with a system that is totally ineffective against those with criminal intent

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- tgfss

Thailand Posted : 3 | 1 Sep 2019 at 00.24

- Why can't immigration go ahead to renew the visa extension and fine the property owner for not complying with TM30 regulation. That way, the rule is enforced as it is intended. Foreigner will not be inconvenienced and made to pay the fine as there no offence committed by the foreigner.

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jimster

Thailand | 3 Sep 2019 at 09.35

- While you do have a point tgfss, realistically that's not a solution. For starters, surprisingly many landlords live abroad in different time zones and are obviously unable to pay fines from abroad. Secondly, locally based landlords will increasingly put up signs saying "no foreigners" (except PR holders) which will make it difficult to rent a place unless you're living with friends or family.

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LennyJ

Thailand | 2 Sep 2019 at 07.29

- You're asking the Thai government to relinquish an opportunity to extract money from a foreigner in this instance. Not going to happen.

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Dexxter

Thailand | 1 Sep 2019 at 21.42

- The effect of that is that you then have to report to the property owner, who may not live anywhere near the rented property, every time you decide to take a trip somewhere. That is also utterly STUPID beyond belief.

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- Maimaprao

Canada Posted : 74 | 31 Aug 2019 at 23.43

- Machiavelli is more alive than ever. Although I am not an Ivy leaguer or Oxford /Cambridge fellow I did here he was required reading and maybe still. It may be that the TM30 is doing what it supposed to do. Piss people off. Just like the Carbon Tax and Cap and Trade ushered into existence by a Canadian high school drop out who made millions in the Oil Patch, managed multitudes of energy companies, organized and chaired the first global Earth Summit in 1992 and gave birth to Agenda 21, now 2030, founder of UNEP, and is considered the God Gather of Environmental movement, or even the George Soros of Environment; Maurice Strong. Google him.

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Maimaprao

Canada | 4 Sep 2019 at 10.05

- Thankyou jimster. I see the error but I also see a pattern.There seems to be a concerted effort to piss foreigners off, with the tried and true method divide and conquer. I really sense this when I read comments on the BP, especially when it comes to political actions that are purposely designed to disenfranchise you of your well being or convenience. This climate thing is propagated by the very corporations that profit off you doing the visa shuffle. Myself I would rather pay a couple grand extra not to do the visa run and not have to endure a road trip. Its wasteful and dangerous.

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jimster

Thailand | 3 Sep 2019 at 09.37

- He made one spelling mistake but his history is very much accurate. The only thing he did "wrong" was make an analogy that is rather off-topic but he still made a valid point.

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lotusburg | 2 Sep 2019 at 08.04

- First learn to spell, then post to the appropriate article. Also read some history.

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- upena

Thailand Posted : 5,250 | 31 Aug 2019 at 21.39

- I don't have a landlord. I do have a Thai wife and a yellow book. I do my 90-day checks and my one year renewals non-immigrant O-A for retirement. I have a SIM card registered with the Thai Government. What else do you want. I have tried to submit the TM-28 at local Thai Police stations when no Thai Immigration office is nearby but the RTP just look confused when I show them the form. Just call me frustrated.

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WhizBang

Thailand | 3 Sep 2019 at 10.03

- @bilko, there is no requirement (yet) for 90 day reports to be done in person. I have been doing 90 day reports for years, but have never done one in person.

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jimster

Thailand | 3 Sep 2019 at 09.39

- LennyJ, Lol. Just do what you want and pretend you need never left home. You really are taking this law to the extreme.

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bilko

Thailand | 2 Sep 2019 at 17.09

- Lennyj Very strange when I was in hospital recently following an injury the hospital issued a letter to immigration to the effect I was unable to attend for my 90 day report and immigration were quite happy to have my wife do it on my behalf.

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Ernie.M

Thailand | 2 Sep 2019 at 13.09

- Where do you live Bilko? I must know the name of the Immigration Office so I can move to their jurisdiction. Certainly not the situation in Bangkok. Particulars please Bilko!!

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bilko

Thailand | 2 Sep 2019 at 10.26

- Some real confusion abounding on the TM30 application.As a joint owner of my property and holder of a "yellow book" of "residence" issued by my local authority I am told I do not need to complete a TM30 for the odd occasion I do stay elsewhere unless I physically leave Thailand.

