Phuket Town Immigration

[NamKangMan]

What they "cracked down" on was people abusing the 30 day exemptions by making visa runs and getting several consecutive ones and staying here up to several years at a time, sometimes to work illegally, sometimes for other reasons. Their point is that if you have a valid reason to stay for a long time then you should go through the official process, not circumvent it by crossing the border over and over.

They added the 30 day extension at the same time so that genuine tourists can stay for up to 60 days even if they cannot get a 60 day tourist visa in their own country before leaving. Sort of levelling the playing field I guess. However you can only get 1 extension, after that get a real visa or go home.

Makes total sense to me.

Not saying it isn't a crazy country, but in this case it isn't.

From what I have read on the Visa Forum, the visa crackdown has fizzled out.

So, now, these visa exemption stamp abusers only have to cross a boarder 6 times a year, instead of 12 times a year, if they pay some money.

The crackdown is so contradictory to the release of these new rules that it sounds crazy to me, but each to their own.

[thailoneus]

I started another thread about this Registration. This one is more appropriate.Sorry, and will ask a mod to close that thread.

Thanks for pointing me to this thread Stevenl.

I think I understand it now. Could anyone please confirm? thanks.

"The Registration Form for the Owner of Residence"

The form must be completed by the Owner/Landlord. The terms "Registrar" and "Residence" in the doc are a bit confusing.

Section 1 ....is the address of the residence. And information about the "resident" i.e. Renter.

Section 2. ....is information about the Owner or Landlord. Still in Section 2, there is a blank area for Address of Registrar. i.e. Owner/Landlord.

The signature area....to be signed by the landlord.

For Registration purposes....take with me...

1. The above Registration doc
2. Copy of the landlord's Tabien Baan, signed.
3. Copy of the Landlord"s ID card, signed.
4. Copy of my Lease, signed.

It is also my understanding that this Residence Registration must be done ONCE, either at a 90 day report or Annual extension renewal.

It needs to be repeated if one changes address OR if one leaves the country and returns.

Much appreciated.

[Badrabbit]

I was at immigration this morning and asked about the 90 day report, answer was you only need your passport and copies, guy said other areas might want the form but not Phuket!!

[Pakaty]

The form here is different from the ones in the template section in the Visa forum?

Yup they are different.

From Immigration website:

tm30.pdf

Look at the form given to hkt83100. The date on the top is 2522. That form is 35 years old! I think Phuket Immigration are doing their best to confuse us.

[DrDave]

I'm wondering how this works for a land lease.

In my case, my wife owns the land our house is built upon, and the land is leased to me via a long-term lease that is registered with the land office and noted on the chanote.

[stevenl]

I'm wondering how this works for a land lease.

In my case, my wife owns the land our house is built upon, and the land is leased to me via a long-term lease that is registered with the land office and noted on the chanote.

So you have to report.

[LivinginKata]

I'm wondering how this works for a land lease.

In my case, my wife owns the land our house is built upon, and the land is leased to me via a long-term lease that is registered with the land office and noted on the chanote.

So you have to report.

Yes, you would be the 'landlord' and make your own report. But most likely easier for your wife to register and use her ID.

[jpeg]

What they "cracked down" on was people abusing the 30 day exemptions by making visa runs and getting several consecutive ones and staying here up to several years at a time, sometimes to work illegally, sometimes for other reasons. Their point is that if you have a valid reason to stay for a long time then you should go through the official process, not circumvent it by crossing the border over and over.

They added the 30 day extension at the same time so that genuine tourists can stay for up to 60 days even if they cannot get a 60 day tourist visa in their own country before leaving. Sort of levelling the playing field I guess. However you can only get 1 extension, after that get a real visa or go home.

Makes total sense to me.

Not saying it isn't a crazy country, but in this case it isn't.

