What is the difference between TM30 and TM47?

Thailand is a popular destination for tourists, expatriates, and business travelers, each requiring different types of visas and permits. Two important forms that are part of Thailand’s immigration process are the TM30 and TM47. Both play crucial roles in tracking and reporting the whereabouts of foreigners in the country, but they serve different purposes and are used in distinct situations. This article will elucidate the differences between these two forms, helping to clarify their roles and requirements.

TM30 Form: Notification of Residence

Purpose

The TM30 form, also known as the Notification of Residence, is primarily used to report the accommodation of a foreign national in Thailand. It is a mandatory requirement aimed at maintaining national security and ensuring that the Immigration Bureau is aware of where foreigners are staying.

Who Must File?

The responsibility of filing the TM30 falls on the property owner, householder, landlord, or hotel manager where the foreigner is staying. This includes private residences, apartments, condominiums, and hotels.

Filing Requirements

The TM30 must be filed within 24 hours of the foreigner’s arrival at the residence.

The TM30 can be submitted in several ways:

Online through our website
In person at the local immigration office
Online through the Immigration Bureau's website
By mail (less common and much slower)

Penalties

Failure to file the TM30 within the stipulated timeframe can result in fines for the property owner or manager. The fine can range from 800 to 2,000 Thai Baht depending on the delay.

Lack of a submitted TM30 might also cause problems for the foreigner when he decides to extend his visa within Thailand.

TM47 Form: 90-Day Report

Purpose

The TM47 form is known as the 90-Day Report and is required for foreigners who stay in Thailand for more than 90 consecutive days. This form helps Thai immigration authorities keep track of long-term residents.

Who Must File?

The responsibility of filing the TM47 falls on the foreign national staying in Thailand. It applies to anyone with a long-term visa, such as a Non-Immigrant Visa, Retirement Visa, or Marriage Visa.

Filing Requirements

The TM47 must be filed every 90 days. The report should be submitted within 15 days before or 7 days after the due date.

The TM47 can be submitted through various methods:

In person at the local immigration office
By mail (must include a self-addressed stamped envelope)
Online through the Immigration Bureau's e-service portal (note that the online system may be unavailable at times)

Penalties

Failure to report within the specified period can result in a fine of 2,000 Thai Baht. If the foreigner is apprehended by the authorities for failing to report, the fine can increase to 4,000 Thai Baht.

Key Differences Between TM30 and TM47

Responsibility

TM30: Filed by the property owner, landlord, or hotel manager.
TM47: Filed by the foreign national staying in Thailand.

Timing

TM30: Within 24 hours of the foreigner’s arrival at the residence.
TM47: Every 90 days during the foreigner’s stay in Thailand.

Purpose

TM30: To notify the authorities of the foreigner's place of residence.
TM47: To confirm the foreigner's continued presence in Thailand after 90 days.

Last update: 2024-06-02 11:10