The 90-day Notification Report

[Smithson]

Has anyone ever been pulled up for not reporting or is it just those confess voluntarily? I've been for extension when I was overdue and nothing was said.

I have read reports of people paying the 2000 baht fine because they were late when they did their extension.

So the missing/late receipt was noticed when doing their extension?

[opalhort]

The latest article on the same subject has been published here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/investigat...cation-thing-ii

Spectrum BKK Post 90 days report

I did e-mail the author of the article to point out the various mistakes in the article.

Here is my e-mail conversation:

Hi Jim,

Thanks for your reply.

Please note that the link you provided is very much out of date (no longer available!) the current link is:

http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/en/base.php?page=90days

The only mistake on the imm website is that it still states 5 baht.

Please see the attachment, a copy of info I received from imm together with my notification receipt by mail.

Best regards

-----

----- Original Message -----

From: James Finch

To: -----------

Cc: 'Nilobon' ; [email protected]

Sent: 02 February, 2009 14:20

Subject: RE: 90 days notofication article in BKK Post Spectrum 01.02.09

Our comments are in brackets, below.

Best,

Jim

From: James Finch [mailto:[email protected]]

Sent: Monday, February 02, 2009 11:23 AM

To: --------

Cc: 'Nilobon'

Subject: RE: 90 days notofication article in BKK Post Spectrum 01.02.09

Thanks for your message.

Best,

Jim

From:----------------

Sent: Sunday, February 01, 2009 10:07 PM

To: [email protected]

Cc: [email protected]

Subject: RE: 90 days notofication article in BKK Post Spectrum 01.02.09

Dear Sir,

Please note that your article contains a few errors which may mislead new foreign residents in Thailand:

1. required documents:

a copy of the official receipt for filing previous reports is NOT acceptable! The ORIGINAL is required!

[What we were discussing was filing by mail. Both Immigration by telephone and on their website said that copies only should be sent by mail]

2. The stamp value for the return envelope has been set at 10 Baht for a long time already!!

[see http://www.imm.police.go.th/notification of staying over 90 days/ notification by registered mail/5]

3. Address: counter 3 should not be mentioned in the address since mail-in reports are being handled in room 206 (at least as of last month). Best not to include any destination inside the Immigration department apart from "90 Days registration"

[We called an immigration official and he told us the address with the counter was still best.]

4. in reference to your article of last week you used the word "overstay" for people who report the address late. An overstay is only if they stay in Thailand beyond the allowed date stamped in the 'permit to stay until' stamp in the passport! This has nothing to do with the 90 days address reporting.

[We are writing for the lay readership and believed this was the best way to explain the point we were making.]

The fine for late (after the +7 days period) reporting is 2,000.- Baht, the 200Baht per day, though on the books has not yet been enforced (at least not in BKK).

[All of the immigration offices differ in their practices, and the column is for a Thailand-wide audience. We thus relied on the law itself. Of course, local offices can charge less and many do.]

Please do not confuse / mislead new people who rely on information they read in the Bangkok Post.

[see above.]

You should monitor this forum for very up-to-date information:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thai-visas-r...permits-f1.html

Best regards

********

opalhort

[sabaijai]

Are these reportings entered into a computer? If the report receipt was lost and someone filed their last report at a different office, can it be checked?

It would appear not. I lost a slip once and had to pay a fine. I forget how much, but am pretty sure it was B1,000 or B2,000. Crazy, isn't it.

They wouldn't accept that the slip had been lost? I've reported at Suan Plu, but have lost the receipt, I normally report at the Klong Toey.

I've also heard if you leave the country they check the reporting and when you come back in the count starts again.

Where is immigration in Klong Toey?

[WilliamIV]

This 90 day reporting is the bain of my life in Thailand. I cannot see any point in it and it drives me crazy having to comply with it. The sooner they do away with it or have an Online reporting system the better.

My choice is either a 350 K round trip to do it or report by post and wait to see if the reciept will come back. So far it has but sometimes it has taken 6 weeks.

No Immi office in KK??? Well, can you go to Nong Kai? I'm supprised there is not an office in KK, I'll let you goole that! Also, if here is nothing near (go check the law about near) you can go to the local BIB office aka Cop Shop! I've have been a part time res.. "in and out like a BG" so I have only once in 8 years had to do the report thingo! Stopped off at the Immi Office on beach Road in Patong, DRESSES IN SLACKS AND A NICE SHIRT WITH DRESS SHOES, and was out in 5 min. There was the usual run aof beach rats and backpacker types sitting about but the lady officer (suay) motioned me ahead as her next customer. I presented myself with a wai and was gone before my bum warmed the seat. Mai Pen Rai!

