The controversy over the TM30 reporting procedure shows no sign of going away.
Immigration officials are continuing to insist on imposing a law that demands the owner of a hotel or other premises reports the presence of a temporary non-immigrant resident staying on their premises within 24 hours of their arrival.
The details of this law are complicated and a source of anxiety for all those affected, which must include all non-Thais - and not only so-called expats.
But what is the reason for the sudden re-emergence of this 40-year-old law? No one is able to provide a clear-cut answer, but here are some possibilities:
The most likely explanation is national security in the face of recent acts of terrorism and increasing trans-national crime. It is vital for Thai authorities to know the location of foreigners entering the country, be they good or bad.
Another possible reason is simply good accounting, to learn more about the habits of visiting foreigners.
Reports that many nationals from India and China are living here illegally, prompting a crackdown.
Yet another possibility is a tightening up on Airbnb and other largely unregulated accommodation booking sites which have proved very popular with tourists to the detriment of the hotel industry and also to the tax authorities since the revenue from such arrangements go under the radar.
Imposing TM30 efficiently and effectively clearly takes many working hours, which will no doubt prove burdensome to the authorities. That may come as some kind of compensation for foreigners still trying to understand the law.
Immigration officials are continuing to insist on imposing a law that demands the owner of a hotel or other premises reports the presence of a temporary non-immigrant resident staying on their premises within 24 hours of their arrival.
The details of this law are complicated and a source of anxiety for all those affected, which must include all non-Thais - and not only so-called expats.
But what is the reason for the sudden re-emergence of this 40-year-old law? No one is able to provide a clear-cut answer, but here are some possibilities:
The most likely explanation is national security in the face of recent acts of terrorism and increasing trans-national crime. It is vital for Thai authorities to know the location of foreigners entering the country, be they good or bad.
Another possible reason is simply good accounting, to learn more about the habits of visiting foreigners.
Reports that many nationals from India and China are living here illegally, prompting a crackdown.
Yet another possibility is a tightening up on Airbnb and other largely unregulated accommodation booking sites which have proved very popular with tourists to the detriment of the hotel industry and also to the tax authorities since the revenue from such arrangements go under the radar.
Imposing TM30 efficiently and effectively clearly takes many working hours, which will no doubt prove burdensome to the authorities. That may come as some kind of compensation for foreigners still trying to understand the law.
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