Thailand 90-Day Reporting, commonly known as the 90-Day Report or TM.47, is one of the most important immigration compliance requirements for foreigners who stay in Thailand for an extended period.
Foreigners who remain in Thailand continuously for more than 90 days may be required to notify the Immigration Bureau of their place of residence every 90 days.
Although the procedure is generally straightforward, problems can arise when a foreigner misses the reporting deadline, changes their passport, moves to a new address, travels outside Thailand, or encounters difficulties with the online reporting system.
This guide explains the legal basis of the Thailand 90-Day Report, who is required to report, how to calculate the reporting date, how to submit TM.47 online, the consequences of late reporting, and common issues that require legal or immigration assistance.
What Is the Thailand 90-Day Report?
The Thailand 90-Day Report is a notification of a foreigner's residential address to the Thai Immigration Bureau.
The requirement is based principally on Section 37(5) of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979), which requires a foreigner who has been permitted to stay temporarily in Thailand and remains in the Kingdom for more than 90 days to notify the competent Immigration official of their place of residence.
The notification is made using Form TM.47 – Notification of Staying in the Kingdom Over 90 Days. The purpose of the requirement is to allow Thai Immigration authorities to maintain updated information regarding the residence of foreigners who remain in Thailand for an extended period.
90-Day Reporting Is Not a Visa Extension
It is important to distinguish between a 90-Day Report and a visa extension or extension of stay. A 90-Day Report:
- Does not extend a visa
- Does not extend the permitted period of stay
- Does not renew an immigration status
- Does not replace an extension-of-stay application
- Does not give a foreigner additional days to remain in Thailand
For example, a foreigner may have a one-year extension of stay but still be required to submit a 90-Day Report during that period. This distinction is particularly important because failing to report does not necessarily mean that the foreigner's visa or extension of stay has expired. These are separate immigration compliance matters.
Who Must File a 90-Day Report in Thailand?
The requirement generally applies to foreigners who:
- 01Permitted to stay temporarilyHave been permitted to stay temporarily in Thailand.
- 02Continuous stay over 90 daysRemain in Thailand continuously for more than 90 days.
- 03Subject to Section 37(5)Are subject to the residence notification requirement under Section 37(5) of the Immigration Act.
The requirement may apply to foreigners holding various long-term immigration statuses. However, whether a particular foreigner must file a TM.47 should be assessed based on the person's actual immigration status, entry history, and circumstances. For this reason, simply looking at the name of a visa is not always sufficient to determine an individual's reporting obligations.
How Is the 90-Day Period Calculated?
The 90-day period is generally calculated based on the foreigner's continuous stay in Thailand. This becomes particularly important when the foreigner travels internationally.
Example: Leaving Thailand Before the 90-Day Deadline
Assume that:
- You entered Thailand on January 1
- Your 90-day reporting date would normally fall around the end of March
- You left Thailand on February 20
- You returned to Thailand on March 10
Following your re-entry, the 90-day period is generally counted again from the latest entry into Thailand. Therefore, foreigners who frequently travel internationally should not automatically rely on the previous TM.47 reporting date.
Practical Advice
If you travel outside Thailand, check your new reporting date after re-entry.
Keeping a record of:
- Entry dates
- Departure dates
- Passport stamps
- Previous TM.47 receipts
- Immigration documents
can significantly reduce the risk of missing a reporting deadline.
When Should You File the Thailand 90-Day Report?
The Immigration Bureau permits eligible foreigners to submit a 90-Day Report within the applicable reporting window before the due date. The exact online filing window and procedures should be checked against the current Immigration Bureau system because online procedures may be updated.
Foreigners should avoid waiting until the final day. Technical problems, incorrect information, passport changes, or system errors may prevent an application from being completed on time.
Lawyer's Practical Recommendation
If you have an upcoming 90-Day Report deadline, prepare the application several days before the deadline rather than waiting until the last possible day. This is particularly important if:
- You recently changed your passport
- You recently moved
- You have never used the online system before
- Your previous TM.47 information is incorrect
- You have recently entered Thailand after international travel
How to Submit a Thailand 90-Day Report Online
The Immigration Bureau provides an online system for eligible foreigners to submit Form TM.47. The general process involves:
Step 1: Access the Immigration Online System
Use the official Immigration Bureau TM.47 online service.
Step 2: Register or Log In
Create an account or log in using the credentials required by the system.
Step 3: Select TM.47
Select the option for Notification of Staying in the Kingdom Over 90 Days.
Step 4: Enter Your Information
The system may request information including:
- Passport information
- Personal information
- Immigration information
- Residential address in Thailand
All information should correspond with your current immigration records.
Step 5: Submit the Application
Review the information carefully before submitting the application.
