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Kang calls for TM30 immigration review

Foreign chambers chief urges drastic overhaul, says Thailand's image destroyed

PUBLISHED : 9 SEP 2019 AT 05:30

NEWSPAPER SECTION: NEWS

WRITER: THANA BOONLERT

In an interview with the <i>Bangkok Post</i>, chairman of the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT) Stanley Kang called for the government to review the enforcement of the draconian TM30 immigration reporting regulation for expatriates, overseas students and foreign retirees, citing a slew of negative impacts not only on those affected but also on investment from abroad and the country's image.

Basically, landlords who provide accommodation to foreigners are required to report the foreigners' presence to immigration officials within 24 hours of their arriving or leaving the accommodation. Meanwhile, foreigners are also obliged to report their whereabouts within 24 hours when they stay at locations other than their primary residence, even if they visit other provinces on short breaks or are returning to Thailand from abroad. Those who fail to comply, both Thais and foreigners, face hefty fines while non-renewal of long-stay visas is also a possibility.

What are the problems with the TM30 regulation?

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A huge number of foreigners travel or do business in Thailand. You can see the massive amount of arrivals and departures at the airports. People board flights like they are taking taxis.

There is no problem with those [foreigners] staying at hotels because the staff there file reports [with immigration] two times a day. However, what should I do if I arrive at and leave my rented accommodation every week? It is burdensome for landlords to file TM30 forms for their foreign tenants.

Most importantly, even landlords don't know they are required to notify immigration officials [when foreigners come and go]. When foreigners come to Thailand, they travel to other provinces on the weekends. Most of them stay at hostels, which do not file TM30 reports.

Our members have said that some guesthouses are now putting up "no foreigners" signs [to avoid difficulties]. I am now hesitant to let my foreign friends stay overnight with me because I have to file TM30 reports for them.

What are the JFCCT's proposals?

We are proposing regulatory reform. I understand the TM30 regulation was enforced in 1979 to keep tabs on an influx of migrant workers from Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia. Employers [of migrants] have to provide housing and file reports when they enter and leave the country once or twice a year. However, this is different from business travellers. Regulators should not treat all foreigners the same way.

We suggest certain groups be removed from the TM30 regulation [reporting requirement]. Work permit holders with business visas should be exempt because companies have built or rented accommodation to them.

Similarly, retirement visa holders should be exempt from the requirement because they have received permission to live here and have permanent places of residence and paid deposit money. For example, my mother has a retirement visa and has bought her own condominium. When she enters and leaves her home, she has to file TM30 reports, both as a landlord and a tenant. It is all very complicated.

Foreign students should be removed from the requirement. When they study here, they often travel to other provinces on weekends. Do you want to lock them up in their rooms?

Expats with long-term visas should not be subject to the TM30 requirement because they normally file 90-day reports [of their current addresses]. Visitors who are not staying in registered hotels [hostels and personal residences] should also be exempt from this regulation.

Will TM30 affect assessments of the ease of doing business in Thailand?

Of course it will. Landlords are now unwilling to rent accommodation to foreigners working here because it is burdensome for them to file TM30 reports. Thailand has many foreign professionals. For instance, thousands of Japanese expats often go on business trips. Do you think landlords can put up with the onerous task of submitting TM30 reports?

Can the TM30 regulation prevent criminals from hiding out in Thailand?

I agree national security matters because terrorism is widespread. However, other security measures are already in place. The TM30 regulation has caused difficulties for law-abiding foreigners to the extent that it has destroyed Thailand's image. I don't think criminals file reports on their own whereabouts.

Some people have told me that Singapore hands out Sim cards that can track users. The TM30 regulation is outdated. Regulators should be one step ahead of criminals and should not treat all foreigners as if they are in the same category.

When Thais go abroad and stay overnight, do you think landlords have to file reports for them? Asean countries don't enforce reporting rules. Thailand is the exception. When I visit Vietnam, I can travel around the country freely.

Does the TM30 rule aim to tackle the illegal renting of properties?

It is possible, but better ways should be found. When I rent a condo, I have to sign a one-year contract, which I can use to renew my visa. However, the TM30 rule makes it more difficult. How can landlords know when their foreign tenants arrive or leave their condos? How can they report their presence?

Officials are now asking for TM30 forms from foreigners when they extend their visas. If expats don't have these documents [which they should have received from landlords in the first place], they will be fined. It doesn't make sense.

Has the JFCCT raised the matter with the Immigration Bureau or the government?

We meet ministers, but as you know, the new government has just taken office and must have been busy. Accordingly, I am not in a hurry to meet them. I have to take some time to see how we can work with the coalition government. When they are free, I will discuss the matter with them.

Meanwhile, we have studied the TM30 regulation and the complaints which have come in since its strict enforcement in March. As more and more expats have been crying foul, the JFCCT has reached a unanimous decision that I should voice concerns about the issue.

Will the TM30 rule gain more traction if the bureau improves its online reporting system?

I would like to ask how Thai people view the TM30 regulation. If your foreign friends come and stay at your place, will you file paper or online reports for them every time? National security does matter, but where is our privacy?

Instead of enforcing the TM30 rule, authorities should screen foreigners before giving them visas and letting them enter the country. Officials should simplify and improve procedures to make them more efficient. The number of foreign criminals here makes up a very small portion of all the expats in Thailand.

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COMMENT

Readers are urged not to submit comments that may cause legal dispute including slanderous, vulgar or violent language, incorrectly spelt names, discuss moderation action, quotes with no source or anything deemed critical of the monarchy. More information in our terms of use.

- Dreamin

Thailand Posted : 29 | 10 Sep 2019 at 16.38

- I told my wife today. The bad guy only need pay money to get in. the good guys only need to do paper work. The gov gets upset because they let to many bad guys in. So that means the bad guys need only pay more money and the good guys need only do more parer work. Hmmmm Thailand's idea of national security.

- 5 0

REPLY

Dreamin

Thailand Posted : 29 | 10 Sep 2019 at 15.58

- I think some of what was said here is true but as for who instagted the tm30 it was the big hotels losing out to bnb\small resorts. this was a way to scare them away from the pie. Turns out there is nothing that can't be corrupted in Thailand. Now that time are though for the big hotels they come back to old faithful tm30 to help boost rev by shuttering mid to small hotels. As always it boils down to money.

- 8 0

REPLY

Fitzs106

United Kingdom Posted : 1 | 9 Sep 2019 at 22.00

- Hi what I dont understand is the visa form you fill in on the plane does not have a box that you can tick to say if you are not staying at a hotel and that the address you put down is a private home weather appartment or house and will be your fix abode while staying here in thailand and another box if you are travelling around and have a form available on line for you to fill in at your different locations simple

- 1 11

REPLY

bilko

Thailand | 10 Sep 2019 at 09.30

- Fitz106 Sorry but the TM6 lists everything you mention it has not . One fills in ones address then ticks the appropriate box.. Take a closer look.

