Thread: TM30

They backtrack all the time.

Things that haven't been enforced for decades are enforced, things that have previously been enforced become a distant memory.

Certainly someone isn't thinking things through.

Originally Posted by cyrille

They backtrack all the time.

Things that haven't been enforced for decades are enforced, things that have previously been enforced become a distant memory.

Certainly someone isn't thinking things through.

The cycles and unpredictability of Thai officialdom and bureaucracy.
You never know what you're gonna get.
Sometimes forgotten and other times enforced outta the blue - be it on the books from last week or 20 years ago.

Mama told me "life is like a box of chocolates"

Originally Posted by HuangLao

You never know what you're gonna get.

Let's Take Another Look - Shall We

from that other website


Improvements made to TM30 online as business leaders call for review of controversial reporting requirement



Immigration officials have said new measures already put in place should help to reduce the waiting time for applicants to receive a username and password in order to file a TM30 report online.

For months, expats have taken to Thaivisa to air their frustrations at the delays at being able to properly register for the TM30 online system, with scores of reports of people having to wait up to six weeks before they have been sent a username and password.

However, speaking to Khaosod English, Col. Thatchapong Sarawanangkul from Immigration Division 1, said it should now take around one week to receive a username and password.

Col. Thatchapong, who also spoke on the matter of TM30 at the Foreign Correspondents Club earlier this month, reiterated that delays with online system are mainly due to applicants failing to submit the correct documentation.

“Someone even sent us a selfie of himself and his Thai wife, instead of a document,” Col. Thatchapong told Khaosod.

While some users are still reporting delays with the online system, recent weeks have seen a small but noticeable increase in reports on Thaivisa from people who have successfully been able to use the TM30 online system (here and here).

The interview with Khaosod also touched on the strain the Immigration Bureau finds itself under having to cope with 35 million tourists who visit Thailand each year, millions of migrant workers from neighbouring countries and a significant expat community.

Read the article in full here.

Meanwhile, the Bangkok Post reported on Saturday that the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand have called for a “significant review” of the TM30 reporting requirement.

"Ease of doing business is a hallmark of any nation's attractiveness for trade, investment and tourism. We commend the government for positive steps in 'ease of doing business'. Currently TM30 is undoing those good achievements. Our neighbours do not have this continuous tracking requirement, Chairman of the JFCCT, Stanley Kang told the Bangkok Post.

Earlier this week, the controversial TM30 reporting requirement received international news coverage when it was reported by the BBC.

The report highlighted the plight of a 25 year old English teacher from the US, who said that TM30 and other immigration related issues had made her feel not welcome in Thailand.

Earlier this month the issue of TM30 also featured in the Nikkei Asia Review, where is was called “draconian”, “a Cold War relic” and “inhibits freedom of movement”.

Last para JFCCT Supports Removal of the TM30


https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...or-tm30-review

JFCCT issues call for major TM30 review
PUBLISHED : 31 AUG 2019 AT 04:00

The Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT) yesterday proposed a significant review of the Immigration Bureau's draconian TM30 reporting requirement for foreign students, retirees and expatriates due to its negative impacts, and has urged deeper regulatory reform over the medium to long term.

While the majority of foreigners who enter Thailand as tourists are exempt, most of those who are in possession of longer-stay visas have to report any changes of address within 24 hours. This applies even if they visit other provinces on short breaks or are returning to Thailand from holidays or business trips abroad.

Chairman of the JFCCT, Stanley Kang, stated: "The immigration form TM30, or 24-hour reporting, places an onus on property owners and lessors [Thais as well as foreigners] to report the movements of foreigners using such properties. As can be seen in the press, there is much unhappiness with the current TM30 requirement, both from foreigners and Thai citizens, which has caused some unfortunately negative views about Thailand both as an investment and 'doing business' location, and as a tourism destination. This need not be so."

The TM30 requirement is an old law that has been on the books for decades but from March 25 this year, immigration authorities began enforcing it with renewed vigour, including to the point where a correctly completed TM30 is a precondition to getting long-term visas renewed. This has angered many foreign long-stayers.

Even though the TM30 form should be submitted to immigration by the landlord or property owner, foreigners tend to shoulder the burden as in practice they are the ones who actually pay the fines, which range from 800 to 2,000 baht per offence.

The regulation, which was imposed in the 1979 Immigration Act, is ostensibly to boost national security. Given the increasing risk from terrorism, the bureau says it has also come across numerous cases of foreign criminals making extended stays in-country; hence the crackdown.

On this note, Mr Kang said: "Ease of doing business is a hallmark of any nation's attractiveness for trade, investment and tourism. We commend the government for positive steps in 'ease of doing business'. Currently TM30 is undoing those good achievements. Our neighbours do not have this continuous tracking requirement."

