TM30 Self Reporting - system's stumped me.

[BusyB]

Just arrived and moved in to a condo. Juristic office doesn’t do TM30s. My realtor-agent-landlady (with whom I am on best terms and who is very experienced and amazingly helpful) says she’s never filed one and has no idea what’s needed.

 

I went online to do it myself.

 

Now I have been dealing with computers and systems (in early days even as a Basic/Cobol/Assembler programmer) since 1992, when they became an integral part of my working life. My tools. The last 20 years in a media company producing and editing written, graphic, sound and video content.

 

What I’m trying to say is I’m no stranger to it all but I find the Immigration websites absolutely incomprehensibly impenetrable in terms of what I, as a Joe Doh, have to do to a) register for an account to b) file a TM30, so I can also c) be legal and d) show my landlady, who says she’d be interested to find out.

 

Am I alone in this?

 

The video I found is in Thai, with no ability to show English sub-titles or switch language.

 

Can anyone give me a clue or two?

 

For info: I won’t be applying for extensions or anything as I’ll be leaving before my 90 day Non-O visa’s permission to stay expires. In that time I’ll be doing some traveling with hotel stays but otherwise well under any radar.

 

I’m fairly certain, after years of reading TV/AN, that if I don’t file a TM30 for my condo stay there should be no repercussions when I exit.

 

Is that right?

 

Cos then I’d just let the dog sleep on.

 

Thanks for any help and guidance.

[Upnotover]

Landlady should do it, not you.  Somewhat surprising she has no idea.  But if you won't have any dealings with immigration during your stay then don't bother with it.  When you stay in hotels during your trip they will do it for sure, but still not really of interest to you unless your plans change and you need an extension.  There will be no issues on departure.

[DrJack54]

24 minutes ago, BusyB said:

: I won’t be applying for extensions or anything as I’ll be leaving before my 90 day Non-O visa’s permission to stay expires.

Do nothing. No consequences 

 

24 minutes ago, BusyB said:

My realtor-agent-landlady (with whom I am on best terms and who is very experienced and amazingly helpful) says she’s never filed one and has no idea what’s needed.

She should know how to provide a TM30 and it's a joke she brushed you off.

Tip for folks in general. Prior to renting somewhere make sure a TM30 will be filed.

[treetops]

1 hour ago, BusyB said:

Can anyone give me a clue or two?

 

If you really want to get on the system, or if anyone else wants to know, this is how I recall doing this about 7 months ago.

 

Get a signed copy of the owner's ID card and a signed copy of the housebook.

Register an account on the TM30 website in the owner's name/ID and add the property details and copies from the previous step to create an address record.  This is done in the user profile.

Wait for it to be approved (I can't remember if this happened automatically or not).

Add the person staying details/dates and submit.  You use this button for that IIRC.

You can then do a search, find the record and take a copy to keep as it disappears from the system after 7 days.

 

1 hour ago, BusyB said:

. . . . but I find the Immigration websites absolutely incomprehensibly impenetrable in terms of what I, as a Joe Doh, have to do . . .

 

I agree it's not at all intuitive, but if you find yourself in the wrong place most screens have a cancel button so you can go back before doing any harm.

 

Have a search on here for other threads as you might get some more details from others who have done it that I may have missed.

[safarimike11]

2 hours ago, BusyB said:

Just arrived and moved in to a condo. Juristic office doesn’t do TM30s. My realtor-agent-landlady (with whom I am on best terms and who is very experienced and amazingly helpful) says she’s never filed one and has no idea what’s needed.

 

I went online to do it myself.

 

Now I have been dealing with computers and systems (in early days even as a Basic/Cobol/Assembler programmer) since 1992, when they became an integral part of my working life. My tools. The last 20 years in a media company producing and editing written, graphic, sound and video content.

 

What I’m trying to say is I’m no stranger to it all but I find the Immigration websites absolutely incomprehensibly impenetrable in terms of what I, as a Joe Doh, have to do to a) register for an account to b) file a TM30, so I can also c) be legal and d) show my landlady, who says she’d be interested to find out.

