Foreign Residents Face Crackdown On Registration

PHUKET TOWN: Pol Col Phirojana Paresakul, Superintendent of the Phuket Immigration Office, confirmed yesterday that immigration authorities nationwide have begun to enforce a law requiring all aliens who remain in Thailand for longer than 90 days to notify the department of their residential address every three months. The superintendent said the alien registration requirement has been on the books for many years, but has not been strictly enforced. He said immigration officials took the action to assist overseas relatives who may need to contact family members residing in Thailand. Authorities have encountered difficulties in their attempts to locate foreigners in the past, the superintendent said. Foreigners who have lived in Thailand 90 days or longer are advised to complete a registration form entitled “Form For Alien To Notify Of Staying Longer Than 90 Days.” Designated as “TM. 47,” the form is available at the Immigration Office in Phuket Town, the Immigration Service Center on Thaweewong Road in Patong, and the Port Control Center at Chalong Bay. Aliens residing in Thailand are required by law to complete the form every three months. Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to 5,000 baht. Pol Col Phirojana Paresakul stated that his office will allow a grace period through November 30 for individuals to register without penalty. To register, applicants must present to immigration officers a photocopy of the data page of their passport as well as a copy of the page containing their valid Thai visa. In addition, home owners are required to submit a photocopy of their house registration documents, and tenants must present a signed letter from their landlord confirming that they currently reside at the address indicated in their registration (TM.47) form.