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LennyJ

Thailand | 2 Sep 2019 at 07.47

- I'm Almost in the same boat - except I rent.. Just one small problem: My landlady is in hospital. She has undergone spinal fusion operations and chemotherapy. Right not she cannot fulfil her TM30 obligation and I cannot go anywhere on an overnight trip! I discussed this with my local immigration and was advised: "Rules are rules" I am grounded until she come out of hospital - - - -

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- AJT

Thailand Posted : 42 | 31 Aug 2019 at 21.16

- One could ask what made them suddenly decide to enforce a law that has not been enforced in eons? To say it is the law is a pretty meaningless answer. For every law or rule here one can usually find another rule or law that says something completely different. Consider the airport hassle with Central right now. The authorities actually said you will have to obey the rules once we figure out who has the authority in this case to make the rules. Now that is bureaucracy at its best. My Hat off to them. My point? What or who instigated this and for what purpose? If it was to catch bad guys, the degree of magical thinking is astounding.

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bilko

Thailand | 2 Sep 2019 at 17.18

- So you really are a "newby then" For me my knowledge of Thailand goes back to 1970 plus I have lived and worker in the Far East including China, Taiwan, Singapore, Indonesia even Vietnam for over thirty years and believe me I have seen some huge changes and not all to the good. However Thailand is still a wonderful country with wonderful people.

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LennyJ

Thailand | 2 Sep 2019 at 13.03

- Bilko just because I am outspoken in my criticism of many aspects here in Thailand it DOES NOT mean I have an overall dislike of the country - as you infer. I first came to Thailand, To Kao Lak - a few days after a massive tsunami. That was my first exposure to the country. I came back 5 years later to see how the place recovered and decided then I would retire here. I came here with a good knowledge of the country w2ith all its good and bad points. My background experiences allows me to recognize and constructively criticize. Many people don't like that but - If your feet stink, I'm not afraid to tell you

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bilko

Thailand | 2 Sep 2019 at 10.38

- LennyJ I would politely ask, always assuming you are a resident, if you dislike Thailand so much why do you stay? This TM30 business is having "doodly Squat" difference on tourism as their hotels or hostels where they stay handle the paperwork as a routine as they have done for decades.This TM30 issue appears to be a problem but please do not try and make it into something it is not.

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bilko

Thailand | 2 Sep 2019 at 10.32

- AJT What a lot fail to see is that like it or not this is Thailand not "little England,Australia,Europe or America" the more one "bellyaches" and constantly complains about something constantly bringing it to the notice of certain people the worse the situation will get leave well alone and the "authorities" will soon get bored and move onto something else.

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LennyJ

Thailand | 2 Sep 2019 at 08.03

- I believe it is a sinister chain of events started by the current military government. It is clear they do not like the external influence on their repression of Thai people and higher-educated foreigners are viewed as a threat. To make life tougher for them would be expected. Then, along comes the Darling of the Press - the Joke. He digs out this old law and puts it into gear! It is 40 years old and doesn't quite fit the 21st century and some wiser heads see the problem. The joke is sidelined but the law stays on and now it has grown into a MAJOR headache, crippling the tourist income and risking the income revenue from farang resident

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- bkkron

Thailand Posted : 22 | 31 Aug 2019 at 20.57

- Most crooks use agencies to do their visas, so crooked immigration officers get a cut. A national ID card like those given to local migrant workers can be made up within a week. A phone app that tracks us could also be downloaded....but we're missing the point folks: the current system of enforcement keeps the fines coming in so that toys, like submarines, can be purchased. It's the money stupid! What symbol is at the center of the Thai board-game? It's always the $ symbol.

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BobbyK

Thailand | 4 Sep 2019 at 07.48

- bkkron, You are so right. Have we forgotten the 1st rule? "Follow The Money".

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jimster

Thailand | 3 Sep 2019 at 09.43

- Getting the pink ID card doesn't mean there is no obligation to report. Though I definitely agree it should be handed out to all foreigners not just a tiny number of expats and citizens of neighboring countries who happen to look Thai.

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- AxsBkk

Thailand Posted : 3,319 | 31 Aug 2019 at 20.25

- What if you live in a mobile home? Can you have a mobile TM30? It's fun to be a hobo in Thailand......