I can't beleive that people will arrive at an official Thai office in shorts, not shaven, singlet shirts and flip flops.

FarangFatal

I can't believe you would think it a good idea to Wai the lady officer.

See elsewhere on the Forum where the concensus was against doing this.

Bill

Edited February 2, 2009 by WilliamIV

[Maestro]

...I did e-mail the author of the article to point out the various mistakes in the article.

Here is my e-mail conversation:

...

The fine for late (after the +7 days period) reporting is 2,000.- Baht, the 200Baht per day, though on the books has not yet been enforced (at least not in BKK).

[All of the immigration offices differ in their practices, and the column is for a Thailand-wide audience. We thus relied on the law itself. Of course, local offices can charge less and many do.]

…

I dealt with this same misunderstanding here in reply to a member's post:

www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=&showtopic=237204&view=findpost&p=2496643

I am sure the author means well but does not understand clearly how the Immigration Act works, or perhaps he did not read as far as Section 84 of this law. He honestly seems to believe that every immigration officer is free to decide the amount of the fine within the maximum limit stated in the law. Leave him be, I say; it is rare for a lawyer to admit that he is wrong or to allow himself to be corrected by a person who is not a senior member of the legal profession.

--

Maestro

[ubonjoe]

Where is immigration in Klong Toey?

This info from immigration website.

Bangkok Harbour Checkpoint

Khlong Toei Bangkok

Tel: 0-2249-4122

Email: [email protected]

Their website dosn't have a single page in english. So for me it was of no help in answering your question.

[PeaceBlondie]

It is very difficult to remember unless you use calendars, reminders, etc. Once I was a day late (no problem). But 43 days late in 90 day reporting cost me 2,000 baht. Tywais said he was ten years late once, and the fine was 2,000 baht.

As for waiing officers, sergeants and clerks at Immigration: yes, sir. We reported our address changes yesterday (my boyfriend being the householder) and he waiied a sergeant who was younger than him. And I always wai uniformed police officers who are on duty and have power over me.

[Beacher]

The 90-day reporting is as bogus as most things related to Thai government. Obviously, it would be logical to require people to notify the immigration staff if you change your residence or phone number, rather than going in every 90 days to tell them that nothing has changed. It's clearly a money maker for them and that's the ONLY REASON the law is set up that way.

What annoys me most about the whole thing is that I was stupid enough to listen to my employer and start doing the reporting rather than just (wisely) ignoring it and never having to worry about being fined (up to 5000 baht) like most people. It's well known that when renewing visas or any other immigration related tasks, immigration NEVER checks to see if people are reporting properly, or if at all.

[ubonjoe]

The 90-day reporting is as bogus as most things related to Thai government. Obviously, it would be logical to require people to notify the immigration staff if you change your residence or phone number, rather than going in every 90 days to tell them that nothing has changed. It's clearly a money maker for them and that's the ONLY REASON the law is set up that way.

What annoys me most about the whole thing is that I was stupid enough to listen to my employer and start doing the reporting rather than just (wisely) ignoring it and never having to worry about being fined (up to 5000 baht) like most people. It's well known that when renewing visas or any other immigration related tasks, immigration NEVER checks to see if people are reporting properly, or if at all.

The purpose is not soley to report your address. It is also to inform them that you are staying over 90 days. I don't think it is much of a money maker. The rule comes from the 30 year old immigration act that is a bit outdated. It is a rule we just have to live with and is not that hard to comply with. You can mail them in or have somebody do it for you.

If you did a search of this forum you will find lots of reports where people were fined when they went to do their extensions and did not have a current 90 day report receipt to show. Some even when requesting a re-entry permit, certificate of residence or for some other business with immigration..

[ignis]

The 90-day reporting is as bogus as most things related to Thai government. Obviously, it would be logical to require people to notify the immigration staff if you change your residence or phone number, rather than going in every 90 days to tell them that nothing has changed. It's clearly a money maker for them and that's the ONLY REASON the law is set up that way.

What annoys me most about the whole thing is that I was stupid enough to listen to my employer and start doing the reporting rather than just (wisely) ignoring it and never having to worry about being fined (up to 5000 baht) like most people. It's well known that when renewing visas or any other immigration related tasks, immigration NEVER checks to see if people are reporting properly, or if at all.