12 0

- faraggo

Thailand Posted : 273 | 9 Sep 2019 at 21.57

- I assume that some top dog at immigration thought wow with this Tm30 we can achieve a whole load of things, we can - 1.make the farang feel more unwelcome, we don't want too many of those. 2.check which people who are renting out homes are not paying tax 3.Make air BNB less convenient and attractive to use. And then we will all make it look like it's for the good of the country, ie national security,it's win win!!, little did he know that the reaction would be as great as it has been, (usually these farangs are easy to push around), now the news has spread world wide almost certainly affecting foreign investment and Tourism.

- 33 1

REPLY

LennyJ

Thailand | 10 Sep 2019 at 12.55

- I think the whole TM30 thing is a "Big Joke"

9 0

- Thanaphorn

Thailand Posted : 4,825 | 9 Sep 2019 at 20.37

- Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Burma and now Malaysia are apparently working to enact similar laws. What is going on? Is this because of Chinese instigation with some sort of long-term plan behind it all?

- 24 4

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Ernie.M

Thailand | 10 Sep 2019 at 20.08

- You need to show your source Thanaphorn for creditably. Cambodia has a huge Chinese problem but whether this alone is responsible for their own introduction of TM30 I don't know. Burma and Laos always had had accommodation reporting but by the owner never the guest. With Malaysia I cannot see this on internet? The important with the Thai system is that the guest has an obligation that if ignored can result in visa renewal visa rejection for the expatriate tenant/guest. This contrasts with the other countries.

- 0 0

Ernie.M

Thailand | 10 Sep 2019 at 19.55

- Yes Vietnam has reporting legislation already in place but I have had 5 years working in Vietnam and the big difference between Vietnam and Thailand is that reporting only is done by the accommodation owner never the guest. A normal expatriate has no meeting/reporting with Immigration after visa issue except to and from international airports.

- 0 0

jimster

Thailand | 10 Sep 2019 at 12.27

- That Cambodia is looking at enforcing it's own version of TM 30 was mentioned right here in the Bangkok Post a few months ago. I'm surprised about Malaysia though - thought it was a freer country.

- 6 0

jimster

Thailand | 10 Sep 2019 at 12.25

- Vietnam already has a similar law on the books and has had for many years. I remember staying at my Vietnamese friend's place over 10 years ago in HCMC and he was saying how his folks knew of the reporting requirement but didn't report me. Laos, Burma and Cambodia also have similar requirements but may or may not be enforcing them. However, Burma does NOT allow tourists to stay at private accommodation anyway so it's kind of a moot point.

- 2 1

faraggo

Thailand | 10 Sep 2019 at 11.14

- Thanaporn where did you get this information from?

- 3 0

faraggo

Thailand | 10 Sep 2019 at 11.13

- Very interesting for bilko who just loves all these new regulations.

- 2 0

bilko

Thailand | 10 Sep 2019 at 09.36

- Thanaphorn Interesting thought and not simply fake news. Some should look beyond the bottom of their respective bar or beer glass and take note of what is happening outside Thailand. However some can only use this whole scenario for an anti Thai piece of propaganda.

0 21

- augratin

United States Posted : 233 | 9 Sep 2019 at 20.13

- I live with my elderly inlaws. Even if the online system worked flawlessly, they wouldn't have a clue how to use it. I would have to do it for them. What kind of security is that?

- 26 1

REPLY

Biscuit

Thailand Posted : 1,910 | 9 Sep 2019 at 19.36

- I am in Thailand on a retirement visa, and have been for several years. Following the advice of an Immigration officer, I spent tiem and money getting a 'Tambian Ban' ( yellow book,) that certifies my residence,at the house I share with my Thai wife. Since having his document, I have tried to show it at Immigration Offices when entering Thailand, making 90 day reports, my wife is making TM30 reports, and when extending my visa every year. Despite this document composedly being 'proof' of my residential address in Thailand, no I/O has bothered to look at it. When I have made 90 day reports, I have never been asked to prove the address I give.

- 18 1

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bilko

Thailand | 10 Sep 2019 at 09.40

- "Yellow books" are offered FREE by ones Tambon after one's initial "registration" letter expires. However I have had a totally different experience to you where this document is concerned. For example try renewing one's Thai driving license without one - forget it.

3 3

- bilko

Thailand Posted : 4,553 | 9 Sep 2019 at 18.24

- My last comment on this whole debacle reading many of the so called factual comments on this article is it really any wonder that some foreigners feel that they are not welcome or wanted. I must be unique in all the time I have been associated with Thailand since 1970 and actually lived here for sixteen years I have NEVER even mildly felt this feeling. However I may be unique in the fact that I have taken the trouble to learn and communicate at a reasonable level in Thai instead of expecting Thais to speak my native tongue pours a lot of oil on troubled waters if one can.

- 2 27

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Dreamin

Thailand | 10 Sep 2019 at 16.12

- Wow what a pompous Lurch. You may speak Thai but you clearly are not able to empathize with others. Many of us speak Thai and some of us speak both Thai and Eason as well as can right it, that has no bearing on the point many have tried to convey. They feel the government goes out of it's way to make Us retirees feel as though we are going to be tossed any day. All because they can (power tripping). Reasons for tossing? Not needed they will think one up. Can you understand that? Can you internalize that? Can you feel the pain that might cause to someone in there final years of life with a wife, kids, friends and community to lose it all?

- 4 0

jimster

Thailand | 10 Sep 2019 at 12.28

- I also speak Thai fluently and don't feel any less welcome than in the past by the majority of Thai people BUT I am not so sure about the government. As in most countries, the citizens and the government are two different things.

10 0

- bilko

Thailand Posted : 4,553 | 9 Sep 2019 at 18.13

- Old Chinese saying roughly translated goes something like this. " Laugh and the world will laugh with you however constantly complain and fault find and the world will have it's retribution". Obvious some will never accept the truth of the matter so it appears pointless making anymore comments on this TM30 charade please be my guest and carry on digging these holes which when deep enough will bury their "miners".

1 21

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- bilko

Thailand Posted : 4,553 | 9 Sep 2019 at 18.06

- This whole TM30 business which does not effect in anyway thousands of visitors or even residents is now being whipped into an out of control frenzy with false information, false claims and deliberate misinformation by some. However carry on my friends and before you know it you will get apparently exactly what you wish for even more 'draconian' measures as a reward for completely unnecessarily "rocking the boat".

- 1 26

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LennyJ

Thailand | 10 Sep 2019 at 13.10

- I think you should qualify your statement - - " false information, false claims and deliberate misinformation by some." with some facts or examples or we'll just see it as your continuous baseless allegations you are so wont to produce. By the way, did you Google all those news articles about separate Chinese toilets you claim a garbage and false claims and deliberate misinformation by some? Oh! - One other thing. Are you keeping an account of the disapprovals of your posts? - Quite a massive figure I dare say!

- 3 0

jimster

Thailand | 10 Sep 2019 at 12.30

- That's like the dumbest comment I've read on here. The Thai police state is coming down on foreigners but don't say anything otherwise it will get worse. Well if that happens, expect hordes of foreigners and expats to leave this country, taking their money and investments with them. Along with the strong Baht, this country is shooting itself in the foot by imposing such measures.

