What Is The Purpose Of 90 Day Reporting.

[Markaew]

I reckon we should report at 7/11 for 10 Baht or whatever.

You can pay your bills there. Why not?

[meatboy]

Yeh, it's a terrible inconvenience, isn't it.

Had to do one a week ago. Got there at 9:30 in the morning.

My Queue number was 200 ... they were taking care of number 140 when I arrived.

They were calling numers about 2 or 3 or a minute.

I had to sit there for a whole 30 minutes until they called me, and I had my new reporting date after a whole 2 minutes at the desk.

What a horrible inconvenience in my busy life.

Walked out of the place at 10:05. Have to do that every 90 days also.

Disrupts my whole life!

Some obviously have little to do (like me) but some working here would have to take a full day from work just to do this simple task and perhaps drive a considerable distance at risk to there life and others for a totally redundant task.

Why dont you authorise someone to do it for you?

Someone still has to waste time for both me and immigration officers. I clearly said I have the time and enjoy the trip but for others it can, and often is, a problem which should not happen if they are qualified for a one year extension of stay the check can be made at that time.

the trip is not a problem for me,the gripe i have is,on your official receipt for your 90 day report in the box at the bottom left hand corner it clearly states it is not an extension but a notification of your address which has the date of the next report it is signed by an immigration officer,this was done three days before i went to renew my driving licence but they l.a.t.refused to except it.

[ubonjoe]

But it is not a certification of your residence which is required. That is what a certificate of residence is for.

[fxe1200]

I think, this discussion is unnecessary. We decided to live in Thailand. So we have to deal with the advantages and disadvantages the staying in Thailand is associated with, if there are purposes or not. We all know, that decisions, made up by Thais sometimes lack perception completely. Remember the tying together of boats, with their engines running, on the Chao Phraya, to speed up the current towards the Gulf of Siam. These type of decisions and laws, i.e. alcohol sales ban from 14-17, instead of just asking for a valid ID, are abundant in TH, and therefore it is much more efficient not to discuss those matters. Nothing will change for the better anyhow, as long the government is exhaustingly working to fill their pockets and to discredit their political opponent.

[frimu]

Leave the country every 90 days and you get away with it. After each reentry it starts to count at one again. Only if you stay longer than 90 days in a row, you have to do it. :-)

Its stupid....

Some people I ask about it they say what's a 90 day report?

How do they get away with it?

[bdenner]

Some obviously have little to do (like me) but some working here would have to take a full day from work just to do this simple task and perhaps drive a considerable distance at risk to there life and others for a totally redundant task.

Then there are many of us whose Immigration Office still accepts and even encourages EMS postal system 90 Day Reports, eg mine in Udon Thani. Works for me saving a 200Km round trip.

[tragickingdom]

I believe it is a safety measure to allow locating Farangs if there embassy needs to or if they go missing

As if foreigners that go missing don't do so on purpose The paper pushers and non risk takers are the first to register with their embassy. Leave us with tourists who go often missing but they do not fall under the 90 day regime. There is just one reason the authorities simply want to know how many foreigners there are in a certain area and what they might up to. Big brother. In small villages the task is taken on by the local police, after all the entire system is a farce. you can't possibly believe that someone in Izan will go sit in a car for 6 hours to register at the nearest immigration office.

[culicine]

Keep track of foreigners on limited, specific purpose visas,

Actually it has nothing to do with that as those on such visas do not report there address as they do not stay more than 90 days at a time and any exit resets the clock. It is a requirement of the immigration act of more than 30 years ago so not something new.

Is there any move at all to make 90 day reporting online? We don't even need to report in person anyway.

On another note, is immigration recording more of our information now? It took ages in Nonthaburi immigration yesterday. Once the initial processing on out non imm B was done, someone else was typing information from out passports into a computer. This is the first time I've seen that done. Any ideas lopburi?

[watcharacters]

Keep track of foreigners on limited, specific purpose visas,

Actually it has nothing to do with that as those on such visas do not report there address as they do not stay more than 90 days at a time and any exit resets the clock. It is a requirement of the immigration act of more than 30 years ago so not something new.

Agree..but to help the hard pressed officials, I would suggest a minor rule change. All long stay visa holders who are owner occupiers to report annually.

I think, this discussion is unnecessary. We decided to live in Thailand. So we have to deal with the advantages and disadvantages the staying in Thailand is associated with, if there are purposes or not. We all know, that decisions, made up by Thais sometimes lack perception completely. Remember the tying together of boats, with their engines running, on the Chao Phraya, to speed up the current towards the Gulf of Siam. These type of decisions and laws, i.e. alcohol sales ban from 14-17, instead of just asking for a valid ID, are abundant in TH, and therefore it is much more efficient not to discuss those matters. Nothing will change for the better anyhow, as long the government is exhaustingly working to fill their pockets and to discredit their political opponent.

.

SINCERELY,

I think your's is an excellent post. It's far from the usual one I'd expect which is the "love it or leave it variety". Many TV members love to shout out "go back to your home country if you have any complaint". They're the REALLY intelligent members of the board. 555

Yes there's actually nothing that will change in this country other than an evolutionary change based on an epiphany by a government officer of how to squeeze more corruption money from somewhere.