 

Am I alone in this?

 

The video I found is in Thai, with no ability to show English sub-titles or switch language.

 

Can anyone give me a clue or two?

 

For info: I won’t be applying for extensions or anything as I’ll be leaving before my 90 day Non-O visa’s permission to stay expires. In that time I’ll be doing some traveling with hotel stays but otherwise well under any radar.

 

I’m fairly certain, after years of reading TV/AN, that if I don’t file a TM30 for my condo stay there should be no repercussions when I exit.

 

Is that right?

 

Cos then I’d just let the dog sleep on.

 

Thanks for any help and guidance.

I went to (Pattaya or is it Jomtien) Immigration (Jomtien soi 5 in case anyone didn't know) - actually last year when I needed to some other task (maybe Res. Cert.) - and the girl informed me that my TM30 happened to show the wrong address. I apologized and she filled out a new TM30 for me straight away and clipped it in my passport. I asked how much and she said there was no charge. I therefore proceeded to what I originally went there to do.

[ronnie50]

Hopefully not adding to the confusion, but is it really necessary for my landlady to input a new TM30 every time I come back from abroad - or even from another Thai city? Clearly the IO at the 90 day reporting will see the exit and entries to Thailand and they may ask questions.

 

While I understand it is the the landlady's obligation to do this each time, what if she simply won't? If I take the same old TM30 with same address with a move-out date of next year, is that going to be ok?

[BusyB]

2 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Do nothing. No consequences 

 

She should know how to provide a TM30 and it's a joke she brushed you off.

Tip for folks in general. Prior to renting somewhere make sure a TM30 will be filed.

 

She did in the past turn up with one (as well as all the other things like houseboat etc) for an extension a while back - she's been extremely responsive. Literally within hours ... I think maybe it's to do with the online issue. Anyway we meet later this week and see what happens.

 

[BusyB]

3 hours ago, Upnotover said:

Landlady should do it, not you.  Somewhat surprising she has no idea.  But if you won't have any dealings with immigration during your stay then don't bother with it.  When you stay in hotels during your trip they will do it for sure, but still not really of interest to you unless your plans change and you need an extension.  There will be no issues on departure.

 

Thanks, that's what I'm thinking as well ... maybe not think too mut ...

 

[BusyB]

1 hour ago, treetops said:

 

If you really want to get on the system, or if anyone else wants to know, this is how I recall doing this about 7 months ago.

 

Get a signed copy of the owner's ID card and a signed copy of the housebook.

Register an account on the TM30 website in the owner's name/ID and add the property details and copies from the previous step to create an address record.  This is done in the user profile.

Wait for it to be approved (I can't remember if this happened automatically or not).

Add the person staying details/dates and submit.  You use this button for that IIRC.

You can then do a search, find the record and take a copy to keep as it disappears from the system after 7 days.

 

 

I agree it's not at all intuitive, but if you find yourself in the wrong place most screens have a cancel button so you can go back before doing any harm.

 

Have a search on here for other threads as you might get some more details from others who have done it that I may have missed.

 

Many thanks for the rundown. I found it impenetrable, but of course I don't have a few bits of info, and apparently it can take up to 7 days for registration to go through.

 

I'll be meeting my landlady later this week and maybe we can sit down and get her registered together and take it from there.

 

She did provide me with a hard copy TM30 a couple of years ago for an extension, and I filled it out for her. 

 

Not sure what the hiccup is exactly. Maybe she just hates paperwork ... 

[BusyB]

Thanks again for the responses everyone.

 

I'll try and tackle opening an account for my landlady this week when we meet.

 

But bottom line is I'll follow Dr. Jack's guidance not to worry if I don't aim to extend.

[BusyB]

53 minutes ago, ronnie50 said:

Hopefully not adding to the confusion, but is it really necessary for my landlady to input a new TM30 every time I come back from abroad - or even from another Thai city? Clearly the IO at the 90 day reporting will see the exit and entries to Thailand and they may ask questions.