10 1

- Fucme

Thailand Posted : 177 | 9 Sep 2019 at 17.23

- Thailand going down the track of Zimbabwea dark skin’s in & white skin’s out, I had to pay 1800 fine myself for TM30, talk about discrimination some guys pay 800. My landlord never cared about this law and he was working 1000 km away from where he was renting his place to me. Immigration would not renew my 90 day reporting because I had no TM30 in my passport, & if I did not pay the fine of 1800, I would have over stayed my 90 days reporting and had to pay 2000.

- 17 1

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bop

Lao Peoples Republic Posted : 385 | 9 Sep 2019 at 17.17

- Both TM30 and TM47 need urgent overhaul. Both are draconian and onerous. Thailand not a fun place anymore.

- 21 2

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DaveKnows

United States Posted : 453 | 9 Sep 2019 at 16.30

- No retirees in their right minds would stay in or choose Thailand now, under such non-reciprocal conditions. Is this another result of the influence of China and the "Thais" in control who are really ethnic Chinese families (that is, Teow-chu)? Because in China, due to their reporting requirements, a good many hotels just flat out refuse to accept any foreign guests, which is a real problem in smaller cities. It is ultra-racism, institutionalized. All expat retirees should take their money elsewhere. Meanwhile, the Chinese have 50 million Chinese expats living in OTHER countries, with full civil and property rights!

- 15 2

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LennyJ

Thailand | 10 Sep 2019 at 13.19

- Daveknows you can minimize the risks for living here as a retiree. I did my homework before I came. My income is generated in my home country. I transfer only what I need to live comfortable which puts me over the 65,000 baht/month requirement. I do not have 800,000 baht in a Thai bank, that is at home earning me a better interest rate. I live in a rented bungalow with my Thai wife and our biggest single asset is our late-model pick-up. The seizure of Foreigner's property and assets is a common event with military dictatorships. Unfortunately for them, if it happens here, I'm not a big target.

- 4 0

jimster

Thailand | 10 Sep 2019 at 12.34

- The fact that there are 50 million Chinese "expats" living abroad says something about how much of a police state China is. I think what's happening in Thailand is simply a case of copying the Chinese authoritarian approach, which is exemplified by the Thai leadership (many of whom are Chinese-Thai) being absolutely in awe of China and following in the footsteps of that country while moving away from American and western influence that has defined it since at least the time of the Vietnam war if not going back to colonial times when Thailand remained independent but was influenced by Britain and to a lesser extent France.

3 0

- benno

Thailand Posted : 1,053 | 9 Sep 2019 at 16.23

- Most Thais r racists !

- 42 24

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jimster

Thailand | 10 Sep 2019 at 12.38

- I agree with you Dystopia2. Most everyday Thais, including those of the upper classes are fine and have no problems towards foreigners including farang. However, it's the leadership that is the problem. The way they think they are "solving problems" is very childish and stupid and clearly they don't want too much foreign influence creeping in, especially if it involves advocating for greater freedoms and liberty, which would result in Thais being exposed to these ideas which they don't want.

- 3 0

bilko

Thailand | 10 Sep 2019 at 09.44

- Thanaphorn As usual Spot ON!!

- 0 0

Thanaphorn

Thailand | 9 Sep 2019 at 20.30

- Most Asians are. Wherever I go in Asia we get looked down upon if we are not of the same local ethnicity. Unfortunately, this might be some sort of innate genetic or unconscious instinct behaviour designed to keep the genetic line "pure"??? Regardless, in these modern times with teeming humanity around the world, this ought to be irrelevant.

- 13 1

joninnak

Thailand | 9 Sep 2019 at 18.43

- Some people from Switzerland are extremely racist.

- 2 11

Dystopia2

Canada | 9 Sep 2019 at 17.53

- Most Thai OFFICIALS are xenophobes (get your terminology right). Many HiSo Thais are racist towards other Thais they perceive to be lower in status and many don't like us. Your average Thai maybe has some prejudices (against Myanmar, Cambodia, India). Afterall, they're taught this in school. But, I don't think regular, everyday Thais are really anti-Farang. I've had few problems with them in over 20 years. It's those in some position of power who are the problem.

17 2

- 25yrs-inTH

Germany Posted : 1,511 | 9 Sep 2019 at 15.48

- Bravo !

- 42 6

REPLY

Polarstar

Thailand Posted : 70 | 9 Sep 2019 at 15.22

- When you read about the more or less insane use of TM 30 you realise that the rumors often heard, that it is quite normal to become promoted in Thailand, not mainly due to your competens but rather your "bribing ability", are true. Not one single person with a normal intellect and capacity of rational thinking, can argue that using TM 30 is a good way to hunt for criminals. It is a very good way though, to make the whole country look like a complete fool in the international perspective.

- 102 3

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seafra Posted : 159 | 9 Sep 2019 at 15.21

- All information passed to Immigration regarding an Alien's location is stored (probably), but not checked. My Condo manager reports my arrival and departure, and never receives and acknowledgement. So she could lie, and who is the wiser? I am not a criminal. However if I were a criminal, would Immigration expect that I am going to truthfully report my whereabouts? Ha, this is nonsense. Really and truly utter nonsense. It is a mass gathering of useless unverified information which serves no security purpose whatsoever.

- 86 3

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ricardo

Thailand Posted : 1,283 | 9 Sep 2019 at 15.04

- I arrived to do my yearly renewal, retirement, but they said my TM30 was out of date, whatever that was. I had to pay the 800 Baht to get another TM30. I will likely be fined again as I will be coming back into Thailand on Saturday so will not be able to get to immigration till Monday. Just a way to make more money.

- 74 4

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bilko

Thailand | 10 Sep 2019 at 09.57

- bop Never got a receipt? Obviously you are not au fait in regards to how things are done in Thailand. They are paperwork mad and if a transaction via a government department is 'cosha' a receipt will be mandatory. However if not 'cosha' ce la vi.

- 1 1

bilko

Thailand | 10 Sep 2019 at 09.47

- ricardo TM30's are a single use form and do not "go out of date" simply require to be RENEWED if the need exists.

- 0 0

bop

Lao Peoples Republic | 9 Sep 2019 at 17.19

- @LennyJ, I paid for TM30 fast track for me and my family. 3 persons, 3,000 Baht. Never got a receipt.

- 5 1

LennyJ

Thailand | 9 Sep 2019 at 15.50

- And herein is a classic example of the TM30 and its chicanery. Did you landlord submit a TM30 form? Obviously, your Immigration office played their interpretation of the rules and - - Did you get a receipt for your 800 baht?

53 4

- Konajake

Thailand Posted : 4,745 | 9 Sep 2019 at 14.59

- With all this supposed concern for safety from terror and criminals when will Thai people who commit most of the crime in the country be asked to report their comings and goings ?

- 60 5

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jimster

Thailand | 10 Sep 2019 at 12.41

- Perhaps it's only a matter of time. I think Thailand is following in China's footsteps. First impose ridiculous requirements on foreigners, making sure they eventually leave. Once that's done, impose the same draconian requirements on local citizens and with no foreigners left, locals will be left to deal with this ridiculous system themselves.

