TM30 is a section of the Thai Immigration laws that refers to accommodations of foreigners residing on Thai soil. The law was originally passed in 2005 mainly focused on hotels, but has now been expanded to include all properties as well. This law is to help the Thai government in their cooperation with Interpol as well as other international police forces in apprehending terrorists who often use Thailand as a safe place to hide.
The system was also designed to be useful to the government in gathering data on tourism, as well as foreigners who have over-stayed their visa and are continuing to live in Thailand illegally. The law states that all properties must register any and all non-Thai nationals living on their property to the immigration department. This means that when a non-Thai national check into a hotel, serviced apartment, or a friend's home in Thailand, the property owner must make a copy of said non-Thai national's passport details, their visa, and their TM card.
This information is then forwarded to the immigration department. This can be done via an online registration website or their app, Section38. The property owner has 24 hours to register foreign guests, any property owner who fails to to register their non-Thai guests will be fined 1,000 (THB) for every person violation. Although the responsibility is is on the owner, it is always best to make sure that you are registered as soon as you can, to avoid having any issues the immigration authorities while you are leaving the country.
How is your TM30 Registered?
As mentioned before a property owner can register via the online via website or app. But a guest can also register themselves if they are given the authority by the property owner. You can also register by downloading the section 38 Android app here or IOS app here.
As a guest you can also register in person at the immigration office, although they will need a signed proxy from the owner stating that he or she has given permission to said guest to act on their behalf. You can download the proxy form here.
Once registered you are free to travel the Kingdom of Thailand without issue, but please remember that TM30 registration is required every time you leave the country. Please note that the law has only been expanded very recently so many things are subject to change. Please check online for updates.
You can read more about the TM30 law here.