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LennyJ

Thailand | 2 Sep 2019 at 08.05

- Don't laugh! - Think of the very big global population of maritime nomads. Thailand must be nigh impossible to cruise the coast and islands!

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- Dystopia2

Canada Posted : 104 | 31 Aug 2019 at 20.22

- While I laud the effort, even suggesting politely to Thais to make a change will backfire. Thais in positions of power do not like being challenged and certainly don't like being told they've made a mistake. They will turn this around and put blame on foreigners even more. Expect more draconian rules. The elite don't like foreigners, especially Farang. They'd be perfectly happy if we all left.

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jimster

Thailand | 3 Sep 2019 at 09.46

- Well I don't know what "farang" have ever done to the elite but if we all left including pulling out our investments and all Thailand would become a fourth world country similar to Zimbabwe. I don't doubt the point you have made but I think it can't possibly be that extreme given Thailand's obsession with bringing in ever more tourists. At some point the elite will listen because currently the world is laughing at them.

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LennyJ

Thailand | 2 Sep 2019 at 08.12

- Yep. It puts the Thais between a rock and a hard place. "Must save face and not kow-tow to falang ideas but still need falang money" Their only solution is the Traditional Thai one. Leave it until it stops smelling and do something about it when not too many people are watching. Like wrong oaths and botched murder investigations and stuff!

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Bandumbo

Switzerland | 1 Sep 2019 at 01.58

- Maybe they won't be so perfectly happy if we all leave, because they need our money.

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- Mathias555

Thailand Posted : 2 | 31 Aug 2019 at 19.00

- So again, I am putting in papers for an O-A non immigration visa. Request Forms with photo with fixed Thai Address , Additional Information Forms, Passport, Resident proof, Health Certificate, Non Criminal Certificate, Adequate Financial Pension Income Statement, Adequate Thai Bank Statement, and pay 175 Euro / 5.775 Baht. Providing so much trustworthy proof of 0 risk at 68 years must eliminate this TM 30 and 90 days reporting and fully exempt retirees.

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jimster

Thailand | 3 Sep 2019 at 09.48

- Agents can process visa extensions without the visa holders being present. That's always been the case. Single exception might be the first marriage extension when they want to see your wife.

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bilko

Thailand | 2 Sep 2019 at 11.23

- AJT Please do not worry nothing has changed where Thai immigration rules are concerned. However if a persons EMBASSY refuse to issue letters of accreditation for anyone using the monthly income/pension application there is a serious problem if one cannot raise the cash for a one off annual deposit into ones Plus I read of many now leaving Thailand to be honest I think this is for financial reasons owing to the strong Baht and weak world wide currencies and peoples monthly income no longer reaches the required amount into their bank account.However I suspect many are not giving the real reason for their departure but blaming Thai authorities.

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bilko

Thailand | 2 Sep 2019 at 11.13

- LennyJ Sound advice if unsure I am convinced many are seeking the advice and services of "visa agents" to run into the many problems they claim to have. As an aside I recently renewed my annual visa no problem whatsoever same system as it has been for the past 16 years never has been any mention of clarification on criminal records or health certificates. However I think some are getting confused between an O/A visa and a Thai retirement visa which agents love as they make a "packet out of them even though it is ILLEGAL to obtain a visa via an agent and not in person.

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LennyJ

Thailand | 2 Sep 2019 at 08.21

- AJT every yearly renewal is different. I did mine early August and the best advice I can give you is to go to your local Immigration office and ask them what do THEY want exactly? Be nice, smile and act eager to please. You will get the right answers. DO NOT go looking in Thaivisa. It is a minefield of mixed and confusing answers due to the fact that individual offices have a high degree of autonomy and each one will have separate requirements. In my case, there was no crim-check certificate required and proof of my income was in the form of statements stamped and signed by my bank. Medical ticket from a hospital - less than 7 days old.

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AJT

Thailand | 31 Aug 2019 at 20.47

- Your making me nervous: "Health Certificate, Non-Criminal Certificate"??? Did something like that the first year of the retirement visa and never thereafter. You believe it has to be done again? Hmmmm. Assume your mentioning pension income statement refers to individuals who opted to prove monthly income vs putting 800Kbaht into a Thai bank account. Yes??? Hope so, I would hate to finally have to vote with my feet.