 

While I understand it is the the landlady's obligation to do this each time, what if she simply won't? If I take the same old TM30 with same address with a move-out date of next year, is that going to be ok?

 

My understanding is that returning to a residence after a trip away in Thailand doesn't need a fresh TM30 to be filed. Even if that's true it's also the limit of my understanding in this matter.

 

No idea about the returning from abroad etc.

[josephbloggs]

2 minutes ago, BusyB said:

 

My understanding is that returning to a residence after a trip away in Thailand doesn't need a fresh TM30 to be filed. Even if that's true it's also the limit of my understanding in this matter.

 

No idea about the returning from abroad etc.

Definitely no need after a trip within Thailand.

From abroad there is mixed info, some people have said they've been told no need if staying in the same place. However I believe you are supposed to and I always do. Luckily I own my own home (well technically my wife does) so I don't need to bother a landlady/landlord. Once the account is up it literally takes about 30 seconds to do a new TM30 so not worth the risk of not doing it if you can do it yourself.

[josephbloggs]

23 minutes ago, BusyB said:

 

Many thanks for the rundown. I found it impenetrable, but of course I don't have a few bits of info, and apparently it can take up to 7 days for registration to go through.

 

I'll be meeting my landlady later this week and maybe we can sit down and get her registered together and take it from there.

 

She did provide me with a hard copy TM30 a couple of years ago for an extension, and I filled it out for her. 

 

Not sure what the hiccup is exactly. Maybe she just hates paperwork ... 

I did the original TM30 set up myself (my wife is technically my landlady). I did struggle with one issue but once resolved the rest was easy, and I got clear help on here. I'll dig out the thread as it might help you too.

Edit: here it is. A silly thing that beat me, but apart from that all simple:
 

 

[soi3eddie]

4 hours ago, Upnotover said:

But if you won't have any dealings with immigration during your stay then don't bother with it.

 

This is best advice. If no extension needed then don't bother. I have the registration for TM30 at my Bangkok condo. The only time I ever do a TM30 is each year, on last entry before I will extend my permission to stay (non-O). They do ask for it at CW in my case. 

 

A word for anyone who WILL need to deal with immigration for extension of stay; is DO NOT pay a deposit/payment on a rental until landord or agent can show you that they have already filed a TM30 for you. If not then walk away as it will cause you nothing but hassle. I would go further and insist on a copy of landlord's/owner's Thai ID card and Blue Book house register - with that, you can register for TM30 account in their name and file TM30 for oneself. If they won't give you their ID, then walk away - after all, they will insist on a copy of YOUR passport!

 

 

[MarkBR]

I tried online system, did not work then gave up & went the Chaeng Wattana to sort out

[Dazinoz]

One of the things that bugs me here. Landlord is required to do it but all they want to do is collect your rent money and not do what is required of them.

[jcmj]

I co own a house here with my partner but just call my accountant every time I leave the country and come back and they just do it for me. Okay 1000 baht, which I know I could save doing it myself but I have better peace of mind letting them do it and me not screwing it up so if there are any issues I can just call them up. To each their own, but I know that Jomtien wanted one last year when I was doing my retirement visa. Maybe just picky. Not sure. 

[Dazinoz]

1 minute ago, jcmj said:

Jomtien wanted one last year when I was doing my retirement visa.

Chiang Mai wanted a copy of mine to get a re-entry permit last week.

[Liquorice]

13 minutes ago, Dazinoz said:

One of the things that bugs me here. Landlord is required to do it but all they want to do is collect your rent money and not do what is required of them.

Incorrect assumption discussed many times on this forum.

 

It's the responsibility of the Housemaster, owner or possessor of the premises to file the TM30 as defined by section 38 of the Immigration Act.
Section 4 of the Act defines the Housemaster as any persons who is the chief possessor of a house, whether in the capacity of owner, tenant, or in any other capacity whatsoever.

 

That's why the registration offers the option to register as a Thai, or in English as the 'foreigner'.

You just need to upload the House book and ID card of the owner as proof of address.