2 0

- Chumphon

Thailand Posted : 2,735 | 9 Sep 2019 at 14.43

- Many countries have eliminated and cured long established illnesses. Not so Thailand - the permanent non-curable diseases here are: Xenophobia, eternal stupidity, paranoia seeing non-existing ghosts and threats, photocopy-mania, bureaucracy, brown envelope misuse, coupism around every 7 years - and sure many more, Just incurable.One guy calls it Thailand 4.0.

- 79 3

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blueskyes

United Kingdom Posted : 544 | 9 Sep 2019 at 14.36

- TM30 does not help the country whatsoever its just a hindrance but then Farquaad the Dictators in charge of everything and you cant tell him anything he wont listen you only have to look at the economy and that should answer your question tourism exports super strong baht etc,etc,would you go somewhere else to avoid lots of red tape.

- 43 3

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LennyJ

Thailand | 9 Sep 2019 at 16.17

- We just have to weather it out. Thailand goes through a continuous cycle, Today's politicians are tomorrow's criminals, retires safely overseas with their ill-gotten gains. I cannot see this bunch of bumbling toy soldiers lasting too long. Their play at being pretend politicians is pathetic. Let's hope the next lot will be a little more benevolent.

32 2

- Apetryxx

United States Posted : 7 | 9 Sep 2019 at 14.34

- There is nothing “logical” about the TM30 as the law is written. Technically speaking, my wife (Thai citizen) of many years is my landlord although we own two homes, one in Bangkok, the other in Hua Hin. We travel back and forth constantly so according to this nonsensical TM30 my wife would have to report my movements from one home to the other. This is just plain crazy.

- 73 3

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MaxS

Thailand | 9 Sep 2019 at 15.39

- That's the point. That what immigration wants us to do. Way to make more money from expats.

51 2

- Willy01

Norway Posted : 484 | 9 Sep 2019 at 14.23

- A totalitarian tiptoe, that could in all reality lead to a Khmer Rouge type situation. Get out while you still can. I am not joking.

- 53 8

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jimster

Thailand | 10 Sep 2019 at 12.45

- LennyJ, good point although don't military dictatorships also confiscate local's assets? History has shown this happening time and time again. In Burma, there were almost zero foreigners living there during the 62 to 88 period and the military definitely seized people's assets and denominated banknotes every few years making people lose their finances overnight.

- 1 0

bilko

Thailand | 9 Sep 2019 at 18.16

- Willy01 I would ask were you around when the Khmer Rouge were active I think not by your unbelievably ridiculous comment.

- 1 8

Dante1000

Germany | 9 Sep 2019 at 17.07

- Excellent comparison, Pelegrino. Absolutely excellent comparison.

- 3 1

LennyJ

Thailand | 9 Sep 2019 at 16.45

- I stated my position in another forum. It is one I recommend for retired expats if they can achieve it. I do not have 800.000 in a Thai bank account. My income back in my home country allows me to easily achieve the 65,000 per month requirement. I rent a nice bungalow. My biggest asset here is our late-model pick-up. History has shown military dictatorships readily confiscate foreigner's assets prior to further persecution. My Thai wife holds a passport and, if circumstances dictate, we can move in reasonably quick time with minimal financial damage. I hope it doesn't come to this but, as Willy01 believes, it is not beyond impossibility.

- 7 1

Pelegrino

Germany | 9 Sep 2019 at 15.18

- ...indeed - seed is growing .If nothing else grows seed of hatred is growing well. People prefering easy answers are rarely good farmers. I never heard army guys and elite are good farmers so they prefer what is called in German "Bodenbedecker" - ground covering plants - easy growing stuff. Under this stuff you don't see the waste, the rats, the rotten infrastructure...

33 3

- Konajake

Thailand Posted : 4,745 | 9 Sep 2019 at 14.05

- Maybe foreigners will be asked to where yellow stars to make them easily identifiable and herded off to camps when they dont comply

- 54 6

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bilko

Thailand | 10 Sep 2019 at 10.06

- LennyJ Your comments get more ridiculous by the day. However maybe you ought to "escape" now before it is too late.

- 0 3

bilko

Thailand | 10 Sep 2019 at 10.04

- Dante1000 The world rid itself of your idea of world order when they destroyed Hitler and his Nazi government in 1945 at great human cost. However I suppose you would know about such matters as internment camps. Probably on the agenda of Brussels for anyone who dares to disobey them. Dante1000 see you are not the only one who can make stupid unfounded statements such as yours.

- 0 2

Thanaphorn

Thailand | 9 Sep 2019 at 20.32

- Most foreigners in Thailand are not Jewish. Perhaps they ought to wear yellow mandalas as that is the religion of most foreigners in the country.

- 3 2

Dante1000

Germany | 9 Sep 2019 at 17.09

- I see internment camps coming, and I see concentration camps coming. In the name of some Buddha probably.

- 0 2

LennyJ

Thailand | 9 Sep 2019 at 16.49

- In cattle trains, with 6-pointed stars, black and white stripes and a number tattooed on your arm - - - Or later a red cross sprayed on your front door. Fact, not fairy-tales.

- 0 2

Anu_Suwari

Thailand | 9 Sep 2019 at 16.01

- Well, your beloved junta hauls Thai people off to camps, so why not foreigners? Let's start with you.

- 18 7

Pelegrino

Germany | 9 Sep 2019 at 15.10

- In fact (I wrote this before) somebody told me that under Phibun's rule they simple copied German fascists law - so they will have done with the laws about race. As far as I know after the end of Phibun's rule they just moved all these texts under any roof in any storage room to forget them - temporarily. For sure somebody (a student apprentice?) will find them and somebody will tell the world: the law is the law... - ...and maybe later again somebody in the education administration will produce a video clip about the story (and the following deportation of non registered foreigners)... - which will become banned in Thailand - naturally.

12 1

- Pelegrino

Germany Posted : 594 | 9 Sep 2019 at 13.52

- part c) at the end I went home with a butter taste in my mouth and a pack of pain killers the doctors gave me for free. However this example today is a synonym for Thai behaviour of these days - in my eyes. This behaviour causes regulary "colateral damages" but as far as there are never any serious sanctions and the country works like a black box (nobody outside really knows what's going on inside) traditional reflexes still work: the farang is wrong. Even somebody shots directly in his own knee - it might be because somebody (a farang) opened his radio - maybe? So it will work with TM 30...

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Konajake

Thailand | 9 Sep 2019 at 14.58

- I would suggest recording everything with your phone from beginning

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- Willy01

Norway Posted : 484 | 9 Sep 2019 at 13.47

- What is it they say? Closing the stable door after the horse has bolted? What a nightmare.

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Pelegrino

Germany Posted : 594 | 9 Sep 2019 at 13.45

- part b) in the hospital (where I went to after having been very polite questioned by a police man (drove myself behind his motorbike - he'd known that I wasn't drunk) the doctor in the hospital said I wasn't drunk, I complained about the other drivers behaviour. The police man only smiled and said. You're absolutely right but this is Thailand. People don't understand things like this (- we talked about speed and safety distance).