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- Amexpat

Thailand Posted : 205 | 31 Aug 2019 at 17.25

- In fact they immigration should allow this to be done nine. Even the 90 day reporting should be done online each 90 days even in the case of moving residence. Traveling to other provinces to see family or for a short vacation really should not even be considered.

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martin1

Thailand | 2 Sep 2019 at 09.34

- I submitted my first ever 90-Day online on 22nd. August (13 days before due) and got the barcode reference in response. Status was posted as 'Pending'.and it's still 'Pending' today, 2nd. September. To me, the response 'Pending' means they haven't bothered looking at it yet since it'd either be 'Accepted' if OK or 'Rejected' if not. Looks like a trip to mmigration will be necessary on 4th :-( .

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dell

Thailand | 31 Aug 2019 at 22.25

- I did 90 day reporting on line and never received the new dated document, which by the way i submitted a stamped addressed envelope. I ended having to make a visit and queue

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AJT

Thailand | 31 Aug 2019 at 20.59

- The 90 day reporting can be done on line. It asks right away if you accept the terms of this site. Saying "yes" can only be done AFTER you go scroll down and say you have read the rules etc; THEN go back up and agree to the rules otherwise you get a error message. Only other confusion I encountered one time is that the expiration of the visa is NOT the end of your one year visa, but the expiration date of the previous 90 day report. IF you do make a mistake and submit the form you will in time get a "Not Approved" email. That does not mean you can not send in another request. Send a new one in if you find your error and correct it!

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Dystopia2

Canada | 31 Aug 2019 at 20.17

- You can do 90 day reporting online. I do it all the time.

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- tu-whit

Thailand Posted : 430 | 31 Aug 2019 at 15.41

- Traveling around Thailand, and in particularly Bangkok, I notice a few signs at hotels and hostels which read " Thia's only ".

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jimster

Thailand | 3 Sep 2019 at 09.52

- Never seen this on hotels but then again I don't know what a "Thia" is. I have only heard of some apartments not accepting foreigners because of this TM30 debacle.

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bilko

Thailand | 2 Sep 2019 at 11.31

- Stewie Would like to know the real reason for their eviction. First question is this property legally registered for rental (if on an AirBnB system it is totally illegal in Thailand anyway) if it is cannot see the problem unless of cause they do not possess a properly signed and sealed lease probably their landlord wants to sell while he or she has the chance.

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bilko

Thailand | 2 Sep 2019 at 11.27

- tu-whit In your dreams utter nonsense pure trolling!!

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stewie

Thailand | 31 Aug 2019 at 23.39

- I now have 2 friends being kicked out from there rented properties. Buy or get out !

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- Thomasbkk

Thailand Posted : 1 | 31 Aug 2019 at 14.42

- For me, it's too little too late. In the past year, The Thai rogue Military Government has done a good job of showing me to the door

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bilko

Thailand | 2 Sep 2019 at 11.34

- Thomasbkk Be interesting to show how this military government has done this to you perhaps you could tell us the REAL reason you are leaving Thailand I sould be wrong but I suspect financial reasons are behind your departure but hey "it was not me sir, honest" better to blame someone else.

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- buster

Thailand Posted : 2,177 | 31 Aug 2019 at 14.21

- Apart from bearing the 'burden' of paying the TM fines, i would like to urge the Bangkok Post to com up with solid data of the rental contracts whereby the burden of property tax equally is diverted to the wallets of tenants.

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samesame

Gibraltar Posted : 520 | 31 Aug 2019 at 13.52

- Every one should ask there countries of origin to implement the same rules for Thais.

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bilko

Thailand | 2 Sep 2019 at 11.37

- enquirer Best laugh I have had in ages do you really think the EU would give a "fig" about it's expats in Thailand they have enough trouble which are home grown to deal with.

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enquirer

Azerbaijan | 31 Aug 2019 at 14.59

- Write to the EU and push for a reciprocal law.

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- Thamesbank

Thailand Posted : 37 | 31 Aug 2019 at 12.23

- Our golf group have cancelled the annual trip to Hua Hin due to the TM30 requirements.