Not sure that is true, last year on my yearly extension in BKK, I had to go over the the road and get a photo copy of the 90day reporting slip... 1st time they wanted that

[Soutpeel]

It's clearly a money maker for them and that's the ONLY REASON the law is set up that way.

How can it be a money maker, they dont charge you to do the 90 days report...so if it was set up as a "money maker" as you suggest, they havent done a very good job then...as they should be taking money off you every 90 days if it was money making scam...

[bangkokbanks]

I want to ask why it is that, not one, not two but three of my Xpat freinds here have never reported 90 day; mind you they are not residence they all have non im visas. Two are English, one Canadian all have been here more than 10 years. When I tell them, I am off to report my 90 day extention; they look at me strange. "oh, did the laws change? I have never reported in every 90 days before." I ask, really? "you mean, you just apply for your visa every year and your work permit - same old thing but do not show up for your 90 day reporting?" The answer is always a yes, and they tell me they have never been questioned about it or had trouble.

One told me, with a work permit you do not have to report in. Reading the thread above - it looks like that is not the case. I have a Thai Wife Visa and Work Permit - I assume I have to report just the same as anyone else; and if I read the thread correctly, only those that have residency are exempt from the 90 day - am I correct?

Therefore, the three friends I mention are either completely ignorant of the law and the law ignorant of them or at one point they will get caught.

It's a mystry. But I guess until I can get a clear answer on this, I too will be reporting in every 90 days.

Any comment to resolve the confusion is appreciated.

[Lite Beer]

If they have Non Imm Visas as you say they have to leave the country every 90 days so do not have to report as they are never here for a 90 day period.

If they on 12 month extensions then they have to report.

[sabaijai]

Where is immigration in Klong Toey?

This info from immigration website.

Bangkok Harbour Checkpoint

Khlong Toei Bangkok

Tel: 0-2249-4122

Email: [email protected]

Their website dosn't have a single page in english. So for me it was of no help in answering your question.

Thanks much ubonjoe, very helpful (I read Thai). I'll make good use of this info as I work within walking distance of this office

[ubonjoe]

Glad to help.

It would help others if you could post the address and or location.

[davyboy]

The 90-day reporting is as bogus as most things related to Thai government. Obviously, it would be logical to require people to notify the immigration staff if you change your residence or phone number, rather than going in every 90 days to tell them that nothing has changed. It's clearly a money maker for them and that's the ONLY REASON the law is set up that way.

What annoys me most about the whole thing is that I was stupid enough to listen to my employer and start doing the reporting rather than just (wisely) ignoring it and never having to worry about being fined (up to 5000 baht) like most people. It's well known that when renewing visas or any other immigration related tasks, immigration NEVER checks to see if people are reporting properly, or if at all.

Beacher, I thought for a long time, why did I start this(90 day reporting), then I had to go to room206 Suann Pluu office for a Cert of Residency, and the first thing they checked was my 90 day report reciept, good job I complied with the rules!!!

[tartempion]

Sniffdog, for retirement extenders AFTER the first time, the extension date has NO RELATION WHATSOEVER to your 90 day reporting date.

Opalhart got it right:

this only works for first-time applicants for extension of stay.

any subsequent extensions DO NOT count as a 90-days address report.

opalhort

I RENEWED my retirement extension at Nong Khai immigration office 29 Dec 2008, extension of stay permitted to 17 Jan 2010 and have a notice stapled in my passport: "To notify again on 30 March 2009"

So whatever you guys say I will visit Nong Khai Tuesday March 30, na

[Lite Beer]

Sniffdog, for retirement extenders AFTER the first time, the extension date has NO RELATION WHATSOEVER to your 90 day reporting date.

Opalhart got it right:

this only works for first-time applicants for extension of stay.

any subsequent extensions DO NOT count as a 90-days address report.

opalhort

I RENEWED my retirement extension at Nong Khai immigration office 29 Dec 2008, extension of stay permitted to 17 Jan 2010 and have a notice stapled in my passport: "To notify again on 30 March 2009"

So whatever you guys say I will visit Nong Khai Tuesday March 30, na

You can report up to 7 days either side of the date.

[sabaijai]

Glad to help.

It would help others if you could post the address and or location.

Sure.

ด่านตรวจคนเข้าเมืองท่าเรือกรุงเทพ : ถนนสุนทรโกษา แขวงคลองเตย เขตคลองเตย กรุงเทพมหานคร 10110 :

Bangkok Immigration, Sunthon Kosa Rd, Klong Toey, Bangkok 10110

Tel 0-2249-0806-7 ,0-2249-4122 : Fax 0-2249-0807

[ubonjoe]

Thanks

Will add it to by list.