Not that I am one, but am getting a tad tired of those holier than thou honkies on here calling others who found it convenient to border run every 30, now 60 days, visa abusers. In the interests of a policy supported by fact (I know I know, anathema to many here), how were they abusing that which THAI (that's not pontificating farang btw) Immigration allowed them to do? Who died and made you Chief of Immigration? And why is it any of any of your bloody business? Jeezuz H

Edited November 8, 2014 by jpeg

[stevenl]

"how were they abusing that which THAI (that's not pontificating farang btw) Immigration allowed them to do?"

If Thai did not allow them to do that it would have been illegal. It was not illegal but abuse because it was not meant to be used that way.

[NamKangMan]

I'm wondering how this works for a land lease.

In my case, my wife owns the land our house is built upon, and the land is leased to me via a long-term lease that is registered with the land office and noted on the chanote.

So you have to report.

Yes, you would be the 'landlord' and make your own report. But most likely easier for your wife to register and use her ID.

"Yes, you would be the 'landlord" - can you explain this to me, LIK?

He clearly states "the land is leased to me."

Doesn't that make him the leasee, and his wife the lessor, therefore, the landlord? (marriage aside)

[NamKangMan]

"how were they abusing that which THAI (that's not pontificating farang btw) Immigration allowed them to do?"

If Thai did not allow them to do that it would have been illegal. It was not illegal but abuse because it was not meant to be used that way.

"It was not illegal but abuse because it was not meant to be used that way." - if that's the case, why not legislate against the loophole allowing the abuse?

There must be a reason why they allow the abuse to continue. I wonder what it could be?

Edited November 8, 2014 by NamKangMan

[LivinginKata]

I'm wondering how this works for a land lease.

In my case, my wife owns the land our house is built upon, and the land is leased to me via a long-term lease that is registered with the land office and noted on the chanote.

So you have to report.

Yes, you would be the 'landlord' and make your own report. But most likely easier for your wife to register and use her ID.

"Yes, you would be the 'landlord" - can you explain this to me, LIK?

He clearly states "the land is leased to me."

Doesn't that make him the leasee, and his wife the lessor, therefore, the landlord? (marriage aside)

But he owns the house so technically he rents the house to himself. But he would need the house book in his name, that's why I said it was be easier for his wife to register him. Lot's of things I could myself here in Thailand as I have supporting papers, but it's much much easier to have a Thai person (my wife) deal with it.

[NamKangMan]

@ LIK

Ok.

Pardon my ignorance, but, can I ask, in Thailand, how does a foreigner prove he "owns" a house that sits on land that he does not own?

Does he show receipts from a builder?

Is there certificate from some department that proves a house exists on the land?

Just asking out of curiosity.

[LivinginKata]

NKM - I am not rising to your bait.

Many many topics on Thaivisa explaining.

eg ---> http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/156485-yellow-tabien-bahn/

[NamKangMan]

NKM - I am not rising to your bait.

Many many topics on Thaivisa explaining.

eg ---> http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/156485-yellow-tabien-bahn/

It wasn't a bait post.

Thanks for the link. I'll check it out.

[phuketrichard]

@ LIK

Ok.

Pardon my ignorance, but, can I ask, in Thailand, how does a foreigner prove he "owns" a house that sits on land that he does not own?

Does he show receipts from a builder?

Is there certificate from some department that proves a house exists on the land?

Just asking out of curiosity.

when i built my home here the permissions for building the house were in my name;

Contract between the builder and me signed by me an the contractor

the land office knew the land was mine ( the person running the land office was the uncle of the person who the lands name was in ) an my name is on the back page of the BLUE taam bien Baan book an NO thai name is in the front.

I used this when i last brought a bike ( 2 years ago) and got my 5 year license ( 4 1/2 years ago)

[phuketrichard]

I started another thread about this Registration. This one is more appropriate.Sorry, and will ask a mod to close that thread.

Thanks for pointing me to this thread Stevenl.

I think I understand it now. Could anyone please confirm? thanks.

