Picture courtesy of Naewna

 

Immigration authorities in Ubon Ratchathani have stepped up enforcement of Section 38 of the Immigration Act, fining landlords who fail to notify authorities of foreign tenants within 24 hours.

 

Under the direction of Police Major General Waritsiri Lee-lasiri, Chief of Immigration Division 4, and Police Colonel Phitsanu Sitthithu, Chief of Ubon Ratchathani Immigration Office, a joint task force conducted inspections across the province to prevent and suppress crimes related to the 1979 Immigration Act and other relevant laws.

 

Deputy Chief of Ubon Ratchathani Immigration, Pol. Lt. Col. Somphat Unkam, together with Pol. Lt. Col. Wasana Theppasit and the investigative unit led by Police Sub-Lieutenant Preecha Prakring, carried out inspections of private residences in Kham Yai Subdistrict, Muang District. 

 

At one apartment block, a 35-year-old woman, Ms. Pornpimon, had failed to report any of her foreign tenants. Authorities issued a fine under the Immigration Act and reminded all landlords to comply strictly with reporting regulations.

 

Authorities emphasised that these operations are conducted in accordance with laws designed to ensure public safety and prevent human trafficking and enforced disappearances, underlining the government’s approach to immigration offences.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-08-31

 

 

 

Good because some foreigners on overstay will be caught.

I allways make sure the hotels or other is serious about this.My regular hotel allways report when i stay there.

On 8/31/2025 at 5:18 AM, norsurin said:

Good because some foreigners on overstay will be caught.

I allways make sure the hotels or other is serious about this.My regular hotel allways report when i stay there.

Bad because some foreigners who rent properties for their short term visa exempt visits and a multitude of other foreigners with legitimate reasons for needing to rent property will be caught

Damn those pesky foreigners creating all this unnecessary work for Thai landlords. nice they have a chance to sample a little "hoop jumping" for a change.

6 minutes ago, HK MacPhooey said:

Bad because some foreigners who rent properties for their short term visa exempt visits and a multitude of other foreigners with legitimate reasons for needing to rent property will be caught

" Caught' ? If they're here legitimately, what does it matter if immigration has their address? 

On 8/31/2025 at 4:10 AM, Georgealbert said:

 

Picture courtesy of Naewna

 

Immigration authorities in Ubon Ratchathani have stepped up enforcement of Section 38 of the Immigration Act, fining landlords who fail to notify authorities of foreign tenants within 24 hours.

 

Under the direction of Police Major General Waritsiri Lee-lasiri, Chief of Immigration Division 4, and Police Colonel Phitsanu Sitthithu, Chief of Ubon Ratchathani Immigration Office, a joint task force conducted inspections across the province to prevent and suppress crimes related to the 1979 Immigration Act and other relevant laws.

 

Deputy Chief of Ubon Ratchathani Immigration, Pol. Lt. Col. Somphat Unkam, together with Pol. Lt. Col. Wasana Theppasit and the investigative unit led by Police Sub-Lieutenant Preecha Prakring, carried out inspections of private residences in Kham Yai Subdistrict, Muang District. 

 

At one apartment block, a 35-year-old woman, Ms. Pornpimon, had failed to report any of her foreign tenants. Authorities issued a fine under the Immigration Act and reminded all landlords to comply strictly with reporting regulations.

 

Authorities emphasised that these operations are conducted in accordance with laws designed to ensure public safety and prevent human trafficking and enforced disappearances, underlining the government’s approach to immigration offences.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-08-31

 

 

 

Sounds like some business owners forgot the TM.30 reporting!

On 8/31/2025 at 4:10 AM, Georgealbert said:

fining landlords who fail to notify authorities of foreign tenants within 24 hours.

Why is this needed for landlords? Foreigners already notify Imm with their 90 days report.

2 minutes ago, JJ-Thailand said:

Why is this needed for landlords? Foreigners already notify Imm with their 90 days report.

Because you as a foreigner are keeping your location known to immigration anytime you move for 24 hours...under the Tm.30 info sheet, if you go temporarily to someplace not overseas, and then return to your "home" location, you wouldn't need to report yourself.  Hotels and condo owners that have foreign visitors are required to report within 24 hours of the arrival.  If the temporarily visit lasts a long time (i.e. for me 2 years) CM immigration told me I should "update" my TM.30 within the 24 hour period.

I wonder if they are also fining the foreign tenants because their landlord did not do the TM30?

3 minutes ago, Presnock said:

Because you as a foreigner are keeping your location known to immigration anytime you move for 24 hours

A bit like wearing an ankle monitor.

This could put AirBNB hosts operating illegal hotels (less than 30 days without a hotel license) in a double bind.  If they do report them, they're outing themselves for operating an illegal hotel.  If they don't report them, it's an immigration violation. 

 

Decisions...  Decisions...

 

1 minute ago, JJ-Thailand said:

A bit like wearing an ankle monitor.

