Siam Legal International

90 Day Reporting

For the past decades, Thailand has now become one of the most visited tourist spots in Southeast Asia. Thailand is famous not only because of its nature’s alluring beauty but more for its inspiring history. Thailand Festivals are indeed an evidence for the same. Immigration problems, sanctions and even imprisonment await foreigners in Thailand if they fail to comply with the 90-day reporting protocol. Oftentimes, many are blinded by the idea that such rule only applies to those who are working in the country. Apparently, this is no less than a misconception. Except for those that are staying for less than 90 days, farangs who have been residing in the country for more than 3 months are obliged to go to the immigration office.

What is 90 Day Reporting?

Normally, Thailand visas grant a 90-day authorized period of stay to its holders. However, this can be extended to a year. Concrete examples of these are farangs that hold a retirement, business, education and marriage visa. As the extension request is granted, it is therefore their obligation to report their current address or any information changes to respective immigration officers. It is part of their visa’s duties and obligations.

Technically, the 90-day reporting operates under the so-called “14-day window.” This means that they can report to the immigration office 7 days before the visa’s expiration or 7 days after.

The 90-day reporting can be performed in 3 ways:

Personal appearance at the immigration office
Via authorizing another person
Via sending a mailed application

Documents Required

In case the foreigner is sending a notification via registered mail, one must submit the following documents:

Duplicate copies of the passport pages. See to it that the passport contains a valid entry status
Duplicate copies of the arrival or departure card
Former notifications made, if applicable
Complete application form
Self-addressed stamped envelope

Sanctions

Non-compliance evidently results to certain penalties or sanctions. Farangs must pay THB 200. In case they are arrested by the immigration police or officers, the fine could increase to as high as THB 4,000.

Thailand’s 90-day reporting is something that should not be taken for granted. It must be remembered that every country has their own set of immigration policies and protocols that must be carefully observed. Since the reporting can be performed by authorized third parties, it would be best to let an immigration lawyer handle this process since they are experts in this field and are readily capable of addressing possible problems that may go along the way.