As expats we have the choice to accept and whine about the graft and corruption or move on to some other place.

I personally make sure I don't over extend myself here even though I'm currently completely satisfied with my little world.

[Thakkar]

None of the reasons given so far constitute good explanations.

1

More money for immigration from the small percentage who report late and get fined Bt2k: increase the annual visa fee for all by 20% to achieve the same end. The 20% extra is expenditure neutral for us when you consider the time and fuel saved.

2

Creating work, padding the bureaucracy: allow reporting by post with stamped, self-addressed envelope included which immigration post back by double registered post that the recipient has to sign for. Immigration receives the signed slip so they can verify the said person was at that address. They don't actually have to check the details. It's not like they do any checking now, but it justifies extra staff.

3

Reminding foreigners they are mere guests: reporting by post achieves that.

My guess is that whatever reason they may originally have had (and that isn't clear), it's probably redundant now. Inertia has taken over, and they are just going through the motions. Bureaucracies are like that.

This system probably harms Thailand more than anyone realizes. I know that my wife and I would invest more here if my status was more secure and I wan't constantly reminded that I live here at the pleasure of immigration officials.

T

[Arkady]

Keep track of foreigners on limited, specific purpose visas,

Actually it has nothing to do with that as those on such visas do not report there address as they do not stay more than 90 days at a time and any exit resets the clock. It is a requirement of the immigration act of more than 30 years ago so not something new.

That is correct. It is from a police order made under military dictatorship in the 70s, as far as know, that fell into disuse, as it was considered unnecessary but got revived a few years ago. It serves no purpose today and doesn't stop people from going missing like that English lad who disappeared for a couple of months shacked up with a tart and caused his family in the UK to go through God knows what trauma. The only reason is to give Immigration a sense of greater control over foreigners and be able to tell other government agencies that they are doing something about foreign mafias, even though they aren't.

Before you flame me for being an ungrateful guest in the country, it doesn't affect me because I have had PR for over 15 years and never had to do 90 day reporting.

[asupeartea]

2 reasons:

1) another excuse to take money from people, especially farang.

2) to remind foreigners whose country it is,

2b) keep us foreigners in our place.

[watcharacters]

Keep track of foreigners on limited, specific purpose visas,

Actually it has nothing to do with that as those on such visas do not report there address as they do not stay more than 90 days at a time and any exit resets the clock. It is a requirement of the immigration act of more than 30 years ago so not something new.

That is correct. It is from a police order made under military dictatorship in the 70s, as far as know, that fell into disuse, as it was considered unnecessary but got revived a few years ago. It serves no purpose today and doesn't stop people from going missing like that English lad who disappeared for a couple of months shacked up with a tart and caused his family in the UK to go through God knows what trauma. The only reason is to give Immigration a sense of greater control over foreigners and be able to tell other government agencies that they are doing something about foreign mafias, even though they aren't.

Before you flame me for being an ungrateful guest in the country, it doesn't affect me because I have had PR for over 15 years and never had to do 90 day reporting.

.

What is PR in thailand that allows you not to report?

[ubonjoe]

Permanent Residency

[fxe1200]

>I think, this discussion is unnecessary. We decided to live in Thailand. So we have to deal with the advantages and disadvantages the staying in Thailand is associated with, if there are purposes or not. We all know, that decisions, made up by Thais sometimes lack perception completely. Remember the tying together of boats, with their engines running, on the Chao Phraya, to speed up the current towards the Gulf of Siam. These type of decisions and laws, i.e. alcohol sales ban from 14-17, instead of just asking for a valid ID, are abundant in TH, and therefore it is much more efficient not to discuss those matters. Nothing will change for the better anyhow, as long the government is exhaustingly working to fill their pockets and to discredit their political opponent.

.

SINCERELY,

I think your's is an excellent post. It's far from the usual one I'd expect which is the "love it or leave it variety". Many TV members love to shout out "go back to your home country if you have any complaint". They're the REALLY intelligent members of the board. 555

Yes there's actually nothing that will change in this country other than an evolutionary change based on an epiphany by a government officer of how to squeeze more corruption money from somewhere.

As expats we have the choice to accept and whine about the graft and corruption or move on to some other place.

I personally make sure I don't over extend myself here even though I'm currently completely satisfied with my little world.

Thank you, I forgot to mention, that the epidemic plague in Thailand, the DKE, is at least partially responsible for the status quo in Thailand. More on DKE here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect

[Baerboxer]

Its their country their rules, stupid or not. and for 4 times a year it can hardly be considered a major chore.

Most offices accept reporting by mail so wheres the hardship?

We all have a choice......

Chiang Mai imm no longer excepts mail in. Also, those of us that work have to take the time off to do it if we have no alternate to do it for us so there is a degree of hardship for some of us. But mainly, it's a pain in the arse.

The requirement is to report in person, which you obviously respect. At our local immigration I see various "agents", motor cycle taxi guys and HR people turn up with piles of passports and forms for 90 day reports. Some for factory workers, some for educational establishments etc.

