Chiang Mai Expats Chat
An English-speaking Telegram chat for people living in or moving to Chiang Mai.
English only · Free · ModeratedOpen since Oct 2026
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Who it's for
Made for digital nomads and English teachers in Chiang Mai. Also known as Chiangmai, CNX.
Common questions in this chat
Where do I do my 90-day report in Chiang Mai?
Chiang Mai Immigration's listed address is 71 Moo 3, Airport Road, Suthep, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200 (tel 053 201 755, hotline 1178). The 90-day report (TM47) can be filed there or online via the Immigration TM47 system; the office site also lists a satellite counter at Central Chiang Mai (page dated 2022). Hours and counters change, so confirm before going. Source: chiangmai.immigration.go.th/en/contact-us/. Checked: 2026-10.
Is the TM30 my job or my landlord's?
The duty is on the house owner, landlord or hotel: they must notify immigration within the official deadline after a foreigner's arrival, online (tm30.immigration.go.th, single or Excel bulk upload) or in person. Ask your landlord for the TM30 receipt, as offices often ask for it for extensions and reports. Source: tm30.immigration.go.th/Foreigner/en/HomeEN.html. Checked: 2026-10.
How much should I pay for rent in Chiang Mai and which area is best?
Guides place a 1-bed condo typically at about 12,000-30,000 THB in Nimman (cafes, coworking), 12,000-25,000 in the Old City and roughly 6,000-20,000 in Santitham/Chang Phueak, the cheaper area where a motorbike helps. Sources differ by about 2x, so check current listings. Source: chiangmaipropertyportal.com/best-areas-to-live-in-chiang-mai-2026/. Checked: 2026-10.
How do I extend my tourist stay in Chiang Mai?
One tourist extension of up to 30 days is possible if you entered on a tourist visa or the visa exemption. File form TM7 in person with a passport copy and a 4x6 cm photo; the fee is non-refundable and approval is at the officer's discretion. In Chiang Mai go to the Airport Road immigration office. Check the official page for the current fee. Source: bangkok.immigration.go.th/en/visa-extension/. Checked: 2026-10.
What do I need for the DTV visa as a remote worker?
The DTV (Destination Thailand Visa) is applied for at a Thai embassy or consulate. Typically you show 500,000 THB in savings (about 3 months of statements) plus proof of remote work or a soft-power activity; the fee is usually 10,000 THB. It gives 5 years, up to 180 days per entry, extendable once for 1,900 THB at immigration (offices vary). One agency reports extra documents (e.g. police clearance) required since 31 Aug 2026, so check your embassy. Source: thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/dtv-visa-thailand. Checked: 2026-10.
Chat rules
- No spam. No ads, promo or referral links without a moderator's OK.
- Nothing illegal or dangerous: no escorts, drugs, scams, fake documents.
- No forwards from channels while you're new — write your own words.
- Respect each other. No insults, discrimination or harassment.
- English only so everyone can follow.
- Stay on topic: life in Chiang Mai — housing, visas, work, health, events, tips.
- Report, don't argue: reply to the message with /report and moderators will look.