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Pelegrino

Germany Posted : 594 | 9 Sep 2019 at 13.41

- Part a) Thai system is relatively logical and consequent - what doesn't mean intelligent. It always makes me remember a situation I found myself in after having had an accident ending in a violent brawl somewhere on the countryside. The opponent was any kind of higher government official in plain clothes showing around an ID-card after what everybody sank onto his knees around. Problem: he was clearly the perpetrator - driving hazardous, fast, no saftey distance and seemingly his mia noi in the car - for sure under drug or alcohol because when the police arrived the scene he was gone - untraceable.

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bilko

Thailand | 10 Sep 2019 at 10.09

- Pelegrino Boy you must have plenty of time on your hands and live a very miserable life to find time to dream all this nonsense up!

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- Fucme

Thailand Posted : 177 | 9 Sep 2019 at 13.29

- Over 40+ years I never had to do this TM30 unto the last couple of years, the Government will have to listen & loosen regulations. But for the first time aliens from every country around the world now know-how xenophobia dictators truly are and always will be… Leopards never change there spots just like snakes, cobra’s hiss with fork tong… This might sound strange but the best thing ever happened to long-stay tourist was TM30 because your eyes now are open.

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- ubuntu

Thailand Posted : 2,633 | 9 Sep 2019 at 13.19

- Thailand may as well adopt a famous U2 song as their national anthem "Running to stand still"

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simonthai1

Thailand Posted : 2,510 | 9 Sep 2019 at 13.11

- Its simple i report to Buriram immigration (65 K round trip) once when come back to country. i have visa for Thai family so leave the country every 90 days so don't do reporting. I spend money abroad on holidays then come back. many nice countries to visit. Why visit in Thailand i don't want to report like its a prison. When they don't want to give me new visas i wont come. My Thai wife will then have to do the travelling when i go to a new welcoming country. Scrap TM30 for retired expats who provide proof of fiances and if needed police checks. Thailand hates aliens. Land of smiles my foot.

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jimster

Thailand | 10 Sep 2019 at 12.49

- I agree but why visit immigration for this? Just go to your post office, buy a few envelopes and do the reporting by post. I know this may not sound like a long-term solution either but it's 100 times better than going to immigration. The TM 30 form is available online. I see no reason to report in person. You must have too much time on your hands.

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- Alenquier

Thailand Posted : 1,065 | 9 Sep 2019 at 12.59

- Good article and 100% spot on Stanley, I won't hold my breath on the intellectually challenged in charge at immigration doing to much though. If not so frustrating it's hilarious how in so called Thailand 4.0 they cannot even get an interactive web based system to work. Doesn't bode well for the rest of country does it.

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bigboatman

Ukraine Posted : 1,192 | 9 Sep 2019 at 12.34

- "I'm a wanted major foreign criminal illegally here and of course I always send in TM28's and TM30's and TM47's to tell the honest government here where I intend to commit crimes next so they don't worry and their mummies don't worry. Then the police know where to go to collect their brown envelopes every week." I mean, come on Thailand - just how likely is the above scenario? I'd say 0% likely so quite why are you so paranoid about your law-abiding visitors that you need to exert so much pressure on them while your own people are so corrupt and criminals work outside your laws anyway?

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jimster

Thailand | 10 Sep 2019 at 12.52

- Fully agree with you bigboatman. Dante, Thailand will always be inferior to the west. I don't think the average Thai cares or even strives to be better. They know they can't be. Instead, Thailand should strive to be the best country for themselves, not for anyone else. Obviously being xenophobic is not how to do it, but what I mean is why should Thailand be comparing itself to anyone else? Thailand should be creative and unique. Who cares what other Asian countries are doing? Who cares about the west? I don't think Thailand has the creativity to do what I'm suggesting though, there are too many sheep in this country.

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Dante1000

Germany | 9 Sep 2019 at 17.18

- Paranoia is a serious mental disease. Non-treatable, by the way. There is no reason, they just got it being xenophobic and feeling inferior to the west. Instead of working on not feeling or not being that inferior.

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- samesame

Gibraltar Posted : 522 | 9 Sep 2019 at 12.11

- It all points to "Go away Farang Thailand not want you"

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Basic

Thailand | 9 Sep 2019 at 13.18

- "Go away Farang Thailand not want you" . Only leave your money.

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Fucme

Thailand | 9 Sep 2019 at 12.39

- Yes samesame but now the military government will have to listen & loosen regulations little bit. But for the first time Aliens from every country around the world now know-how xenophobia the military truly is and always will be. Leopards never change there spots just like snakes cobra’s hiss with fork tong. This might sound strange but the best thing ever happened to longstay visitors was TM30 because your eyes are open now.

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- Ernie.M

Thailand Posted : 172 | 9 Sep 2019 at 12.02

- I don't think anybody that has been to Changwattana Immigration can say the Immigration staff do not work hard as they do work hard! The disappointing thing to me is that normal staff there are being let down by the senior people in the organization who have designed systems that do not work and have no true use or function. Operational Immigration staff should be given meaningful work and be able to have a feeling of achievement. Start with getting rid of the TM30 a form without a true use and giving Thailand a woeful reputation .

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augratin

United States | 9 Sep 2019 at 20.24

- I usually have a good experience there

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Dante1000

Germany | 9 Sep 2019 at 17.22

- Ernie: they work hard on a nonsense law. If they were told by the regime to paint all trees in Thailand blue next week, and to paint them yellow the week after, they would work hard on these tasks as well, I assume. Instead of flipping their superiors and their government the bird.

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bluebottle

Thailand | 9 Sep 2019 at 14.36

- They could start by reducing the paper work. why do we have to fill in the same pieces of paper each year to say the same thing over and over why can the not just have one form for "regulars' stating nothing has changed since last year.

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Alenquier

Thailand | 9 Sep 2019 at 13.04

- Spot on and like so many things here, it's the top dogs that get in their positions by anything other than competence that is the problem. So many rotten government systems in Thailand run by fools who would be lucky to get a job in a corner store in most countries.

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AJT

Thailand | 9 Sep 2019 at 12.55

- Fully agree. Well said. Got my retirement visa renewed two days ago. In the USA it would take days? weeks? Months? Also, the staff tries hard to do a tough job in difficult circumstances. Those who disagree, please ask yourself this: In your home country how long and with how much hassle could you get this done? Independent of that, the TM30 form is a true detriment to for Thailand and a stain on its reputation for years to come. Anyone with a long term view would seriously have second thoughts about investing, living or doing business here given the future uncertainties offered here.

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Bavarian

Thailand | 9 Sep 2019 at 12.13

- Well said, Ernie! The problem remains: Immigration superiors would not cut their pipeline - would they?

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- Beachboy

Thailand Posted : 4 | 9 Sep 2019 at 11.56

- If you cant trust me to live in your country,deny me a visa, the amount of paperwork i have to produce year after year is pathetic, I understand the need to keep all those immigration officers in a job but come on, move into the 21st century with your procedures.

