Update note : In March 2024 we applied online again (after 3 previous unsuccessful attempts). The application was accepted this time, and I received a standard slip to put in my passport THE NEXT DAY. We this time (not before) provided contact info from our place of residence, so maybe this is advisable to do.
1) Going to immigration in person if Online Procedure not available. Follows right below.
2) Online Procedure (if available)
Note : Check whether online procedure is available, by clicking the orange button somewhat down this page. Just take it from there.
After a long hiatus of about 18 months, when the 90-days notification occurred at a far away building in Muang Thong Thani, sometime between mid and end 2022, the involved immigration section moved back to Chaengwattana Road at Building B of the Government Complex.
The info below here is useful to read through, if you plan on going to Chaengwattana, as we did for many years before applying online. Warning : online notification is not always possible, we reckon only available 50 % of the time.
If you are permitted to stay in Thailand with a long term visa (like a retirement visa), you still have to report to immigration every 90 days. Regulations can be just a bit confusing (and not intuitive) so we just want to highlight what you should be doing.
If you enter the country (through immigration) you can start counting the 90 days from that day. A 7 day window is allowed, when applying in person. You can report to immigration during the week prior and the week after the calculated day. Unfortunately, lately (it was not so until recently) your next 90 days will start to count from the day you visit immigration.
If you report to immigration, your get a slip indicating that you have been to immigration, with the data for your next appointment. You should not loose this notification slip, probably best to fix it into your passport.
Reporting otherwise is one of the more easily achieved procedures at Immigration. You simply need to fill out the necessary form (TM. 47). No copies of passport pages or passport pictures are necessary, if you report in person. Sometimes you need to wait just a bit, other days there is hardly any waiting necessary.
So usually there are no problems to speak off. During our last visit in December 2022, the staff seemed to be a bit stressed and some were a bit unfriendly. We overheard that some people were asked to provide a letter or statement as to where they were staying, something that I personally was never asked. I guess once in the system for many years, one is trusted. But this apparently does not apply to newcomers.
Up to the beginning of 2022, it was simply a question of filling out TM47. However, while sitting and waiting at immigration, we noticed that some people needed to provide a letter or statement as to where they were staying, and some people had to call their landlord.
THERE HAS BEEN AN IMPORTANT CHANGE AS OFF END 2023. We were a bit worried about a new form, called TM30 that appears necessary nowadays to have. Many publishers on Youtube, including a well-known lawyer, talked about this issue, without giving complete information (as is often the case, since most Youtube channels thrive on repeating visitors). When mentioning our office manager, they happened to know about this, and set up to provide reporting my address to immigration. It likely is a necessary requirement now to have your landlord or property manager fill out the TM30 form (Notification of Residence for Foreigners). When doing this, my experience shows that response by immigration to this notification, is fast. A printable file is sent back, showing that your address has been notified. You take a copy with you, or you can show a copy on your mobile device. Among address info, it also shows how long it is valid, but this depends on the renting arrangement you have with your landlord. We noticed our notification was valid for about 2 years, the duration of our current renting agreement. I ask the immigration if I needed a new TM30 notification every time I visit immigration, and she said NO. (but take the old slip with you all the time).
As for other immigration visits, you need to get the necessary forms before 3:30 P.M. Immigration itself supposedly closes at 4:30 P.M. Days to avoid are Mondays and Fridays, because it might be a bit busy around the weekend.
Note : There is something a bit confusing about this notification. If you go to immigration to RENEW or EXTEND your visa, this DOES NOT count as a visit necessary to report to immigration. Different section at immigration handle different things.
Example :
You report to immigration on 1 February. You will be given a note telling you to report back on (or around) 1 May.
In March you need to go to immigration to renew your one-year visa. Do not make the error of thinking the 90 days start counting from the day of this visit.
You still will have to go to immigration on 1 May.
Waiting at the section for 90-days reporting, at Immigration Offices Chaengwattana, Bangkok.
2) Online Procedure
Important (relevant provided the service is available):
At least since 2015 it has been possible to supply the Notification of Staying Longer than 90 Days by an online process.
There are a few steps to consider. While going in person, you can apply one week before and up to one week after the due date. Online application can be submitted within 15 days and not less than 7 days before the due date of notification. So if you have to go on 27 May you can apply online up to 20 May.
One has to register first, and can use the online notification later. However, it is stated in the user info, that you have to go to immigration in person at least once, before the whole process online can be started later on.
When the application is approved, you are advised to print out the notice you receive, and keep it with your passport (as with the slip you get when applying in person). It is also possible to check the status of your application with your passport number, and a few personal data (date of birth, and nationality).You can click the orange botton below to start the process. You get a response from immigration from 3-5 working days later. In case the online notification has n ot worked out as desired, you will still have to go in person.
You can use this link actually (click below, I copied the image from their website, I hope they do not mind). Last time I checked begin 2024, this link was still active after many years.
The way it looks, this is the way to go,instead of taking a half-day or in some cases a full-day trip to Chaengwattana Road. It will save many people a lot of time, and also the immigration officers will be able to work on the applications in their offices, without needing in most cases personal face contact with the applicants.
The problem with the online procedure is : sometimes it does not work, either the service is not provided, or there is some technical problem. For example, the last time we tried in December 2022, I could access the website, fill out the necessary forms, and then the service just blocked and I did not get a reply. This while I filled out the form exactly the same way as I did previously.
So best to check the online link well in time. If it does not work, you can still go to Immigration yourself, and not risk an overdue penalty.
Below the form you need to fill out online.
This table shows the info you have to provide. Do not forget to click any link that suggests you read the 'terms and conditions'. We advise to fill out the request for a contact person, most likely it is best to provide a contact number related to your residence.