Immigration To “Encourage” Registration

PHUKET TOWN: Pol Col Phirojana Paresakul, Superintendent of the Phuket Immigration Office, told the Gazette today that his office will be “encouraging” all aliens who remain in Thailand for longer than 90 days to notify the department of their residential address every three months as required by law. He stated that the law would be strictly enforced by his officers beginning “next year,” but did not indicate a specific date. He had earlier advised that enforcement would commence November 30, i.e., next week. No explanation for the change in policy was given. Foreigners who have lived in Thailand 90 days or longer are required by law 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. The law provides for fines of up to 5,000 baht for non-compliance. 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.