Immigration Update: Thailand | Enforcement of ‘notification of residence’ by Thai Authorities

Enforcement of ‘notification of residence’ by Thai Authorities

The responsibility to submit a TM. 30 Form ‘Notification of Residence’ to the Immigration Bureau or local police station lies with the home owner, head/s of household, landlord or hotel manager to inform authorities where a foreign national will be residing for their stay in Thailand. If omitted in doing so, penalties and non-compliance issues for a foreign national will apply.

Who will be affected?

All foreign nationals arriving on Non-Immigrant (all types), visa exempt basis, tourist visa, and other visa types.

Background 

According to section 38 of the 1979 Immigration Act in Thailand, it is the responsibility of “House owners, heads of household, landlords, or managers of hotels who accommodate foreign nationals on a temporary basis” to submit a notification of residence to the Immigration authorities on behalf of the foreign national within 24 hours upon their arrival at the property. This notification is made by completing the TM. 30 form and submitting same to the Immigration Bureau or local police station where foreigners reside. Responsible parties who fail to complete the filing process within 24 hours are liable to be fined no less than THB 1,200.

This law has been in effect for many years, although there have been stricter checks by the authorities recently. In addition, with the rise of short-term private-property rentals and frequent changes of occupancy as a result, higher occurrences of non-compliance by property owners/landlords and ultimately the foreign national, is possible.

Impact

• Latest requirements from Immigration Bureau, is that it is mandatory for all foreigner nationals to provide the record of TM.30 filing upon applying for an extension of Long Term Visa at the Immigration Bureau. Any applicant’s failure to provide such evidence, risks a rejection of their application.
• If home owners / landlords fail to complete the registration of foreign nationals within 24 hours of their arrival at the premises, they can be subjected to a fine.
• Non-compliance by home owners/landlords may also impact on the occupant / foreign national who may be questioned by the authorities on their whereabouts during their time in Thailand.

Next Steps(or) Actions Required

We recommend all foreigner nationals upon arrival, discuss this step with their landlord/home owner to co-ordinate the earliest submission of the TM.30 ‘notification of residence’, avoiding any risk and non-compliance by either party during their stay in Thailand.

Santa Fe Analysis

Santa Fe can support all foreign nationals in Thailand by assessing their eligibility to qualify for the required permits and to ensure ongoing compliance with the immigration legislation. We can also keep businesses updated on further developments on Thai immigration matters and will advise on any changes requiring their attention.

Should you have any questions, please contact the following:

Pimpair Pienpattara
Senior Immigration Consultant
Santa Fe Relocation
Bangkok, Thailand.
D: +66 (0) 2742 9890 # 108
E: Pimpair.pienpattara@staging.santaferelo.com

Soumeya Messadi
Head of Immigration – APAC, Middle East and Africa
Santa Fe Relocation
Singapore
D: +65 6398 3520 (5630)
M: +65 9169 6061
E: Soumeya.Messadi@staging.santaferelo.com

To read more immigration updates, click here

About our Immigration Services

Our immigration services manage thousands of visa applications every year for a multitude of international companies. Our experienced immigration experts and migration agents handle the immigration process for you and provide simple reporting and guidance on immigration matters.

About us

Santa Fe Relocation is a global mobility company specialising in managing and delivering high-quality relocation services worldwide. Our core competence is providing services that help corporations and their employees relocate and settle in a new country, assisting them with immigration, home and school searches, language and cultural training, property rentals, and domestic and international household goods shipments. We provide these services to a consistently high standard, locally and globally. A key strength is our ability to manage these services through our own operations around the world. Santa Fe Relocation Services is wholly owned by the Santa Fe Group, which is listed on NASDAQ in Copenhagen, Denmark. For more information, visit us at blue.santaferelo.com