Mr Kang also stated: "While no-one would wish to remove tools which can effectively prevent harmful criminal behaviour, this particular form does not seem to be the best way to do this as it relies on self-disclosure. Also many cases [for example those with work permits and business visas are already well covered. Finally there is overlap with another part of the Immigration Act about inter-provincial travel. Thus, we have made specific recommendations about review and changes to reduce scope and make it user-friendly."

Mr Kang also noted "In the medium to long term, we urge regulatory reform. We understand that the Guillotine Unit [Simple and Smart Licence project] has recommended the removal of TM30 in the interests of the Thai economy and ease of doing business. JFCCT supports this."

Originally Posted by bowie

Mr Kang also stated: "While no-one would wish to remove tools which can effectively prevent harmful criminal behaviour, this particular form does not seem to be the best way to do this as it relies on self-disclosure.

Indeed. One day immigration may actually get hold of the concept that criminals do not tend to be the ones reporting themselves to immigration. The only people inconvenienced are the generally law abiding ones, who have another layer of crap put on them.

This sort of form *may* have had some use in pre-computer days - but really not so much now. I have lived in the same place for close to 20 years, and have probably reported the same f*cking address 1,000 times to immigration. Every year when I do my annual visa renewal, every time I come back into the country on the immigration form, and by default every time I do my 90 days report. Making me fill my address in one the immigration form AND heading off to the immigration office within 24 hours of my return is a fucking joke.

Originally Posted by nidhogg

I have lived in the same place for close to 20 years, and have probably reported the same f*cking address 1,000 times to immigration.

The same and in our first house together for 8 years. Plus I have given the Thai government over 2,000,000 baht in taxes in this period. I just found a way to avoid the TM 30 shit for another 3 months and have my fingers crossed it will all go away by the next reporting time.

Add 27 years of having my blood checked for VD every two years for my work permit, and the last 3 years going to Police central headquarters for a Police clearance. So freaking stupid.

under 6 hrs to get my user name and password email.

nothing too shabby about that turn around at all.

I'm getting confused. What is the difference between a TM28 and TM30?

I think I used the TM28 to report my formal change of address when I moved from Pattaya to Nonthaburi a few years ago. No nonsense 'bout the TM30 then.

Originally Posted by Pragmatic

I'm getting confused. What is the difference between a TM28 and TM30?

TM28 is to report address change of your residence. TM30 is to report where you currently are.

Originally Posted by Norton

TM28 is to report address change of your residence. TM30 is to report where you currently are.

Which, could be construed as one and the same.....maybe.

It could. ��

Originally Posted by Norton

TM28 is to report address change of your residence. TM30 is to report where you currently are.

Thank you.

Originally Posted by HuangLao

Which, could be construed as one and the same.....maybe.

Looking at it. That's how I see it.

Originally Posted by Pragmatic

I'm getting confused. What is the difference between a TM28 and TM30?

I don't think you are the only one who is confused. The guy in the video sounds like he is also confused as he rambles on for nearly 3 minutes.
To be honest if I needed a lawyer he would not be my choice.

My interpretation of the TM28 / TM30 is this:

They were "designed" to track "aliens" so TM28 is for the alien to report where he/she is and the TM30 is for the Thai's to report where the alien is.
This means that if one doesn't do it, as in an alien of evil intent doesn't report his/her whereabouts then the Thai people providing him/her with accommodation does.

Outcome the alien's whereabouts is known.

Reality is just remember where you are and who is in charge.

Originally Posted by ootai

an alien of evil intent

...imagine confusing ET with Predator...

Originally Posted by ootai

Outcome the alien's whereabouts is known.

But with being able to do it online proves nothing regarding ones whereabouts. You could submit your location as Korat but in fact you are in Surin. Who's any the wiser? Same as online TM47.

Originally Posted by Pragmatic

But with being able to do it online proves nothing regarding ones whereabouts. You could submit your location as Korat but in fact you are in Surin. Who's any the wiser? Same as online TM47.

I would agree with that statement if there was only 1 person doing the reporting, but as I said if there are 2 independent people making a report then cross referencing would alert a discrepancy. My whole point is that if it is a one way street then it is futile as you point out. Still a cluster f**k.

Originally Posted by ootai

Still a cluster f**k

...this should be printed on the flag...

^ and be included in the Thai morning song, so that they remember it all day long.

...^55...

Originally Posted by ootai

if there are 2 independent people making a report then cross referencing would alert a discrepancy

Not if you do the TM30 and the TM47 online yourself using the same address on both, but staying somewhere else, they'd be none the wiser. There can be no foolproof way of proving your abode as long as it's allowed to be done online. At least by making you do it in person they know that you're withing the province at the time of reporting. What next, trackers????

Originally Posted by Pragmatic

What next, trackers????

...already tried: easily removed with soap and water and nailed to a wall...apparently, the alien never strays from his lair...

Originally Posted by Pragmatic

What next, trackers????

most already do this voluntarily - you used your passport to register your sim card