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WhizBang

Thailand | 3 Sep 2019 at 10.27

- @bilko, you are so wrong. Not every hotel bothers with TM30 reporting, especially out in the rural areas of Thailand. The last time I visited the Thai family up in Isaan, I never had to submit any kind of ID to the hotel or fill in any forms, so the hotel had no record of who I was. My Thai wife signed us in using her ID card.

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bilko

Thailand | 2 Sep 2019 at 11.45

- Thamesbank Really why should that be assuming you are not sleeping in a tent on the golf course your hotel will deal with your TM30 situation and you will not even be aware of it. However full marks for originality of excuses to cause mischief over this situation. If this cancellation is true I would love to hear the true reason for it happening.

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bilko

Thailand | 2 Sep 2019 at 11.40

- Simon.J Exactly looks to me like far too many "knee jerk" reactions to this TM30 requirement the more some of these people continue to make up many of the stories connected to it the worse the situation will become for everyone.

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Simon.j

Thailand | 31 Aug 2019 at 15.53

- Not sure what your immigration office is like , but though I don't like this new form it will not stop me doing what I normally do . That seems like a knee jerk reaction.

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- hard.facts

Thailand Posted : 590 | 31 Aug 2019 at 11.25

- Let’s hope and pray that some common sense comes out of this review from the JFCCT. The current situation is ridiculous.

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stewie

Thailand | 31 Aug 2019 at 23.42

- You are talking about Thailand,common sense ? give me a break.

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- Bandumbo

Switzerland Posted : 5,064 | 31 Aug 2019 at 10.40

- Exactly one month ago the BP-article about TM30 had 216 comments from annoyed Expats...The message is clear: We are NOT welcome in Thailand, but they do LIKE our money. 'Bad guys' who are considered a threat to 'national security' won't bother to do all that paperwork or report every 90 days., they can BRIBE the police.

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flpatbkk

Thailand Posted : 2,628 | 31 Aug 2019 at 10.33

- This constant debate is making Thai Immigration look bad. As we all know "losing face" is a major cultural issue in Asian countries and the usual reaction is to double down on the issue causing the problem. In reality how many of us actually travel outside of our home province enough to make this a major problem. The crackdown should be directed at the landlords who refuse to maintain proper records and comply with the law. Transferring the burden to the ex-pat will only make property owners less likely to adhere to the law.

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jimster

Thailand | 3 Sep 2019 at 10.00

- I don't do TM30s for upcountry trips especially if they involve staying at a private residence. I suggest doing the same. Otherwise you'll be completely frustrated. Also if you do TM30s use the postal system! Why anyone would do them in person unless they live in the vicinity of a quiet immigration office like Nakorn Sawan is beyond me.

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jimster

Thailand | 3 Sep 2019 at 09.56

- I do. So do many other working expats and those doing business in Thailand as well as tourists. Not all hotels report foreigners staying at their properties and unless you need any services from immigration other than a real entry permit then there's still no real need to file a TM30.

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flpatbkk

Thailand | 1 Sep 2019 at 12.35

- @stewie-Do you feel that your comment is made more important by name calling? I also don't understand what your wife and your gaggle of kids have to do with this issue unless they work in another province. ANd I really don't want to stay with your wife and kids, thank you

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stewie

Thailand | 31 Aug 2019 at 23.50

- Hey dumb wit,go stay my wife's kids,who work 12 hr shifts . do you not comprehend ! They must go to immigration when? on a bank holiday? or take time off work?

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dell

Thailand | 31 Aug 2019 at 22.39

- I used to travel with my family on long weekends from our home and it is a burden, ive been fined once already. It can take me up to 2 hours drive to immigration to do a TM30 and then on my return and for what. Seriously it serves No useful purpose on either security or safety. Bkk immigration is now so crowded it makes you wonder are you really wanted here. This form died but when the new Head of Immigration took over he enforced this document coming up with all sorts of reasons. How much more paper is used on this. You go into Immigration and see the stacks of files produced for foreigners. So much for conservation

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AJT

Thailand | 31 Aug 2019 at 21.09

- You do not have to travel out of your home province to require a TM 30. IF I live in BKK attend a conference in BKK at a hotel and I like everyone else attending is staying at that hotel; a TM30 WILL be generated at the hotel. Immigration WILL conclude you have moved to that hotel. Happened to a long term resident friend of mine. No bull. You think hotels look and say "Oh he doesn't require a TM30" it's done automatically from the passport copy they made. And yes some of us do leave our home or condo not just once or twice a year. Real business people in the real world are on the road mostly.