Step 6: Monitor the Application
The online system allows applicants to check the status of their submission. Once approved, the foreigner should retain the confirmation or approved TM.47 record.
What Documents Are Required for 90-Day Reporting?
For an in-person report, the required documents may generally include:
- Passport
- TM.47 form
- Previous 90-Day Report receipt, if applicable
- TM.6 departure card, where applicable
- Other documents requested by the relevant Immigration office
Requirements may differ depending on the applicant's circumstances and the Immigration office handling the notification. Foreigners should therefore verify the current requirements before attending an Immigration office.
What Happens If You Miss Your 90-Day Report?
Missing a 90-Day Report deadline can result in an immigration fine.
Under the Immigration Bureau's published guidance, a foreigner who fails to make the required notification or makes the notification after the prescribed period may be subject to a THB 2,000 fine. A higher fine may apply in circumstances where the foreigner is arrested before making the required notification.
Importantly, Do Not Ignore the Problem
If you discover that your 90-Day Report is overdue, do not simply wait until your next visa extension. A late report should be addressed as soon as possible. Depending on the circumstances, the foreigner may be required to attend the relevant Immigration office and pay the applicable fine.
Can a Late 90-Day Report Be Filed Online?
Not necessarily.
The online system is designed primarily for eligible applications submitted within the applicable reporting period. If the reporting deadline has already passed, the foreigner may be required to report in person and resolve the late notification with Immigration.
The appropriate procedure can depend on how late the report is and the individual's immigration history. For this reason, a foreigner who has missed the deadline should verify the procedure with the responsible Immigration office rather than assuming that the online system will accept a late application.
What Happens If You Change Your Passport?
Changing passports can create practical problems with the 90-Day Reporting system. A foreigner's previous immigration records may be associated with the old passport information. After receiving a new passport, the online TM.47 system may not immediately recognize the new passport details.
In some circumstances, the foreigner may need to contact Immigration to update or transfer the relevant information before continuing to use the online reporting system.
Example
A foreigner has been reporting online for several years and then receives a new passport. The foreigner attempts to submit the next TM.47 online but the system cannot locate the previous record. This does not necessarily mean that the foreigner has no reporting obligation. Instead, the passport information may need to be updated in the Immigration system.
What If You Change Your Address in Thailand?
Foreigners who move to a new residence should ensure that their residential information is properly updated with Immigration. However, foreigners should understand the difference between TM.47 and TM.30.
TM.47
TM.47 concerns the foreigner's notification of staying in Thailand for more than 90 days.
TM.30
TM.30 concerns the notification of a foreigner's residence by the relevant house owner, landlord, possessor, or person responsible for the residence, depending on the circumstances.
These are separate legal and administrative requirements. Completing a TM.47 does not automatically mean that all TM.30 obligations have been satisfied.
90-Day Reporting and Visa Extensions Are Different
One of the most common immigration mistakes is treating the 90-Day Report as part of the visa-extension process. They are separate procedures.
- Purpose — TM.47 notifies Immigration of residence; an extension of stay obtains or maintains permission to stay
- Form — TM.47 vs. the relevant visa/extension form
- Frequency — TM.47 generally every 90 days during continuous stay; extensions depend on immigration status
- Extends stay? — TM.47 does not; an extension may extend permission to stay
- Late compliance — a late TM.47 may result in a fine; late extension compliance can affect immigration status
A foreigner may therefore need to complete both procedures during the same year.
Does 90-Day Reporting Affect Your Visa?
The 90-Day Report itself does not extend or renew a visa.
However, immigration compliance should be considered as a whole. A foreigner may simultaneously have:
- A valid visa or extension of stay
- A 90-Day Reporting obligation
- A TM.30 residence notification issue
- A re-entry permit requirement
- Other immigration obligations
Failing to comply with one requirement does not necessarily mean that all other immigration documents become invalid, but it can create administrative and legal complications.
90-Day Reporting for Retirees, Spouses and Long-Term Residents
Foreigners living in Thailand under long-term arrangements frequently encounter the 90-Day Reporting requirement. This may include foreigners who have permission to stay based on:
- Retirement
- Marriage to a Thai national
- Employment
- Business activities
- Education
- Other qualifying immigration grounds
The exact reporting obligation should be determined according to the foreigner's current immigration status and circumstances. A foreigner should not assume that holding a long-term extension automatically eliminates the 90-Day Report requirement.
Common 90-Day Reporting Problems Handled by Immigration Lawyers
Although many TM.47 applications are routine, legal assistance may become useful when the case involves unusual circumstances. Common issues include:
- 01Overdue 90-Day ReportThe foreigner has missed the reporting deadline and wants to understand the correct procedure and potential fine.
- 02Passport ChangeThe foreigner has received a new passport and cannot access their previous TM.47 information online.
