The TM30 is a notification that tells immigration where a foreigner is staying. The duty to file normally lies with the host, such as the landlord, the hotel or the owner of the home, shortly after the foreigner arrives. It is not the same as the 90-day report. Officers often ask for proof of the TM30 at extensions and other counters, so a missing one can delay your visit.
Many foreigners never hear about the TM30 because hotels file it automatically. It becomes a problem when you rent a home or condo and the owner has never done it.
Figures and procedures in this guide were checked at the time of writing and can change. Always confirm with the official source or in your free pre-check.
TM30 vs 90-day report: what is the difference?
The two are often confused. The TM30 is filed by the host and records where you are staying. The 90-day report is filed by you, or someone for you, and confirms your address every 90 days of stay. They answer the same question from two sides, and offices can ask about both.
Who has to file the TM30?
The duty to notify normally lies with the person who hosts the foreigner: the hotel, the landlord, the condo owner or the host. A foreigner who rents a home usually has to ask the owner to file, or authorise someone to do it. Check the current rule with immigration for your situation.
When do immigration officers ask for the TM30?
- At a visa or stay extension, where officers often want proof of your address
- When you change address
- After returning from abroad, because a new entry can mean a new notification
- At other counters, such as a re-entry permit or a retirement renewal
Who files what
The notification is a duty of the host. Phuket Immigration has said it applies to foreign owners too.
| Where you stay | Who is responsible | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel or resort | The hotel | Usually nothing; keep the booking |
| Rented house or condo | The landlord or owner, Thai or foreign | Ask for the confirmation slip and keep a copy |
| Your own home | You are the host | File the notification yourself or authorise someone |
| Staying with friends | The host | Ask them to file |
The legal timing described in guides is within 24 hours of arrival. After a trip abroad, some offices expect a new notification, while enforcement differs between offices. Ask what Phuket expects.
What if your landlord does not file the TM30?
This is the common problem in Phuket. A landlord may not know the duty or may be reluctant. Talk to them early, because a missing TM30 is a reason an officer can send you back. If it cannot be solved, it is better to ask for help before you queue at the office.
What is the fine for a missing TM30?
Fines for the host are quoted differently by different sources: figures of roughly 800 to 2,000 THB appear in guides, and one property manager quotes much higher. We could not confirm an official schedule. What matters for you is proof: a missing TM30 can lead an officer to refuse or delay an extension or 90-day report. Phuket Immigration has said it considers a genuine attempt to file, so keep screenshots or receipts if the online system fails.
With a DTV or long stay
People with a DTV or a retirement stay also meet the TM30 at their counters. See how it fits with the 90-day report for long-stay visas.
We can sort the paperwork
Our 90-day report service checks your address records and tells you what is missing before the date. If your extension is near, our extension team prepares the file with it. Price on request after a free pre-check.
What to ask your landlord
- Have you filed the TM30 for my stay, and when?
- Can I have a copy of the confirmation slip?
- Will you file again when I come back from a trip abroad?
- Whom do I call if my extension is next week and the slip is missing?
We check your case first and handle the paperwork, so you avoid wasted trips and fees.
Frequently asked questions
What is a TM30?
A notification to immigration about where a foreigner is staying, normally filed by the host.
Is the TM30 the same as the 90-day report?
No. The host files the TM30, and the foreigner files the 90-day report.
Do hotels file it for me?
Usually yes. For rented homes, ask the owner.
Do I need a new TM30 after a trip abroad?
A new entry can require a new notification. Confirm the current practice with immigration.
What if my landlord refuses?
Ask us before you go to the office. A missing TM30 can delay an extension.
Is there an online TM30?
Guides mention an online notification system run by the Immigration Bureau. Confirm the current address with the office, because details change.
Who pays the fine if the TM30 is late?
The duty and the fine fall on the host, but the delay can still affect your visit to the office.
Do I need a TM30 as an owner of my own home?
Reports say foreign owners are expected to notify too. Ask the office for the current practice.
Official sources
Last reviewed on . Thai immigration rules and fees change. We confirm the current requirements for your case in your free pre-check.