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jimster

Thailand | 10 Sep 2019 at 12.56

- Well if all the expats leave the country those immigration officers won't have a job left, will they? Like everything else, efficiency is the name of the game. No point in employing all these people when we are moving into a world ruled by AI and robotics.

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bluebottle

Thailand | 9 Sep 2019 at 14.44

- Just posed the same answer above ,why can they not have one form that asks has anything changed since last year. if you are retired your pension stays just about the same year after year, they cannot possibly input all that paper work can they?

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- Konajake

Thailand Posted : 4,745 | 9 Sep 2019 at 11.41

- The TM30 need scrapping and immigration needs a revamp . The massive paper waste expected to achieve the simplest task is disgusting . Photocopies of every page of a passport or bank book . Repeated reporting of address multiple times after already being documented . Why is it Chaeng Wattana ? Its miles from any tourist or foreigner .There should be multiple small offcies all over the city that use COMPUTERS for everything . Passports are machine readable . Have they heard ? The line at Chaeng Wattana is hundreds deep hours before they even open . Its so embarrassing they ask you to wander around when the other gov workers arrive

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jimster

Thailand | 10 Sep 2019 at 12.59

- Once again, an excellent and insightful comment from you Konajake. I agree. At the very least why not have like 30-50 immigration offices all over Bangkok? If the resident foreigner population is so large, and the size of the city so large why only have one location? In particular, a location so far away from downtown where most foreigners live and work? Far away from any skytrain station? This whole process needs to be computerized and most of it should be done online, like is the case in other countries.

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Dante1000

Germany | 9 Sep 2019 at 17.28

- Cognac, but you love masochism, don't you, and you love this military regime, no? So don't complain.

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Basic

Thailand | 9 Sep 2019 at 13.23

- @fungus . The computers on their desks are for Facebook. Just have a look over their shoulder and you will see.

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fungus

Hong Kong | 9 Sep 2019 at 12.03

- @konajake, spot on. Every government office I go to uses stacks of paper forms for everything. There are computers on the desks, but for what purpose it is not clear. And this is the hub for innovation and Thailand 4.0? LOL.

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- epatscouse

Thailand Posted : 32 | 9 Sep 2019 at 11.16

- A good article. I fully expect the reply "sorry we just follow the law" again; they don't care! The only part of the article that I take issue with is the end where he says "screen foreigners..." etc We are already screened, checked through every database ever conceived, sign 1000 forms, countersign a copy of every single page of the passport etc every time we renew a visa!

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faraggo

Thailand Posted : 273 | 9 Sep 2019 at 10.49

- For the whole 5 years that they were in power this government was unable to get anything done, not even one of their biggest goals, the changing of the lottery ticket price, was achieved, however the one thing which they pursued with zeal and did achieve results with, was the further tightening of rules for foreigner's and the tracking down of illegal ones.And now they seem to be taking their mission to the next level.

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jimster

Thailand | 10 Sep 2019 at 13.02

- What did the government achieve during the past 5 years apart from getting on TV every night for 5-30 minutes? I see they have done away with that but aside from frantically approving infrastructure projects all at the same time and creating a huge traffic mess for years to come in the process, cleaning up taxis (just a little bit) hardly anything has been done on the domestic front. Most of their effort has simply been on making foreigners feel unwelcome yet they still haven't stopped their dependence on foreign workers! Even the borders are still porous - one can get on a free casino boat to Myanmar and never be heard from again.

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- WhizBang

Thailand Posted : 5,946 | 9 Sep 2019 at 10.48

- Good, now let's hope the government listens and just drops the TM30 entirely. I have been here 20 years and never even heard of a TM30 until this mess started. The last time I went upcountry to visit the wife's family, our hotel never even asked for my ID. So obviously they don't file TM30 forms. If the government really want to keep it then at least get the app working.

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Dante1000

Germany Posted : 11,450 | 9 Sep 2019 at 10.20

- But when all the aliens are gone, who will be the next victims of the paranoia of the generals? All non-Buddhists in Thailand?

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Dante1000

Germany Posted : 11,450 | 9 Sep 2019 at 10.12

- Oh, don't change it now. The foreign residents are so perfectly familiar now to this latest chicanery, they asked all their friends in the world to fly to Vietnam now instead of flying to Thailand, and Vietnam is a good place to meet each other and to spend holiday together and to travel in that interesting country together, looking for a new residence. No one of the foreigners (or aliens) who live in Thailand has to live in Thailand. No 90 days notifying any longer, no re-entry visas anymore, and the inflated horde of immigration officers will have plenty of time to play on their smartphones and to come late to the job and leave early.

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jimster

Thailand | 10 Sep 2019 at 13.03

- Well if they will still be left in a job. With nothing left to do, half the immigration officers will be fired and out on the streets selling som tum until such time that the government makes street vending completely illegal, which they're intent on doing.

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- awareness

Thailand Posted : 1 | 9 Sep 2019 at 10.07

- Mr.kang has pinpointed to most of the issues although fail to understand if you are supposed to report 90 days in person (big hassle with the traffic jam)to immigration isn't that enough of a check already.

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bigboatman

Ukraine | 9 Sep 2019 at 12.19

- You can post 90 day reports and enclose a SAE, why would you want to struggle through traffic only to spend half a day or more at CW? 30 baht to post your TM47 form with SAE and expiring 90 day report pays postage, and tracking, and it has to be signed for so you know they got it. You can for a few extra baht have your SAE (stamped-addressed-envelope for return) tracked as well although post is pretty reliable here.

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Cornishboy

Thailand | 9 Sep 2019 at 12.12

- I renewed my 90-days last week; no TM30 questions asked and none offered. They obviously have sufficient info on me and my wife without adding to their workload.

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WhizBang

Thailand | 9 Sep 2019 at 10.28

- I have never filed a 90 day report in person.

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- bkkish84

Thailand Posted : 174 | 9 Sep 2019 at 09.55

- How many actual criminals has the TM.30 enforcement allowed the authorities to catch?

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Dante1000

Germany | 9 Sep 2019 at 10.18

- Zero or nil for sure. All the more, as the authorities are the ones who are infiltrated or interspersed by criminals. Just look at the cabinet.

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- StanStill

Thailand Posted : 25 | 9 Sep 2019 at 09.53

- Areas are being taken over in Bangkok by certain nationalities. They only support their own kind and don't really support the Thai local people or businesses. Thailand should be for the Thais not alien communities. Silom is turning into Little Middle East and Nana Little Africa. If you don't agree with this go and have a look. This is the reason immigration are forcing the TM30 Thailand is being taken over.

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jimster

Thailand | 10 Sep 2019 at 13.08

- Still it's an interesting point - why aren't there any American, or Italian or other European neighborhoods, why only African and Arab? It's kind of a double standard. If Africans get their own neighborhood I don't understand why there is no European neighborhood in Bangkok. And no I'm not talking about having a few westerners married to Thais. I'm talking about westerners with their families running barber shops, travel agencies and restaurants like happens in Nana.

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jimster

Thailand | 10 Sep 2019 at 13.06

- Good point Stanstill, but how can Arabs and Africans run businesses in Thailand without employing the required 4 Thais? Wouldn't they quickly be arrested? After all, Thais have a particular disdain for Africans and Arabs.