- 03Incorrect Immigration RecordsThe foreigner's address, passport number, entry information, or previous reporting information may be incorrect.
- 04Online Application ProblemsThe applicant cannot submit or obtain approval through the online system.
- 05Frequent International TravelThe foreigner is unsure how their departure and re-entry dates affect the next reporting deadline.
- 06Multiple Immigration IssuesThe 90-Day Report may arise together with visa extensions, TM.30 issues, re-entry permits, overstay, or other immigration matters.
In these situations, it is often better to review the foreigner's complete immigration history rather than treating the TM.47 issue in isolation.
Practical Example: A Foreigner Who Missed a 90-Day Report
Consider the following example.
A foreign national has a valid one-year extension of stay in Thailand. The foreigner believes that because the extension is valid for another six months, there is no need to report to Immigration. After several months, the foreigner discovers that the 90-Day Report deadline has passed.
Legal Issue
The extension of stay and the 90-Day Report are separate requirements. The fact that the extension of stay remains valid does not automatically eliminate the 90-Day Reporting obligation.
Recommended Approach
The foreigner should:
- 01Confirm the last entry dateConfirm the date of the last entry into Thailand.
- 02Determine the reporting dateDetermine the applicable 90-day reporting date.
- 03Check whether overdueCheck whether the report is overdue.
- 04Contact Immigration if necessaryContact the relevant Immigration office if necessary.
- 05Complete the notificationComplete the required notification.
- 06Pay any applicable finePay any applicable fine.
The exact procedure should be confirmed based on the individual's circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thailand 90-Day Reporting
Is the Thailand 90-Day Report mandatory?
For foreigners who are subject to the requirement under Section 37(5) and remain in Thailand continuously for more than 90 days, the notification is generally mandatory.
What form is used for the 90-Day Report?
The form is TM.47 – Notification of Staying in the Kingdom Over 90 Days.
Can I submit my 90-Day Report online?
Yes, eligible foreigners can use the Immigration Bureau's online TM.47 system. However, online eligibility and technical requirements should be checked before submission.
Does leaving Thailand reset the 90-day period?
Generally, yes. When a foreigner leaves Thailand and subsequently re-enters, the 90-day calculation starts again from the latest entry.
What is the fine for a late 90-Day Report?
The standard fine stated in Immigration guidance is generally THB 2,000 for failing to make the required notification or reporting late. Different circumstances, including arrest before reporting, may result in a higher fine.
Does a 90-Day Report extend my visa?
No. A TM.47 notification does not extend the validity of a visa or the permitted period of stay.
Do I need to report if I have a one-year extension?
If you remain continuously in Thailand and are subject to the 90-Day Reporting requirement, you generally still need to submit the TM.47 notification.
Do I need to submit TM.47 after every international trip?
The 90-day calculation generally restarts after re-entry into Thailand. Therefore, you should calculate your next reporting date based on your latest entry.
Is TM.30 the same as TM.47?
No. TM.30 and TM.47 are separate immigration notifications with different purposes and different persons who may have the relevant reporting obligation.
When Should You Speak to a Thailand Immigration Lawyer?
A straightforward TM.47 application usually does not require a lawyer.
However, professional legal assistance may be appropriate if:
- Your 90-Day Report is significantly overdue
- You have received an immigration notice or fine
- Your passport has recently changed
- Your immigration records contain errors
- You have problems with your online application
- You have complicated travel or re-entry history
- Your TM.30 and TM.47 information do not match
- You are preparing for a visa or extension application
- Several immigration issues are occurring at the same time
In these situations, reviewing the complete immigration history can help identify the correct procedure and reduce the risk of further complications.
Legal Assistance for Foreigners in Thailand
Nathee Legal Firm provides legal assistance to foreign clients concerning Thai immigration and related legal matters. Our legal team can assist with immigration-related issues including:
- Thailand 90-Day Reporting
- TM.47 applications
- Immigration compliance
- Visa and extension-of-stay matters
- TM.30-related issues
- Re-entry permits
- Overstay matters
- Immigration blacklist issues
- Communication and coordination with Thai Immigration authorities
If you are unsure whether your 90-Day Report is due, have missed a deadline, recently changed your passport, or are experiencing problems with the online TM.47 system, obtaining advice based on your individual immigration history can help you determine the appropriate next step. See also our guides on immigration blacklist removal and Thailand immigration blacklist.
Contact Nathee Legal Firm for a consultation regarding your Thailand immigration matter.
Legal Disclaimer
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Thailand immigration laws, regulations, administrative procedures, and Immigration Bureau practices may change. The application of immigration law can also depend on the individual foreigner's visa category, entry history, permission to stay, residence, passport information, and other circumstances. Foreigners should verify the current requirements with the relevant Thai Immigration authority or obtain advice from a qualified Thai lawyer before taking action in an individual case.