TM30 Thailand Explained (2025) – Foreigners & Property Owners Must Know This
If you are a foreign national staying in Thailand or a property owner hosting one, there is a legal requirement that you should not overlook the TM30 form, often misunderstood or ignored. This form plays a vital role in complying with Thai immigration law. Let’s simplify it in a clear, practical, and updated way.
What is the TM30 form?
The TM30 is not just bureaucratic red tape; it is a government-required notification that informs the immigration authorities where a foreigner is staying as per the Thailand Immigration Act of 1979. Property owners must report the stay of non-Thai residents within 24 hours of their arrival at the accommodation.
Who must submit the TM30 form?
- Landlords of condos, Apartments, or private homes
- hotels or resorts (already automatic for them)
- foreigners owning property where other foreigners stay
If you are renting out a property to a foreigner, you are responsible for submitting the TM30, not the guest.
When must it be filed?
- Within 24 hours of the guest’s check-in
- Even if the foreigner is returning to the same place, and even if it is just a short trip from another province, a new TM30 may be required in some regions.
Penalties for non-compliance?
- Find typically range from 800 to 2000 THB
- Delayed filing or failing to report entirely can lead to complications with the guest’s visa extensions or 90-day reports.
How can you submit the TM30 form?
There are 3 main ways:
1. Online submission
Visit a Thai immigration bureau website or use the TM30 mobile app for quick digital filing.
2. In person at the local immigration
Bring the necessary documents and submit them at the nearest immigration office.
3. By mail (rarely used)
Not recommended due to the possibility of delays
Documents Required
For the property owner
- Copy of ID card or passport
- title deed or proof of ownership
- lease or rental contract
For the foreigner:
- Copy of passport photo page
- visa page
- departure/arrival card (TDAC)
Why is the TM30 Important?
- 90-day report
- Visa renewal
- Hospital record or Insurance claim
- Rental history in immigration systems
If it is not updated, you may face issues when applying for extensions, re-entry permits, or even getting admitted to some services.
Do you need to fill out TM30 every time?
Yes, if:
- The foreigner changes address, even (temporarily)
- A person leaves Thailand and returns.
- You host a different foreign guest
No, if:
- The guest continues staying at the same property without leaving Thailand or switching provinces.
Smart tips to handle TM30 efficiently
- Register for an online account on the immigration website, which saves time for repeat filings.
- Use scanned PDF copies of guest documents to streamline digital submission
- Maintain a checklist of your property manager or rental agency.
FAQs About TM30
Conclusion
The TM30 form might feel unnecessary at first, but it is a vital link between landlords and guests and immigration. By understanding and handling it correctly, you avoid legal troubles, make your tenant’s visa process smoother, and show that you are a responsible host
