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Is it normal for an Airbnb host in Pattaya to ask for my passport for immigration purposes?

Pattaya Airbnb passport requirement TM30 Thai immigration rules short-term rental legality Jomtien condo rental Smoobu

Sep 26, 2022

2 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello all 🙂

I'm visiting Pattaya for the 1st time this October, and I also booked for the 1st time a condo with AirBNB at The Rivera in Jomtien. 

The guest asked me to fill out an online form through Smoobu website (never heard) and upload a picture of my passport for immigration purpose. 

This is my 1st time, so  I was wondering if its normal procedure? 

Hotels never asked me for that, is it only on Airbnb? 

Thanks all for your help 🙂

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The query concerns the normality of being asked for a passport when renting an Airbnb in Pattaya, specifically for a stay at The Rivera in Jomtien. Respondents confirm that it is indeed a legal requirement for all accommodations in Thailand to report guest information to immigration via a TM30 form, which is why the host requests the passport details. The discussion also points out the potential legality issues with short-term rentals on Airbnb in Thailand, suggesting that staying in a hotel may be more advisable for very short stays.

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Ivan *********

I stopped in Jomtien a few years ago , The hotel was clean and cheap. The area was not as crowded as certain areas nearer to Hot spots .

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Terary **********

How long will you be stay? If you plan to leave before your visa expires, process maybe unnecessary.

You found a good AirBNB if they are willing to do the immigration stuff for you. My experience has been most will not.

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Brandon *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Terary *********

just for 2 nights in Jomtien, so I don't think it worth all the trouble and hassle.

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Brandon *****

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John *****

Yes, they need for TM30. Note that Air BnB is illegal for short term rent like daily and weekly

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John *****

For 2 nights you better find a hotel. Not worth the trouble

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Brandon *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

oh wow...thanks for your help, much appreciated 🙂

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Brandon *****

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Brandon *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

really....but I'm only renting for 2 nights, does that mean its not legal?

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Jonathan ********

Cheers for the heads up, I had no idea that short let's for airbnb were illegal either. And I'd imagine quite a few others aren't aware also👍

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Carsten ************

If your host has a Hotel license, it would be legal, but Riviera Jomtien isn't a Hotel.

For 2 nights I would book some Hotel on Agoda.

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Brandon *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Carsten ***********

thanks for your advice 🙂

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Brandon *****

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Phil ********

**************************

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Brandon *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

thanks for your help 🙂

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Brandon *****

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Paulie ********

Legal requirement

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Brandon *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you. 😊

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Brandon *****

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Brandon ************

I don't know what Smoobu is, but every hotel and landlord in Thailand should ask you for your passport because they are legally required to report that you are staying at their property to immigration. This is called TM30 and they are supposed to file it within 24 hours of your arrival.

This is one of the reasons all hotels make a copy of your passport, but you usually never meet an AirBNB host, so this is likely they reason they are asking for your passport information.

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Brandon *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you so much! ❤

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Kool *******

this actually means who you are renting from is staying legal. Many AirBnBs don't, not even paying income tax, or filing TM30s as most of their tourist renters never need them, as the majority of tourists only stay a few weeks, and never need the TM 30, or anything else.

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Brandon *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

oh great to know....but I'm staying only for 2 nights at the airbnb 🙂 Thanks for your help.

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Brandon *****

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