[omanpeace]

from immigration office website (information) : they mention 5baht +envelope +application documents

i descide to use EMS (registered mail) to send my application

how long I should wait ?

i check EMS website and it confirm that my application was recieved by immigration office on 20 January.

but till this week i haven't receive reply . I knew someone going to visit Immigration office , then I give him my EMS receite (or bills) to check with immigration office about my application. The officer inform him that you should wait by post (and refuse to check if my application is done or not)

I understand that there are many applications recieved by immigration every day . But my question , sending EMS (by registered mail) 90 days notification application without receiving reply , is Ok. And will protect me from immigration penality ?!

should i wait without scaring from penality!

[Mario2008]

Don't worry. You have proof you send it and you probably will receive it back soon. Sometimes it just takes a few weeks.

[thetitan99]

This 90 day reporting is the bain of my life in Thailand. I cannot see any point in it and it drives me crazy having to comply with it. The sooner they do away with it or have an Online reporting system the better.

My choice is either a 350 K round trip to do it or report by post and wait to see if the reciept will come back. So far it has but sometimes it has taken 6 weeks.

I live in Koh Tao, my accountant in Samui and he does the reporting for me. This may not be completely kosher, but it definitely works and has for more than two years. Maybe you could ask him, his name is tchuffie, his # is 081-830-3612.

[Lite Beer]

This 90 day reporting is the bain of my life in Thailand. I cannot see any point in it and it drives me crazy having to comply with it. The sooner they do away with it or have an Online reporting system the better.

My choice is either a 350 K round trip to do it or report by post and wait to see if the reciept will come back. So far it has but sometimes it has taken 6 weeks.

I live in Koh Tao, my accountant in Samui and he does the reporting for me. This may not be completely kosher, but it definitely works and has for more than two years. Maybe you could ask him, his name is tchuffie, his # is 081-830-3612.

Anyone can make the report on your behalf. It does not have to be done in person. As said I post mine.

[Artisi]

Can't see what all the fuss / drama is about, mark your calender 8-10 days prior to the 90 day point, download a copy of the from to be filled in, enclose the required copies of passport / arrival card etc and current 90 day slip (if one has been previously returned to you - it also shows the next report date) stick it in an EMS envolpe and mail it - hasn't failed me in 7 years whenever I needed to report.

[sabaijai]

Can't see what all the fuss / drama is about, mark your calender 8-10 days prior to the 90 day point, download a copy of the from to be filled in, enclose the required copies of passport / arrival card etc and current 90 day slip (if one has been previously returned to you - it also shows the next report date) stick it in an EMS envolpe and mail it - hasn't failed me in 7 years whenever I needed to report.

Where can the form be downloaded?

[Mario2008]

Where can the form be downloaded?

Here, TM47.

http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/en/ba...p?page=download

As word and PDF file

[Soutpeel]

Can't see what all the fuss / drama is about, mark your calender 8-10 days prior to the 90 day point, download a copy of the from to be filled in, enclose the required copies of passport / arrival card etc and current 90 day slip (if one has been previously returned to you - it also shows the next report date) stick it in an EMS envolpe and mail it - hasn't failed me in 7 years whenever I needed to report.

Artisi......going to agree with you....cant see what the fuss is about....every 3 months either drop it in the mail or walk into a immigration office and walk out 10 minutes later...

As to remembering to do it.....there is a thing called a calender or a hi-tech solution put a reminder note/alarm on your cell phone...

Think this 90 day thing is just another topic for the Whingers...

[Maestro]

from immigration office website (information) : they mention 5baht +envelope +application documents

...

Postage is 10 Baht now and has been for quite some time but the immigration website has not been updated. I wonder who pays for the extra 5 Baht when envelopes arrive with 5 Baht only. The webmaster?

--

Maestro

[Artisi]

Can't see what all the fuss / drama is about, mark your calender 8-10 days prior to the 90 day point, download a copy of the from to be filled in, enclose the required copies of passport / arrival card etc and current 90 day slip (if one has been previously returned to you - it also shows the next report date) stick it in an EMS envolpe and mail it - hasn't failed me in 7 years whenever I needed to report.

Artisi......going to agree with you....cant see what the fuss is about....every 3 months either drop it in the mail or walk into a immigration office and walk out 10 minutes later...

As to remembering to do it.....there is a thing called a calender or a hi-tech solution put a reminder note/alarm on your cell phone...

Think this 90 day thing is just another topic for the Whingers...

Whingers' - seems to me that some people would whinge about the time of day!