 

 

 

[Dazinoz]

3 minutes ago, Liquorice said:

You just need to upload the House book and ID card of the owner as proof of address.

Trying to get that from my landlord via real estate agent not worth the hassle.

[Liquorice]

16 hours ago, BusyB said:

My realtor-agent-landlady (with whom I am on best terms and who is very experienced and amazingly helpful) says she’s never filed one and has no idea what’s needed.

You need a copy of the owners House book and ID card to file the address.

The landladies documents will be for a different address - hers!

[Liquorice]

2 minutes ago, Dazinoz said:

Trying to get that from my landlord via real estate agent not worth the hassle.

As previously stated, when considering renting, ensure the owner will supply copies of their House book and ID, otherwise don't rent as it will cause issues down the line.

[Dazinoz]

2 minutes ago, Liquorice said:

As previously stated, when considering renting, ensure the owner will supply copies of their House book and ID, otherwise don't rent as it will cause issues down the line.

I used agent and of course "everything will be ok".

[zzzzz]

13 hours ago, BusyB said:

Thanks again for the responses everyone.

 

I'll try and tackle opening an account for my landlady this week when we meet.

 

But bottom line is I'll follow Dr. Jack's guidance not to worry if I don't aim to extend.

step by step
https://tm30.immigration.go.th/TM30/Foreigner/TM30TH/Home.html

[Schoggibueb]

As you only have to do this once - except you change your location - one could think about spending 300 baht (per person) and let a agency do it for you.

The last time I had to do this was when we got our blue housebook. The Amper said we have to first have the correct adress in the TM30 before they can make the yellow housebook.

Instead of wasting time on Immigration a possibility.

[KannikaP]

14 hours ago, ronnie50 said:

Hopefully not adding to the confusion, but is it really necessary for my landlady to input a new TM30 every time I come back from abroad - or even from another Thai city? Clearly the IO at the 90 day reporting will see the exit and entries to Thailand and they may ask questions.

 

While I understand it is the the landlady's obligation to do this each time, what if she simply won't? If I take the same old TM30 with same address with a move-out date of next year, is that going to be ok?

I have a four year old TM30, which I did myself using the Mrs'ID and house book. Been away many times, both hotels in Thailand and trips to Dubai/UK. Done retirement extensions no problem, in fact, last time the IO printed out a new TM30 as mine was getting tatty.

[sandyf]

11 minutes ago, KannikaP said:

I have a four year old TM30, which I did myself using the Mrs'ID and house book. Been away many times, both hotels in Thailand and trips to Dubai/UK. Done retirement extensions no problem, in fact, last time the IO printed out a new TM30 as mine was getting tatty.

My TM30 is dated Aug 2015 and been out of the country more times than I can remember, never had a problem.

I keep expecting them to say a new one is required, beginning to look a bit tatty.

[sandyf]

18 minutes ago, Schoggibueb said:

The Amper said we have to first have the correct adress in the TM30 before they can make the yellow housebook.

Instead of wasting time on Immigration a possibility.

I got my yellow book in May 2010 when on ME visas, never did a TM30 till 2015.

[Digitalbanana]

1 hour ago, Dazinoz said:

1 hour ago, jcmj said:

Jomtien wanted one last year when I was doing my retirement visa.

Chiang Mai wanted a copy of mine to get a re-entry permit last week.

It's not a question of whether a TM30 is needed. Its a question of whether a new TM30 needs to be created. If you are staying at the same address and on the same visa extensions with re-entry permits no new TM30 should be needed. I show my several years old TM30 copy if asked at CW and its accepted.

[Chonnikarn]

You're definitely not alone the TM30 system is confusing, even for tech-savvy folks. If you're not extending your stay or doing a 90-day report, you're unlikely to face any issues on exit without a TM30. It's technically required, but rarely enforced unless you're dealing with immigration in-country.

If your landlady's never done one, the easiest option is the eTM30 site, but registration requires her ID, the condo's documents, and your passport info. That said, for a short stay, most people just let it slide without problems.

Hope that helps!