"The Registration Form for the Owner of Residence"

The form must be completed by the Owner/Landlord. The terms "Registrar" and "Residence" in the doc are a bit confusing.

Section 1 ....is the address of the residence. And information about the "resident" i.e. Renter.

Section 2. ....is information about the Owner or Landlord. Still in Section 2, there is a blank area for Address of Registrar. i.e. Owner/Landlord.

The signature area....to be signed by the landlord.

For Registration purposes....take with me...

1. The above Registration doc
2. Copy of the landlord's Tabien Baan, signed.
3. Copy of the Landlord"s ID card, signed.
4. Copy of my Lease, signed.

It is also my understanding that this Residence Registration must be done ONCE, either at a 90 day report or Annual extension renewal.

It needs to be repeated if one changes address OR if one leaves the country and returns.

Much appreciated.

This still confuses me, i leave every 90 days with my Cambodian gf who is on a 1 year non B visa

so i have to submit this form every 90 days??

[thailoneus]

An update...Phuket Immigration last wednesday at 11am.

I have never seen so many customers at the office! Estimate about 100 downstairs. Actually the number system appeared to be working well. The only disturbing part was while waiting for the documents to be checked by one of the volunteers and a number issued by him. Unbelieveble, how "westerners" behaved trying to jump ahead. Even happened while trying to get photocopies. The sense of a queue appears to have disappeared completely from their heads. While all volunteers I have ever dealt with over 5 years have been very courteous and helpful, it would be so much more civilized if they would get people to form a semblance of a queue.

Purpose ...90 Day report on an O-A Extension.

I had the usual docs. i.e. passport pages and last extension page. The wait was about 15 mins for my number to be called. The lady at the first desk from the left did it. While I felt she was quite stressed due to the number of customers, she was extremely courteous, smiled and even chatted about the crowds.

Residence registration was not required for the 90 day report. It is due when doing the next 1 year extension.

However, I asked her about the residence registration documentation. Showed what I had ...copies of Lease, owner's ID. She asked if I wished to do it now since I had the reqd docs.

Naturally I agreed and it is done.

I am thankful that I have never had an issue at Phuket Immigration. Their service has always been great for me.

[merijn]

An update...Phuket Immigration last wednesday at 11am.

I have never seen so many customers at the office! Estimate about 100 downstairs. Actually the number system appeared to be working well. The only disturbing part was while waiting for the documents to be checked by one of the volunteers and a number issued by him. Unbelieveble, how "westerners" behaved trying to jump ahead. Even happened while trying to get photocopies. The sense of a queue appears to have disappeared completely from their heads. While all volunteers I have ever dealt with over 5 years have been very courteous and helpful, it would be so much more civilized if they would get people to form a semblance of a queue.

Purpose ...90 Day report on an O-A Extension.

I had the usual docs. i.e. passport pages and last extension page. The wait was about 15 mins for my number to be called. The lady at the first desk from the left did it. While I felt she was quite stressed due to the number of customers, she was extremely courteous, smiled and even chatted about the crowds.

Residence registration was not required for the 90 day report. It is due when doing the next 1 year extension.

However, I asked her about the residence registration documentation. Showed what I had ...copies of Lease, owner's ID. She asked if I wished to do it now since I had the reqd docs.

Naturally I agreed and it is done.

I am thankful that I have never had an issue at Phuket Immigration. Their service has always been great for me.

I believe that the volunteers are doing their best under the difficult circumstances. But unfortunately you will have always people trying to jump the queue and it would be a almost impossible task for them to put them back in line.

[merijn]

I started another thread about this Registration. This one is more appropriate.Sorry, and will ask a mod to close that thread.

Thanks for pointing me to this thread Stevenl.

I think I understand it now. Could anyone please confirm? thanks.

"The Registration Form for the Owner of Residence"

The form must be completed by the Owner/Landlord. The terms "Registrar" and "Residence" in the doc are a bit confusing.