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joninnak

Thailand | 31 Aug 2019 at 18.17

- Daodeng. If you are only staying one night then you can say you were not away from your home for more than the stipulated 24 hours. How does immigration know what time you left and returned home?

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Daodeng

Thailand | 31 Aug 2019 at 15.19

- We go to Bangkok on regular trips. We sleepover for one night and then return home the following evening. Due to the TM 30 implementation my wife and I must now drive back to immigration for 1,5 hours the following day to complete the TM 30 and then 1,5 hours back home. This takes away another day plus the cost involved. We just do it under the radar now, thus defeating the purpose of their law.

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- Konajake

Thailand Posted : 4,660 | 31 Aug 2019 at 10.11

- High risk offenders are let into the country visa free but long term expats who comply with immigration are punished like criminals with ankle bracelets . Immigration needs to dismantled from its current 1964 format and updated and streamlined to 2019 . Its just embarrassing

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bluebottle

Thailand Posted : 8,113 | 31 Aug 2019 at 09.06

- Proof of the Pudding will be in the eating, this is a proposal not a statement of intent.

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mg1960

Thailand Posted : 203 | 31 Aug 2019 at 08.53

- Wow, lets see if anything happens with this recommendation, I doubt it. I think they'll change it only for business people and other specialized labor sectors. Nothing will change for long term stayers or retirees. They really don't care, we are more of a burden and nuisance to them.

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jimster

Thailand | 3 Sep 2019 at 10.01

- I think it will change for everyone (except maybe migrant laborers who are careful not to complain about anything for fear of being deported) but you'll need to give the authorities time to gain face again and come up with a solution that makes them look good.

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- salbrecht Posted : 772 | 31 Aug 2019 at 08.24

- The TM30 does nothing to address the stated problem it is supposed to solve. This is just one more way the government has taken to make legal expats and tourists staying in Thailand as difficult as possible. If the politicians had their way 100%, the Kingdom would revert to to the 1920s.

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IsanEmmet

Thailand | 2 Sep 2019 at 17.52

- I do not see any true purpose in a system that tracks where you were yesterday, but then does not require proof of where you will be tomorrow, or even next year, just gets a further report the next time you visit somewhere that does follow the law.

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- bilko

Thailand Posted : 4,398 | 31 Aug 2019 at 07.24

- Let us see where all this actually leads. Probably even tighter regulations.

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jimster

Thailand | 3 Sep 2019 at 10.04

- bilko I would rather use private hospitals that offer a clean and safe environment than third world dirty public hospitals that can now legally charge expats more than Burmese guest workers and tourists even more than the first category. Expats in our home countries generally receive free or subsidized medical care that is of a superior standard to what you get here and without the language barriers and generally fewer queues.

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bilko

Thailand | 2 Sep 2019 at 17.28

- tgfss Please continue with your nonsensical speculative posts. They keep the pot boiling by added quite unnecessarily fuel to the fire!!

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bilko

Thailand | 2 Sep 2019 at 11.57

- tgfss Carry on you are doing a great job bringing even more expenses into the limelight to give someone in authority an idea of how to rip expats off even more. What I find strange is all this anti Thai rhetoric only started when it became too expensive for many to live here on the back of currency exchange rates. Paradise does not come cheap and I do not mean Bangkok or Pattaya or any of the other tourist traps even the real Thailand has become relatively expensive for many expats on limited incomes.

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bilko

Thailand | 2 Sep 2019 at 11.51

- Pacifon Use Thai state hospitals instead of rip off private ones as I do, even for surgery on a fractured hip, and medical costs are quite adequate and affordable without making shareholders of insurance companies very rich. Some of us do not "squeeze" by on limited monthly incomes and can easily afford these medical charges.

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Pacificron

Thailand | 2 Sep 2019 at 06.42

- tgfss, everyone should have adequate health insurance. Why would you not unless you are one of the types that are not welcome.

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tgfss

Thailand | 1 Sep 2019 at 00.31

- And soon with health insurance requirements. More money to collect.

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