Is TM30 an absolute requirement for tourist visa 30 day extension?
UPDATE: went to LAK SI Immigration office for the 30 day extension and a TM30 was NOT required.
I did provide my lease agreement in lieu and it was sufficient. However, I too would recommend getting a TM30 just to be safe. Thanks all for your help below!
TLDR : Answer Summary
The necessity of a TM30 form for extending a 30-day tourist visa in Thailand appears to depend on the specific immigration office. While the user successfully obtained an extension at the Laksi immigration office without the TM30 by providing a lease agreement, responses from others indicate that this requirement can vary across locations. Some offices insist on the TM30 regardless of circumstances, while others may not. Therefore, it's advisable for expats to obtain a TM30 to avoid complications, as practices differ significantly between offices.