How to Report a Foreigner’s Accommodation in Thailand Under Section 38

Under Section 38 of Thailand’s Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979), a householder, homeowner, or person in possession of a residence who accommodates a foreign national permitted to stay in Thailand temporarily is required to notify the competent immigration officer within 24 hours of the foreign national’s arrival at the property.

Where Should You Submit the Accommodation Notification?

The responsible office depends on where the accommodation is located.

• Bangkok: Contact the immigration office responsible for the area. The information provided identifies the Government Complex on Chaeng Watthana Road in Lak Si, Bangkok, as a service location.

• Other provinces: Contact the provincial immigration office responsible for the area where the property is located.

Confirm the current office address and operating hours with Immigration Bureau officials before visiting.

Three Ways to Submit a Section 38 Notification

The information provided describes three reporting methods.

1. In Person or Through an Authorized Representative

The householder, homeowner, or person in possession of the residence may submit the required documents at the responsible immigration office or the designated TM.30 accommodation notification service counter.

For Bangkok, the supplied information refers to the Government Complex on Chaeng Watthana Road, Lak Si. Please verify the current service location and opening hours before visiting.

2. By Registered Mail

According to the supplied information, the process is as follows:

1. Complete the foreign national accommodation notification form.

2. Prepare a 6.5 × 9-inch return envelope, affix postage at the rate specified by the relevant office, and address it to yourself so the notification receipt can be returned to you.

3. Place the completed form and return envelope in an outer envelope and send it by registered mail to the responsible office. Keep the registration receipt as proof of mailing.

The supplied information lists the following mailing address:

Foreign National Accommodation Notification Unit
Sub-Division 2, Immigration Division 1
Immigration Bureau
Government Complex Commemorating His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary
120 Moo 3, Chaeng Watthana Soi 7
Thung Song Hong, Lak Si, Bangkok 10210, Thailand

Please confirm the address, required documents, and current postage requirements with the Immigration Bureau before mailing your application.

3. Online Notification

Those who prefer to submit the notification online can visit the official Immigration Bureau website:

Official Immigration Bureau website: https://www.immigration.go.th

Check the latest registration instructions and online reporting procedures before using the system.

Penalties for Failure to Report Accommodation

According to the information provided, Section 77 of Thailand’s Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979) provides for a fine of up to THB 2,000 for failure to comply with Section 38. The applicable penalty depends on the specific legal provision and circumstances of the case.

The source material also mentions penalties related to the 90-day reporting requirement and cases involving arrest. However, reporting a foreign national’s accommodation under Section 38 and a foreign national’s 90-day reporting obligation are separate requirements. The applicable legal basis and penalty should therefore be verified for each situation before publication.

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