The Immigration Department is now enforcing the 90-day identity and address confirmation rule. This is a requirement for people holding any type of one-year visa. The 90-day rule has always been on the books, but enforcement in the past has been lax. The Immigration Department says the rule will now be stringently applied in all provinces.
The process does not cost anything, but if you ignore it you will be obligated to pay a fine of 2,000 Baht and “might” be expelled from the country.
The initial 90-day period is counted from the date when you last entered Thailand.
The first time you register you will need to bring photocopied evidence of where you are staying, such as a house registration document (tabian baan). If you are working here, bring your work permit and a photocopy. On subsequent 90-day visits you only need to bring your passport.
Immigration Department officials are reasonable people, so if you are polite and dress in a long sleeve shirt and long pants and clean shoes or for women, dress in business attire, there’s a good chance they’ll let you off with a first-time warning.
Also, remember that you are obligated to inform the Immigration Department when you change residential addresses, even within the same province. Live, love and laugh.
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