What Is 90-Day Reporting?
Every foreign national who stays in Thailand for more than 90 consecutive days is required to report their current address to the Immigration Bureau every 90 days. This obligation is mandated by Section 37(5) of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979). The report is filed using the TM47 form, which is why it is commonly referred to as "TM47 reporting" or simply "90-day reporting."
It is important to understand that 90-day reporting is not a visa extension — it is purely an address notification. It does not affect your visa status or length of stay. However, failing to report can result in fines and complications with future immigration applications.
Who Needs to File 90-Day Reports?
All foreigners who remain in Thailand continuously for 90 days or more must file. This includes:
- Retirees on long-stay extensions
- Workers on Non-Immigrant B visas with extensions of stay
- Spouses of Thai nationals on marriage extensions
- Students on education visas
- Anyone on a long-term visa or extension that exceeds 90 days
Tourists on 30-day or 60-day stays are generally not affected, as they leave Thailand before the 90-day threshold.
Understanding the 90-Day Count
The 90-day count begins from the date of your most recent entry into Thailand or from the date of your last 90-day report, whichever is later. Critical rules to understand:
- Leaving Thailand resets the count. Every time you exit and re-enter Thailand, the 90-day counter resets to zero. This means frequent travelers may never need to file a 90-day report.
- The report is due on the 90th day, but you can file up to 15 days before the due date without affecting your next reporting date.
- If you file early (within the 15-day window), your next 90-day period is counted from the original due date, not from the date you actually filed.
- After the due date, you have a 7-day grace period before fines are applied, though this grace period is not guaranteed and varies by immigration office.
How to File Your 90-Day Report
Option 1: Online Filing
The most convenient method is filing online through the Immigration Bureau's system at tm47.immigration.go.th.
Requirements for online filing:
- You must have filed your previous 90-day report (you cannot file the first one online)
- File between 15 days before and 7 days after the due date
- You need your passport number, TM6 arrival card number, and current address
Steps:
- Visit the website and select "Notification of staying over 90 days"
- Enter your passport details and reference information from your previous report
- Confirm your current address
- Submit and save/print the confirmation receipt
The online system has improved significantly over the years but can still experience downtime. If it fails, you will need to use another method.
Option 2: In-Person at Immigration
You can file in person at your local immigration office. Bring:
- Your passport (original)
- Completed TM47 form
- Copy of your passport data page, visa page, most recent entry stamp, and departure card (TM6)
- Copy of your previous 90-day report receipt (if applicable)
The process is usually quick — 15 to 30 minutes in most offices, though wait times can be longer at busy locations like Chaeng Watthana in Bangkok.
Option 3: By Registered Mail
You can send your 90-day report by registered mail to the Immigration Bureau. Include:
- Completed TM47 form
- Copies of passport pages (data page, visa, entry stamp, departure card)
- A stamped, self-addressed return envelope
Send to: Immigration Bureau, Government Center B, Chaeng Watthana Soi 7, Laksi, Bangkok 10210. Allow at least 7-10 days before your due date to account for postal delays.
Penalties for Late Filing
If you miss your 90-day reporting deadline:
- Fine of 2,000 THB if you report late at an immigration office. This fine is standard across all offices.
- Fine of up to 5,000 THB if you are caught at an immigration checkpoint (airport, border crossing) without having completed your 90-day report.
- Potential complications with future visa extensions or applications, though this is at the discretion of the immigration officer.
You cannot file 90-day reports online if you are past the due date (plus the 7-day grace period). You must file in person and pay the fine at the immigration office.
90-Day Reporting After Travel
One of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of 90-day reporting is what happens when you travel:
- International travel: If you leave Thailand and re-enter (using a re-entry permit), your 90-day counter resets from your date of re-entry. Your previous reporting schedule is no longer relevant.
- No re-entry permit: If you leave without a re-entry permit, your extension of stay is cancelled. When you return on a new visa/entry, the 90-day count starts fresh.
- Domestic travel: Traveling within Thailand does NOT reset the 90-day counter. Only leaving and re-entering the country resets it.
Practical Tips
- Set a calendar reminder 2 weeks before your reporting date. The 15-day early filing window gives you plenty of flexibility.
- Keep your TM30 current. Immigration may refuse your 90-day report if your TM30 is not up to date, especially after returning from international travel.
- Save digital copies of all receipts and confirmation numbers on your phone.
- If traveling frequently, track your exit and entry dates carefully. Each re-entry starts a new 90-day period.
- Try online first. It saves a trip to the immigration office. If the system is down, try again later or the next day before resorting to in-person filing.
- Use an agent if you find the process burdensome. Many immigration service providers include 90-day reporting in their annual visa packages for 500-1,000 THB per report.
- Do not confuse 90-day reporting with visa extensions. They are completely separate processes. Missing a 90-day report does not affect your visa, but it does result in a fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file my first 90-day report online?
No, the first 90-day report after entering Thailand (or after a visa extension) must be filed in person or by mail. Subsequent reports can be filed online.
What if I am traveling on the 90th day?
If you are traveling internationally, you do not need to report — the travel itself resets the counter. If traveling domestically, try to file before you leave using the early filing window.
My online submission was rejected. What do I do?
Common reasons for rejection include incorrect passport numbers, expired TM30, or system errors. Verify your information and try again. If problems persist, file in person.
Do I need 90-day reporting if I have the new 10-year LTR visa?
Holders of the Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa are required to report only once per year instead of every 90 days. This is one of the key benefits of the LTR visa program.