They would probably do that but then they thought about all the theft and loss of money that they cost. IMHO, another bennie from the LTR, no 90-day reports either and if you travel outside the country anytime during your year after notifying BOI/Immigration of your yearly report, the one-year period begins upon your return as Immigration stamps you back into the country so you could end up no even doing any yearly report except during your return into the country. (no special visit for you or agent to BOI/immigration for yearly address update)

On 8/31/2025 at 4:18 AM, norsurin said:

Good because some foreigners on overstay will be caught.

I allways make sure the hotels or other is serious about this.My regular hotel allways report when i stay there.

When I visit the coast for a weekend break my landlord never reports my stay there, which is why I use them every time.

 

24 minutes ago, Presnock said:

Because you as a foreigner are keeping your location known to immigration anytime you move for 24 hours...under the Tm.30 info sheet, if you go temporarily to someplace not overseas, and then return to your "home" location, you wouldn't need to report yourself.  Hotels and condo owners that have foreign visitors are required to report within 24 hours of the arrival.  If the temporarily visit lasts a long time (i.e. for me 2 years) CM immigration told me I should "update" my TM.30 within the 24 hour period.

Its always interesting how many foreigners complain about illegal aliens disappearing in their countries or even legal ones come in then disappear. But when it comes to regulations here designed to track foreigner visiting within the country they cry, bitch and moan. TM 30 and TM47 can be done on line now so not real difficult. Now that banks are starting to crack down on visa agent use of fake accounts, impact the people that cant afford to really be here on long term visas, the bitching is pulling that difficulty in  now too. 

33 minutes ago, loong said:

I wonder if they are also fining the foreign tenants because their landlord did not do the TM30?

 

I don't recall ever hearing a foreign tenant being fined, but they can get into trouble if they have to go to immigration for an extension or other business if there's missing TM30s.

Inching towards North Korea ............. here in Thailand though it is more to employ thousands of pretty poor educated and useless members of the divine nation.

Take the 90-days-notification, the repetitive avalanche of paperwork literally everywhere and if you think that this is normal, then cross with your own car outside Thailand. I do the latter weekly and have to file, each and every time, TM2 (information of conveyance) TM3 (passenger list) and TM4 (crew list), A4 in duplicate, to be signed with exclusively blue ink - and that is the immigration only. The customs needs to file a customs declaration whereby you sign and agree, that if you leave Thailand with your own, fully paid, taxed and licensed car for more than 30 days, then you agree to a daily fine of THB 1,000 - with a ceiling of THB 10,000. 

Now how does this sound for nonsense? I can only assume that the entire background of this madness is in employing tens of thousands of people in government jobs which creates a more loyal voter base and, given the Asian importance of face, puts them above others as those government goons can breathe down your neck anytime. 

And so it seems, that once this all involves the aliens, then Khon Thai refuses to do so assuming (wrongly) that the alien must do it and it is the alien's fault. 

I can't see the need for this "initial reporting " to immigration anymore since the new arrival dtac system requires ones to provide details of where one is residing/staying .      

It is increasingly becoming a world turned upside down, those governments are making ridiculous laws, see also with banks regarding control of black money, and now that they want to control every foreigner's whereabouts. That is the job of the immigration service or they could give the foreigner some but freedom.

On 8/31/2025 at 4:10 AM, Georgealbert said:

At one apartment block, a 35-year-old woman, Ms. Pornpimon, had failed to report any of her foreign tenants. Authorities issued a fine

Rent just went up...

TM30; built-in extortion scheme.

1 hour ago, HK MacPhooey said:

Bad because some foreigners who rent properties for their short term visa exempt visits and a multitude of other foreigners with legitimate reasons for needing to rent property will be caught

Caught doing what?  

 

Overstay, illegal activities,  and this is bad in your books?    

1 hour ago, JJ-Thailand said:

Why is this needed for landlords? Foreigners already notify Imm with their 90 days report.

You don't know about the Tor Mor 30 (TM30) report. Its required by immigration when applying for Visas and Extensions.

"

refers to a form landlords or property managers must file with Thai immigration to report the presence of a foreigner staying on their property within 24 hours of the foreigner's arrival. This requirement under Section 38 of the Immigration Act of 1979 helps monitor foreign nationals' whereabouts to ensure public safety and prevent illegal activities. While hotels and registered businesses often handle this electronically, it primarily applies to landlords and owners of unlicensed properties renting to foreigners.
 

 

Who is Responsible? 

 

• Landlords or Property Owners: Any owner, landlord, or manager of a property in Thailand who houses a foreign national has a legal obligation to report them.
• Foreign and Thai Nationals: This applies to both Thai and foreign property owners or managers.

What is the Purpose? 

 

• Monitoring Foreigners:

  The TM30 report allows immigration authorities to maintain accurate records of where foreigners are staying in Thailand.
• Ensuring Public Safety:

  The system helps safeguard public safety by preventing potential threats or illegal activities related to foreign residents.

When is it Required?

• Within 24 Hours:

  The report must be completed and submitted within 24 hours of the foreigner's arrival at the property. 

