Phuket : In a significant move towards modernizing immigration reporting processes, Phuket Immigration has rolled out a groundbreaking online notification system for foreign tenants across Thailand.
This innovative digital platform, operational as of yesterday, replaces the conventional reporting method and promises a hassle-free experience for property owners and managers. The system’s core objective is to streamline the reporting of foreign tenants and enhance efficiency in compliance with immigration laws.
The transition to this new system is mandatory, and property owners and managers are required to register on the platform, even if they had previously been part of the old system. However, there’s good news—immigration officials assure a seamless experience, with automatic approval for users who have previously registered.
Phuket & Online System
Phuket Immigration emphasized that the new online system caters to various types of properties, including hotels, guesthouses, resorts, and other lodgings. This means that whether you own a small guesthouse or manage a luxurious resort, you can now conveniently report foreign nationals staying at your premises without the bureaucratic hurdles of the past.
One of the standout features of this system in Phuket is its versatility—it can be accessed on computers, mobile phones, and tablets. This accessibility ensures that property owners and managers can submit notifications promptly and effortlessly, reducing the time traditionally spent on immigration reports.
Additionally, the new system serves as concrete evidence of compliance for property owners and managers in Phuket. This means that you not only fulfil your legal obligations but also have a robust record of every notification, providing peace of mind in case of any future queries.
Now, let’s delve into the legal aspect. Section 38 of the Immigration Act states, “House owners, heads of households, landlords, or hotel managers accommodating foreign nationals on a temporary basis who are legally residing in the kingdom must notify the local immigration authorities within 24 hours from the foreign national’s arrival time.” This regulation underscores the importance of timely reporting.
Non-compliance with Section 38, as stipulated by Section 77 of the Immigration Act, can result in fines. Offenders face a penalty not exceeding 2,000 baht, and for hotel managers, this fine can escalate to a range between 2,000 baht and 10,000 baht. The introduction of the new online notification system is a timely solution to ensure adherence to these regulations.
To facilitate a smooth transition, the Immigration Bureau of Phuket has prepared a user manual for registration on the new system. This comprehensive guide, available for download, offers step-by-step instructions, making it easier for property owners and managers to navigate the registration process.
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