Updated: 25 April 2026

Visit the PCEC’s Thai Visa & Immigration website pages for information on entry and extension of stay in Thailand as well as address reporting requirements.

This page contains the latest information we have on Thai Immigration matters that may be temporary or otherwise not included in our Thai Immigration webpages.

The information presented here relates to requirements or practices of at the Chonburi (Pattaya) Immigration Office.

BANK LETTER LISTING MONTHLY TRANSFERS FOR THOSE USING THE MONTHLY INCOME METHOD FOR RETIREMENT EXTENSIONS AT CHONBURI (PATTAYA) IMMIGRATION OFFICE

We have received a recent report from an Expat that he went to the Bangkok Bank branch where he opened his account, they told him they were no longer providing the letter to Immigration listing of foreign transfers into their account. They did provide him with the letter verifying his account.

We have previously received a report that Chonburi Immigration accepted "certified" bank statements from Bangkok Bank for the preceding 12 months in lieu of the letter listing transfers.  Be aware that in obtaining "certified" bank statements, Pattaya branches can only provide statements for the previous 6 months.  For months prior to that they will need to obtain them from Bangkok HQ, which takes 5 business days.

We have also received a report that Bangkok bank in lieu of the letter listing foreign deposits, his branch provided him with a Credit Advice for each deposit which was accepted by Jomtien Immigration when he applied for his retirement extension. 

We will appreciate receiving more reports on Expat experience with Bangkok Bank branches regarding issuing the transfer letter and Chonburi Immigration regarding accepting certified bank statements in lieu of the letter - send reports to info@pcec.club. 

THAILAND IMMIGRATION ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING OVERSTAY DUE TO FLIGHT CANCELLATION (MIDEAST CONFLICT)

THAILAND IMMIGRATION ANNOUNCES NEW RULES IMPACTING ON THOSE USING MULTIPLE VISA EXEMPT ENTRIES 

The Royal Thai Immigration Bureau has announced stringent nationwide protocols to target foreigners who exploit visa-exemption schemes for illegal purposes, including unauthorized business ventures and/or working illegally and cyber fraud operations.  Full operational guidelines and rollout timelines are slated for release on Monday, November 17, 2025.

The new operation outlines four key enforcement measures:

Stricter visa-free screening: Immigration officers will closely examine visitors who repeatedly use visa-exemption entries without returning to their home country. 

Border hot spot surveillance: Foreigners previously deported or blacklisted, especially from border areas like Mae Sot in Tak province, will be blocked from re-entering, particularly if linked to scam networks operating out of Myanmar.

Tighter visa extension checks: Provincial immigration offices must reassess and, where appropriate, revoke visa extensions granted to those with a history of suspicious visa runs. Offenders risk prosecution and deportation.

Overstay crackdowns: Immigration offices across the country have been ordered to intensify operations targeting foreigners overstaying their visas. Results will be made public.

Click here for The Pattaya News article.  Click here for the Thaiger news article. Click here for Pattaya News article noting that the Anti-Fake News Center Thailand has issued a warning that there information claiming that forein nationals can only enter Thailand Visa Exempt twice a year is false. 

COPY OF CHANOTE AND HOME VISIT NOW REQUIRED AT CHONBURI (PATTAYA) IMMIGRATION FOR CONDO OWNERS

We have received two recent reports from Expat condominium owners renewing their retirement extensions at Jomtien Immigration Office that they were asked for a copy of their Chanote. 

Further, in both cases they were informed they would receive a home visit from an Immigration Officer and that in both cases they were visited, but the Officer met them outside the building and took their photo. 

Another member who renewed their retirement extension on 2 July and leases a house reports that no mention was made or conducted in his case. Thus, it appears the home visit is currently applicable only to condo owners.  

CHONBURI (PATTAYA) IMMIGRATION OFFICE PROCEDURES FOR ADDRESS REPORTING (TM.30 AND TM.47) - INCLUDING REQUIREMENT FOR PROOF OF HAVING A TM.30 ADDRESS REPORT ON FILE FOR IMMIGRATION SERVICES & IN PERSON 90 DAY ADDRESS REPORTING NOW REQUIRES COMPLETED TM.47 & OTHER DOCUMENTS

TM.30 Address Reporting Requirements

Chonburi (Pattaya) Immigration at their Jomtien Beach Road Soi 5 and Sri Racha offices want to see evidence that a TM.30 is on file before providing services.

The Immigration Rule does not require a TM.30 to be filed if returning using a Re-Entry permit to your previously reported address, although Pattaya Immigration's policy for a few months was requiring a new TM.30 in all cases.  However, we have now received sufficient reports that they no longer require a new TM.30 if you entered Thailand using a Re-Entry permit and are returning to your previous residence.

[UPDATES]

We received a report on December 15, 2024 from an Expat who went to Immigration to get a Residence Certificate (Driving License). Although he had evidence that his online TM30 was filed, he was required to go to Desk 10 Where he was told that his online registration was in the system and was acceptable for other things but that it could not be used for a Residence Certificate. She said that it has to be a physical, hand written one issued at immigration.

We received a report on October 4, 2024 from an Expat returning with a Re-Entry Permit. He reports that he went to Chonburi Immigration to inquire if he needed to file a new TM30 and was advised to do so. In December 2024, we received information that Desk 8, Retirement, does not require the TM30 to be filed upon return in order to obtain an extension. But that other desks were requiring an updated TM30 when obtaining services. We received confirmation  from member that he did not file a new TM30 upon return to his previous address and he had no problem with his subsequent renewal of his retirement extension of stay.  

[We will appreciate more reports regarding this possible change, especially of anyone having a problem when seeking Immigration service that returned to the same address using a Re-Entry Permit and did not file a new TM30]

90 Day Address in person reporting procedures have changed

Chonburi Immigration Office now requires a completed TM.47  - 90 address report form - and other documents. 

Note, you will most likely also need evidence of your address, e.g., utility bill, lease, etc.

UPDATE - Report received on 4 May 2024:

Docs required for 90-day report in person...

1. Completed TM 47 (Application Form)

2. Photo-copy of Passport 'Face' page

3. Copy of current Visa (or Extension)

4. Copy of Last airport entry-stamp to Thailand

5. Copy of TM30 (Address report)

6. Passport

REPORTS REGARDING APPLICATION FOR NON IMMIGRANT O VISA FOR RETIREMENT PURPOSE AT THE CHONBURI (PATTAYA) IMMIGRATION OFFICE

We received several reports from applicants for the Non-Immigrant O Visa for purpose of retirement. 

Although the Immigration rule for such application has no "seasoning" requirement, it appears that the policy at Jomtien Immigration Office is to require the 2 month seasoning of the 800,000 baht in a Thai bank before they will accept an application for the Non-Immigrant O Visa (retirement purpose).