Single Blog Title

This is a single blog caption

JFCCT Proposes Structured Rationalisation for TM30 Reporting

JFCCT proposes structured rationalisation of reporting requirements for TM.30 (24 hour reporting); and urges regulatory reform

The Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT) has today proposed a structured rationalisation, with significant changes, to the TM.30 (or 24 hour reporting) requirement due to its negative impact, and has urged deeper regulatory reform in the medium to long term.

Mr Stanley Kang, Chairman of JFCCT, stated: “The Immigration form TM.30, or 24 hour reporting, places an onus on property owners and lessors (Thai as well as foreign) to report the movements of foreigners using such properties. As can be seen in the press, there is much unhappiness with the current TM.30 requirement, both from foreigners and Thai citizens, which has caused some unfortunately negative views about Thailand both as an investment and ‘doing business’ location, and as a tourism destination. This need not be so.”

The TM.30 is not new but is being enforced with vigour, including to the point where a correctly completed TM.30 is a pre-condition to being able to use normal visa services.

Mr Kang also noted: “’Ease of doing business is a hallmark of any nation’s attractiveness for trade, investment and tourism. We commend the government for positive steps in ‘ease of doing business’. Currently TM.30 is undoing those good achievements. Our neighbours do not have this continuous tracking requirement”.

Mr Kang also stated: “While no-one would wish to remove tools which can effectively prevent harmful criminal behaviour, this particular form does not seem to be the best way to do this as it relies on self-disclosure. Also many cases (for example those with work permits and business visas) are already well covered. Finally there is overlap with another part of the Immigration Act about inter-provincial travel. Thus we have made specific recommendations about review and changes to reduce scope and make it user-friendly”.

Mr Kang also noted “In the medium to long term, we urge regulatory reform. We understand that the Guillotine Unit (Simple and Smart License project) has recommended the removal of TM. 30 in the interests of the Thai economy and ease of doing business. JFCCT supports this”.

“If then there is any identified benefit, another, exiting tool, can be considered to remedy any specific situation”, Mr Kang explained.

More information

The Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand is the umbrella body for various Thai-foreign chambers or business associations operating in Thailand. There are 33 chambers and business associations representing more than 9,000 companies in this wide membership. JFCCT has served the foreign business community for over 40 years with continual dialogue with the Royal Thai Government on a wide range of issues in support of the Thai economy, and works closely with the Board of Trade and other organisations.

JFCCT’s Recommendations Summary (published 29 August) about TM.30 are issued with this Press Release.

Recommendations