   
• Not for Short Stays in Hotels:

  You typically don't need to worry about this if you are just on a holiday and staying in a hotel, as most hotels handle this requirement directly. 

   

Consequences of Not Reporting 

 

• Fines: A delay in reporting the TM30 can result in fines for the landlord.
• Processing Delays: Not having a valid TM30 on file can cause issues and delays with visa renewals or extensions.

How to Report (Generally)

• Online System:

  Most hotels and registered businesses utilize an online system for TM30 reporting. 

   
• Required Documents:

  Landlords generally need to provide copies of the foreigner's passport (including visa and arrival stamp), the TM6 departure card, and potentially a copy of the property's title deed and rental contract. "

1 hour ago, Drumbuie said:

" Caught' ? If they're here legitimately, what does it matter if immigration has their address? 

I've lived at the same address for the past 25 years. I own the property but still have do 90 day reports. So I must've made 100 90 day reports over that period. Recording peoples addresses should be for tourists only.

1 hour ago, Presnock said:

Sounds like some business owners forgot the TM.30 reporting!

The red box with the note book, is obviously not being used by these landlords.

Last I checked this was Thai Land.

Anyone been here long enough knows that some of this is theatrics designed to quiet the locals.

 

You have to give ID at Thai Post, at the Bus Station in Mo Chit sometimes, hotels.  If you don't want to give your ID then don't.  Thai's can buy and check in for you, no questions asked.

 

Anyone planning on staying Long Term accepts there are requirements and procedures to be followed.  Easier to just comply then maybe be persona non grata in my Host Country.

1 hour ago, J Branche said:

Last I checked this was Thai Land.

Anyone been here long enough knows that some of this is theatrics designed to quiet the locals.

 

You have to give ID at Thai Post, at the Bus Station in Mo Chit sometimes, hotels.  If you don't want to give your ID then don't.  Thai's can buy and check in for you, no questions asked.

 

Anyone planning on staying Long Term accepts there are requirements and procedures to be followed.  Easier to just comply then maybe be persona non grata in my Host Country.

Definitely why it is best to check out the requirements and Benefits of the various visa available.

2 hours ago, impulse said:

 

I don't recall ever hearing a foreign tenant being fined, but they can get into trouble if they have to go to immigration for an extension or other business if there's missing TM30s.

Tenants are always being fined at Jomtien immigration, when landlords fail to report their arrival. The Bar Stewards just love to extract every last Baht from the hated foreigners 

3 hours ago, Presnock said:

Because you as a foreigner are keeping your location known to immigration anytime you move for 24 hours...under the Tm.30 info sheet, if you go temporarily to someplace not overseas, and then return to your "home" location, you wouldn't need to report yourself.  Hotels and condo owners that have foreign visitors are required to report within 24 hours of the arrival.  If the temporarily visit lasts a long time (i.e. for me 2 years) CM immigration told me I should "update" my TM.30 within the 24 hour period.

Even after trips outside Thailand, I have never re-reported my TM30 after arriving 'home'. My IO re-printed it for me as it was 5 years old and getting a bit tatty. I had used my Mrs details to report it.

2 hours ago, Sydebolle said:

Inching towards North Korea ............. here in Thailand though it is more to employ thousands of pretty poor educated and useless members of the divine nation.

Take the 90-days-notification, the repetitive avalanche of paperwork literally everywhere and if you think that this is normal, then cross with your own car outside Thailand. I do the latter weekly and have to file, each and every time, TM2 (information of conveyance) TM3 (passenger list) and TM4 (crew list), A4 in duplicate, to be signed with exclusively blue ink - and that is the immigration only. The customs needs to file a customs declaration whereby you sign and agree, that if you leave Thailand with your own, fully paid, taxed and licensed car for more than 30 days, then you agree to a daily fine of THB 1,000 - with a ceiling of THB 10,000. 

Now how does this sound for nonsense? I can only assume that the entire background of this madness is in employing tens of thousands of people in government jobs which creates a more loyal voter base and, given the Asian importance of face, puts them above others as those government goons can breathe down your neck anytime. 

And so it seems, that once this all involves the aliens, then Khon Thai refuses to do so assuming (wrongly) that the alien must do it and it is the alien's fault. 

I wanted to ride my motorcycle from Mukdahan to Svkt.  I had everything according to Thai law.  Showed them the Thai law and all my paperwork was correct.  Immigration called big boss.  He was  home during the day,   I speak fluent Thai.  They handed me the phone I spoke very politely.  He said "you farang by my dye" and hung up.  Parked the bike and went by bus.

3 hours ago, loong said:

I wonder if they are also fining the foreign tenants because their landlord did not do the TM30?

 

Yes, they do (at least at Chaengwattana)... Landlady outright refused to do the paperwork; I (as the tenant) did it online, but that was later not accepted... I was fined, while reaction to landlady's refusal was: 'Meh.' (Since then I prefer to stay at hotels.)