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nathanw

United States | 9 Sep 2019 at 21.23

- @StanStill: Well, how bad is that, really? If I had to choose whom I trust more of the three groups you mention, Thais would come in third.

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fungus

Hong Kong | 9 Sep 2019 at 11.21

- @stanstill, more than a decade ago, this paper ran a full page article for a full week detailing the criminal activity of foreign visitors on the lower sois of Sukhumvit road. Since then and until now, nothing has changed. One can only assume there are very lucrative brown envelopes keeping the immigration police at bay. Otherwise, an occasional "sweep" in the proper locations would solve more problems than the silly TM30 mess.

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faraggo

Thailand | 9 Sep 2019 at 10.56

- And so what stanstill? Are these people a threat to you?you sound like a brainless, paranoid, nationalist, facist.

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Overit

Thailand | 9 Sep 2019 at 10.33

- I live in silom and the area still feels fully thai, and the majority of 'aliens' are caucasian - if that's supposed to mean anything. All intersting major cities have pockets of immigrant populations. Humans move around for a better life - the majority of us posting here are immigrants. Or do you think expat means something else?

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Dante1000

Germany | 9 Sep 2019 at 10.16

- Yes, Stan Standstill, I see you support the North Korean solution for Thailand. But don't worry, the generals are working on that.

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- dell

Thailand Posted : 2,877 | 9 Sep 2019 at 09.50

- Is this the only person who sees this draconian practice as ridiculous?. Will those in power even read this and understand the futility of it all. When i talk to family and friends about it as its been in newspapers and TV in UK they ask me if its a joke or real and then laugh

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bluebottle

Thailand | 9 Sep 2019 at 14.53

- I have lived hear 8 years and it the first time I have heard about the dreaded TM30 it puts a whole new light on things when friends visit from Europe

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- anoldman

Thailand Posted : 1,075 | 9 Sep 2019 at 09.41

- Dpesn't affect me much as I am disabled and haven't stayed away from my wife's house for more than a year. However I have turned down my wife;s request that we stay a few days at Jomtien Beach where we have stayed a few times in the past because of the need to fill in a TM28 form when arriving here and a TM28 and TM30 form when returning home. Last time I did my 90 day reporting I asked a local Immigration officer about this and he told me that I did not need to do this but I don't think that I can rely on that.

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Cornishboy

Thailand | 9 Sep 2019 at 12.18

- Your local officer knows best, he has to do the work. As the TM30 is only involved on arrival anywhere, not on exiting, then they can never join the dots and know where people actually are or were at any given moment. It's a pointless exercise.

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- Bandumbo

Switzerland Posted : 5,112 | 9 Sep 2019 at 09.11

- Like all other intelligent people Stanley Kang can see the absurdity of the TM30 regulation which was created by mentally challenged immigration officials with a "we know better" attitude and who regard all non-Thais as "farangs", wherever they come from ... I hope Mr Kang will be able to convince them that it's a shot in the foot if they treat all foreigners as if they are in the same category.

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Sek

Thailand Posted : 750 | 9 Sep 2019 at 09.03

- An excellent article, pointing out the TM30 problems without blaming anyone. However it came to an end, short of the best solution, removing TM30 altogether, this outdated regulation only intimidates, the initial purpose of TM30 have been taken care of by other means. I'm absolutely sure no criminal hiding in Thailand would never even dream of reporting their whereabouts to the authorities. More creative solutions is needed to address the problem of locating/stopping criminals in Thailand.

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bkkskipper

Thailand Posted : 265 | 9 Sep 2019 at 09.00

- We are big buyer of all sorts of agricultural products and have to travel al lot. On some days we even visit 2-3 provinces a day. The TM30 problem is not the main reason but a big part of our decision moving our business to Vietnam and Cambodia. Both countries welcoming foreign investors and customers with open arms not like Thailand.

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jimster

Thailand | 10 Sep 2019 at 13.10

- Cambodia welcoming foreign investors and foreigners with open arms? ROFL! They are instituting the same system, a TM30 equivalent and unless you're Chinese, you're not welcome in Cambodia. Go to Sihanoukville and try entering the casinos there. If you're a westerner, you'll be denied entry. Vietnam is OK though.

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- phkauf

Thailand Posted : 107 | 9 Sep 2019 at 08.59

- My hope is that this nonsense goes away like previous idiotic schemes from Immigration. Remember a few years back when they wanted everyone to fill out those ridiculously intrusive "information forms". Big hullabaloo for a while, then quietly went away as they no longer asked people to fill it out once the outrage hit. The idiots need a way to save face, so give it to them and let's all go along our merry way once again. And the folks at immigration can get back to Candy Crush.

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bluebottle

Thailand | 9 Sep 2019 at 15.00

- No one has mentioned the proposal for all visitors to use a govermant controlled sim card in their phones may be it was not a bad idea aftercall it would save the TM 30 both are like big brother watching over you the sim would be far less hassle. Only joking for those who do not appreciate satire.

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LennyJ

Thailand | 9 Sep 2019 at 13.34

- you might have a good point there. What if "they" just do nothing? Just stop pushing it? Stop acknowledging reports? Let it die? For them - easy! (no work to do) and they don't lose face! and we all slowly find out nothing will happen if we ignore it.

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AJT

Thailand | 9 Sep 2019 at 13.02

- Hey, I got to draw a map of where I live! Not knocking the immigration officials, they are doing the work as best as they can. They are not the ones who think up these schemes. Draw a map. Right. Addresses are just not very helpful, but my caricature of a map complete with noisy tourist boat will be very helpful in locating me.

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WhizBang

Thailand | 9 Sep 2019 at 10.33

- I remember those forms. I never filled on out, I always refused.

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Dante1000

Germany | 9 Sep 2019 at 10.23

- Yes, they wanted to know where we sip our lemonade. Maybe their families were to open lemonade shops next to the favourite places of the aliens named in those forms.

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- Perplexion

Australia Posted : 72 | 9 Sep 2019 at 08.35

- sooner or later Thais will learn a big lesson. just walk along Sukhumvit road, it is empty. I am not making up things. the number of tourists and expats keeps going down and down every year. I reckon they've had enough of so much Thai bullocks. I saw at a bank, the exchange rate for a quid is 34 Baht. bullocks! good job Thais, your economy is flourishing! even if you live in this land of fake smiles for ages, Thais treat you like you just came yesterday. I don't like to sound cynical, but honestly you can't live easily in all these Asian countries, not only Thailand

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jimster

Thailand | 10 Sep 2019 at 13.13

- Perplexion, you're right. None of the Asian countries are easy to live in, despite the claims a few Thai bashers make. Now don't get me wrong, Thailand is definitely starting to go down the toilet, but I have to laugh when people talk about how Cambodia is supposedly more welcoming of westerners! Like ROFL! Look at any online forum and see how much Cambodians despise westerners who they see as being criminals and anyone who criticizes Cambodia's march toward authoritarianism by way of China. Thailand's netizens are at least, not as brainwashed as this...yet.