Section 1 ....is the address of the residence. And information about the "resident" i.e. Renter.

Section 2. ....is information about the Owner or Landlord. Still in Section 2, there is a blank area for Address of Registrar. i.e. Owner/Landlord.

The signature area....to be signed by the landlord.

For Registration purposes....take with me...

1. The above Registration doc
2. Copy of the landlord's Tabien Baan, signed.
3. Copy of the Landlord"s ID card, signed.
4. Copy of my Lease, signed.

It is also my understanding that this Residence Registration must be done ONCE, either at a 90 day report or Annual extension renewal.

It needs to be repeated if one changes address OR if one leaves the country and returns.

Much appreciated.

This still confuses me, i leave every 90 days with my Cambodian gf who is on a 1 year non B visa

so i have to submit this form every 90 days??

The address registration has to be done within 24 hrs at each entry into Thailand.

If you leave within 90 day you do not have to do the 90 day reporting.

[stevehaigh]

The address registration has to be done within 24 hrs at each entry into Thailand.

what a huge waste of time and paper for everyone involved. i wonder how many people are really going to do that? i know many people that work overseas 1 month or so then back to Thailand for 1 month or so. i don't think any of them know about this stupid rule.

about queuing for the farang volunteer, seems they need a number system too. they should have a self serve machine at the door like in a bank.

[phuketrichard]

not true;

The address registration has to be done within 24 hrs at each entry into Thailand.

you do it once and its in the computer an also thye give u a piece of paper for ur passport,

I leave every 2-3 months on a retirement extension

and this was confirmed by friends that did the whole process last friday

also no more ONLY 30 people

[schlog]

not true;

The address registration has to be done within 24 hrs at each entry into Thailand.

you do it once and its in the computer an also thye give u a piece of paper for ur passport,

I leave every 2-3 months on a retirement extension

and this was confirmed by friends that did the whole process last friday

also no more ONLY 30 people

Correct richard. Edited November 19, 2014 by schlog

[merijn]

not true;

The address registration has to be done within 24 hrs at each entry into Thailand.

you do it once and its in the computer an also thye give u a piece of paper for ur passport,

I leave every 2-3 months on a retirement extension

and this was confirmed by friends that did the whole process last friday

also no more ONLY 30 people

I hear so many stories so called confirmed by fiends etc but that does not mean it is correct.

The piece of paper is only valid for the duration you are in the country but you will require to do it again after you return to Thailand.

If you don't do this you will find this out when you do your next annual extension.

Indeed no more 30 people limit anymore.

[phuketrichard]

go to immigration and ask the immigration volunteers, ;we did,

ONLY time u would need re register is IF you change ur address.

[LivinginKata]

go to immigration and ask the immigration volunteers, ;we did,

ONLY time u would need re register is IF you change ur address.

Not strictly true. If you have a holiday and stay in a hotel where you are registered at that address then your old 'address' is voided. Also if you go out of Thailand then your address registration is voided and needs to be re-registered on your enry back into Thailand.

But I have to say it's all as clear as mud, and I speak from the landlord's point of view.

[Badrabbit]

A quick diversion, does anyone know if Immigration are asking for money regarding certificate of residence?

[NamKangMan]

A quick diversion, does anyone know if Immigration are asking for money regarding certificate of residence?

Last I heard, they were not passing off the issue of a Certificate of Residence as "costing" 300 or 500 baht, but were being assertive in suggesting there was a 300 or 500 baht "service charge" or "tip" involved in the process.

[LivinginKata]

A quick diversion, does anyone know if Immigration are asking for money regarding certificate of residence?

They (Patong and Phuket Town) always ask for 500 baht, but will accept 300 baht.

[Badrabbit]

A quick diversion, does anyone know if Immigration are asking for money regarding certificate of residence?

They (Patong and Phuket Town) always ask for 500 baht, but will accept 300 baht.

But recently the big boss man stated "this service is absolutely free"