I always go in person to - it's a 1.5 hour drive each way, and I agree it's a pain in the arse.

[lopburi3]

The requirement is to report in writing (as that was the normal communications method here 35 years ago).

[lopburi3]

There is a limit - even here - off-topic post removed.

[Baerboxer]

I can see a purpose for it and this thread will not influence the requirement. But surly reporting to the local police station would make more sense, they are the people who come out and verify my location/situation after my annual Retirement Extension (using the map I have to provide to Immigration) so obviously the right hand is talking to the left.

I see your viewpoint bdenner and understand you are happy with the way things are. As many have stated countless times before, the issue they have is the lack of consistency.

Each immigration office is operated as a private fiefdom with rules only on to itself. An address verification letter in my local immigration office costs ฿500. instead of being free. In other areas of Thailand it costs much more. One can never be sure what to expect. In most Western countries as well as a couple of SEA countries there's a clearer requirement for things. thailand is far from making things clear as to requirements in terms of enforcement.

I don't know anyone in my city who has had a visit to confirm information from either the BIB or immigration.

And as far as complaining goes, I'm certain anything posted on Thaivisa is no more worthwhile than a pimple on an elephant's butt

I agree - especially about never being sure what to expect! The officer in charge of each office seems to be able to decide which bits to enforce or not, and has wide discretion on interpretation so it is indeed their personal fiefdom.

[ThailandNoob]

I believe it is a safety measure to allow locating Farangs if there embassy needs to or if they go missing

Or suspected of criminal activity. Though too easy to fake an address as, at least in Chiang Mai, they never check the validity of the address.

Ditto for every time I went to Chaeng Wattana in Bangkok.

[Chopperboy]

Keep track of foreigners on limited, specific purpose visas,

Actually it has nothing to do with that as those on such visas do not report there address as they do not stay more than 90 days at a time and any exit resets the clock. It is a requirement of the immigration act of more than 30 years ago so not something new.

Thaksin re-introduced it - the rule was ignored for years beforehand.

Its simply to remind you that you are on probation and have no permanent right to be here.

[sausageandmash]

We call it "little man syndrome".

The only purpose of the 90 day report is to remind us farangs that the Thais are in charge

[comserve]

Its a requirement, it happens 4 times a year, so why worry about it !!

It may be OK if the immigration office is just around the corner but I live in Buriram & we have to drive 150KM each way on very busy roads (taking a full day to do so). !!!

[Aussie Paul]

Keep track of foreigners on limited, specific purpose visas,

Actually it has nothing to do with that as those on such visas do not report there address as they do not stay more than 90 days at a time and any exit resets the clock. It is a requirement of the immigration act of more than 30 years ago so not something new.

Does any exit and re-entryon a 12 month Non-Immigrant O-A Visa reset the reporting clock?

[super22k]

A few years ago I overstayed my 90 day visa and was fined 20,000 bht by a delighted Imm. officer.

[Mario2008]

Keep track of foreigners on limited, specific purpose visas,

Actually it has nothing to do with that as those on such visas do not report there address as they do not stay more than 90 days at a time and any exit resets the clock. It is a requirement of the immigration act of more than 30 years ago so not something new.

Does any exit and re-entryon a 12 month Non-Immigrant O-A Visa reset the reporting clock?

Yes. Day one will be the day you re-enter Thailand again.

[OJAS]

Its a requirement, it happens 4 times a year, so why worry about it !!

It may be OK if the immigration office is just around the corner but I live in Buriram & we have to drive 150KM each way on very busy roads (taking a full day to do so). !!!

Does your local immigration office not accept reporting by mail?

[Mario2008]

A few years ago I overstayed my 90 day visa and was fined 20,000 bht by a delighted Imm. officer.

Sorry, different topic.

This is not about overstaying, but about 90 day reporting.

[Acharn]

The requirement was first imposed by the Kraivichian government in, I believe 1979. I think is was justified as a tool for preventing illegal overstays, but for many years was not actually implemented. Oh, you could go to the police station if you wanted to, but nobody a Immigration was keeping the reports. For some reason that changed in 1998. They suddenly started asking for the reports, but hardly anybody was aware of it. I personally suspect some officer in Immigration found a niche to exploit and created a little bureaucratic empire for him/herself. Or mayve it was because Purachai became the Interior Minister. He had a strange hatred for all farangs (he himself lived in New Zealand while his kids were going to school there). Anyway, it was a couple of years later, 2001 or 2002 IIRC, when they really cracked down and started collecting the THB 2,000 fine for not reporting on time. I think that at first is gave them w nice windfall profit as lots of people forgot to report, but I think most people remember now.

As other posters have noted, they don't check to see if you actually live where you say you do, so I don't know what the law's real purpose is. Probably it just continues because of bureaucratic inertia. Nobody in Immigration wants to reduce the number of people who report to them, so useless tasks are perpetuated forever. This really applies to all administrative endeavors, public or private. A great explanation was written by C. Northcote Parkinson as "Parkinson's Law," which is available on-line.

[how241]

Its a requirement, it happens 4 times a year, so why worry about it !!

+1....usually fast and free.