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Dante1000

Germany | 9 Sep 2019 at 17.42

- Only a few Chinese in Chiang Mai and a few backpackers. No high-end holidaymakers. And in November the particulate matter-air pollution will start again in the north and will get worse from month to month until middle of May. Wide areas of Thailand will be completely uninhabitable soon. Westerners better stay away. No need for Thai Mess = TM30 then.

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Willy01

Norway | 9 Sep 2019 at 13.52

- I am in Chiang Mai, a major tourist destination. There are effectively no tourists.

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LennyJ

Thailand | 9 Sep 2019 at 09.15

- "I saw at a bank, the exchange rate for a quid is 34 Baht"? You display an Aussie flag beside your moniker. We don't use quids mate. Are you a pommy?

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- T122B

Sweden Posted : 1,957 | 9 Sep 2019 at 08.33

- Junta and xenophobic ultra monarchists have turned the land of smile into the land of sorrow. Thailand's image now will be negatively affected for the long term.

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- bigboatman

Ukraine Posted : 1,192 | 9 Sep 2019 at 08.33

- The chances of arrogant officials infected with the world-wide officialdom disease "we-know-best" doing any more than pretending to listen are slim indeed. The responses will be vague verbal promises to "look into it" forgotten as soon as they step back into the official car on the way to the bar while their police escorts lock the roads down so the poor dears don't get delayed in quenching their thirst. Any stronger protests by activists seem to carry increased risks of enforced disappearance with CCTV cameras mysteriously later found not to be working or recordings wiped. Only if it affects them personally might they make changes.

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jimster

Thailand | 10 Sep 2019 at 13.16

- As WhizBang stated, this debacle will definitely bite the Thai authorities in the butt. After all, when tourists and investors, so vital for the economy stay away and the whole economy collapses, they'll have to make concessions unless they want to institute a Khmer Rouge 2.0 scenario.

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WhizBang

Thailand | 9 Sep 2019 at 10.36

- But that's the thing. This TM30 fiasco WILL hurt them personally as the image of Thailand sinks worldwide.

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- Daodeng

Thailand Posted : 80 | 9 Sep 2019 at 08.11

- Will they listen? I doubt.

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jimster

Thailand | 10 Sep 2019 at 13.18

- I concur with WhizBang. It's inevitable that something positive will come of TM30. The only question is how long it will take. Behind closed doors, the government is talking about solutions, just that it may take them some time. I give it 6-12 months or so.

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Cornishboy

Thailand | 9 Sep 2019 at 12.22

- They live in a self-imposed bubble, they will notice nothing.

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WhizBang

Thailand | 9 Sep 2019 at 10.41

- I think they will act... eventually. They will have some lame excuse about why the TM30 enforcement is being dropped. The thing is, if only the app worked then the complaints would be so much less. I registered for it (after having to side load it because the play store blocked it) weeks ago and am still waiting for the email I am supposed to get. Why does it take so long? If I register on Lazada, for instance, I will be up and running in seconds.

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LennyJ

Thailand | 9 Sep 2019 at 09.07

- Daodeng it will be interesting to see if they listen and act, or not. The noise about the TM30 problems has been long, loud and from all quarters. "They" can now be clearly judged on their attitude towards the people whom they govern. Let's just watch and see.

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- AJT

Thailand Posted : 50 | 9 Sep 2019 at 07.53

- TM30 needs to be brought into the 21st century. It points at a climate of uncertainty in terms of the future; the fear that future property rights, retirement rights etc are fragile at best. TM30 casts a accidental dark cloud that has been and will affect tourists, retirees and business people for a long time. That shadow creates more perceived uncertainty about future and in turn result the shadow invading more of the sunlit good things of Thailand. That dark shadow will not disappear on its own, positive action is needed to achieve that. Face saving and obfuscation are not the means to achieve this end.

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Dante1000

Germany | 9 Sep 2019 at 10.27

- Remove the army and their generals and 80 % of the useless police and 80 % of the useless state officials and install democracy, enforce the anti-corruption laws and apply them, and the country can breathe and prosper.

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- tomb

Thailand Posted : 1,668 | 9 Sep 2019 at 07.50

- One of the best articles on TM30 I've read so far. Well done, Mr Kang, I hope you succeed in abolishing this nonsense.

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jimster

Thailand | 10 Sep 2019 at 13.21

- Agree with both of you. I'm concerned that this may not be a Thailand only thing though. Perhaps Thailand will wise up and heavily modify and eliminate it. However, Thanaporn earlier made a comment about how a number of other ASEAN states are either enforcing or considering the implementation of a similar law. This is truly worrying - especially if countries that never previously had such a law in place, like Malaysia, institute one.

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LennyJ

Thailand | 9 Sep 2019 at 08.57

- Agree totally. Stanley Kang has listened, observed, then clarified the real problems with the TM30. Every point is accurate. I can only hope those who claim it is for "national security", see the light and act. The TM30 law is damaging Thailand on many fronts. It HAS to be heavily modified or gone altogether.

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- Ossy

Thailand Posted : 1,268 | 9 Sep 2019 at 07.42

- Hurrah! Let's hope that this TM30 criticism from high officialdom will draw some reaction from an Immigration Department that clearly doesn't want to be bothered by all that work and all that planning and all that pallava, when they could just be sat playing with their smartphones. Let's not forget . . . this is Thailand.

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jimster

Thailand | 10 Sep 2019 at 13.22

- He holds the chair of the JFCCT, which although it's a private organization, is closely involved with government - the JFCCT acts as a bridge between private companies and government.

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AJT

Thailand | 9 Sep 2019 at 13.10

- Please tell me I am wrong, but this article was not a criticism or an analysis from HIGH officialdom. The individual does not I believe hold any sort of public position. I fully agree with what he said; my point is only that this does not necessarily suggest anything will change. When ya see a HIGH official say the TM30 needs to hit the road, it will already be gone.

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- Felix_Qui

Thailand Posted : 8,569 | 9 Sep 2019 at 07.26

- Stanley Kang's suggestions are all very sensible. Will the official response be the usual, "so what?" when the absurdities of the TM30 are again politely pointed out by a well-informed person with Thailand's best interests at heart?

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Dante1000

Germany | 9 Sep 2019 at 10.30

- Would be nice if an older Thai gentleman would stop Pinocchio in the street, telling him "please leave my country", and the no. 1 liar would say "I do, very soon ." On the other hand, there is a reason he is called the no. 1 liar in Thailand.

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- keskeseksa

Thailand Posted : 2,985 | 9 Sep 2019 at 07.24

- Civil disobedience, my expat friends whose landlords don't want to fill the forms make it themselves. The immigration has to cope with a tsunami of foreigners and will accept whatever you give them. MWhere immigration just told me not to bother.

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jimster

Thailand | 10 Sep 2019 at 13.24

- No need to fill them out at all on a quick trip to another province to see family or friends. Pretend you haven't left your home province. Only needs to be done if you are due for a visa extension anyway.

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- Nexus6

Thailand Posted : 951 | 9 Sep 2019 at 06.41

- Solid article. Let's hope it gets some traction.

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