onthemoon

Plus add the computer chip like the Thai ID cards have. ????

I had a problem at a domestic airport with my pink ID once (don't remember where that was), because the ticket is in English and the pink ID in Thai. They then asked for my driver's licence and all was fine. I do agree that the pink ID should be bilingual, very much like the Thai citizen ID is bilingual. I travel a lot and never bring my passport when travelling domestically. Some people told me that hotels require passports, but that is not true either. When they register you with your passport, they also need the number of the TM6 - which you do not exist. I had to explain to the manager once that they should try to key in just my Thai ID number and it worked, so all was fine.

Well, every 2-3 years in my case (passports get full with stamps), and avoidable hassle. I just received a letter again with a very old (5 years?) passport number and that I should update my work permit. With ID card, I don't need a to update the work permit either; banks and credit card companies actually need that every year, but even the banks forget. Credit card companies, yearly contracts, you name it. I just don't have that hassle any more. But then, people are different. If you prefer to have a complete list of where your passport number is used, and prefer to not go through the one-time action of using the ID number instead, that's up to you.

Yes. I had the case that I suggested to an official that they call to the Khet and ask what this card is about. They did, and apologised. I once had a banker who insisted that foreigners can only use passports. I closed that account.

@jombangkok In the past, the figure of 100,000 was floating around as lawyer's fee. I always joked that I would do it for that amount, as the lawyer can do exactly nothing. He'll get the list of documents required, and that list is available in English. You have to get him the documents (starting from birth certificate), and all he does is collect them and pass them on. As @jayboy says, a good secretary is an asset for this. I did mine all alone. I never have my passport with me within Thailand, as a matter of principle. ????

In my case, Bangkok Bank was happy to accept the pink ID. It was kind of easier for them than dealing with a passport with ever-changing numbers. KBank was a bit confused but finally managed to use it in their system.

Did you see my DM?

Which batch was that, when were their documents handed over from SB to MoI?

The advantage is that you have the same number everywhere and don't have to deal with different numbers. For the tax ID, the company I worked for at the time just used the new number. When I asked, I was told that the tax office said that either number is fine, they are interlinked. I have been using the number of the pink ID every since. For social security, you have to go to their office and fill in a form. I have the form but haven't changed my number yet. They said it takes about a month.

Thanks for the info.

That's because the Red Book has no meaning at all any more. It was useful before the invention of computers, and somebody forgot to update the law.

At one time, when arriving at DMK, the immigration officer said I am not Thai and really have to go to the (very long) foreigner's line - with or without PR. She was so gracious to allow me this time and but I should remember for next time... I just shook my head in disbelief.

I talked with some big guy at the Min of Industry a few weeks ago. He had held a speech about the new LTR visa, and that the holders don't need a work permit because they showing commitment to the country. So I asked him how about PR holders, haven't we shown commitment? He admitted that we have, and we even handed in a pile of paperwork etc. The reason the WP is still required for us is that there are so very few PR holders and they didn't think about us. He would bring it up in the next meeting... I am not holding my breath.

That's the way it should be. In Bangkok, they protect the environment by getting rid of all the nasty trees, that's why they need paper forms for everything. In fact, the whole re-entry permit (oh sorry, "Non-quota Imm Visa" and "endorsement") should be on the internet. I am willing to pay the fee (by credit card), I don't mind the fee. I do mind the fact that I have to travel all the way to CW and lose half a day. It would be even better if they cancelled the requirement for this re-entry altogether; a PR should include the right to multiple re-entries automatically. Like in other countries. But I know, I'm dreaming...

True. If you have all the forms at home, that's faster. If you have to dig and find out forms to use (as the poster to who I replied seemed to) and have to download them from the internet, it may be faster to fill them in on the spot. I can never remember which forms to use for what, and cannot be bother to do research on the internet if it is so easy at the counter. Different strokes for different folks.

You get all the forms (two in total) at the counter outside. Just show them your white book, they know which forms you'll need. You don't need to figure out anything. If you forget to bring photos, there is a shop downstairs in the basement. All very easy. Just bring enough money.

What did Lao immigration say when you showed them a Thai passport?

We mean we cannot keep the cake and eat it too? How disappointing...

I'm in Prakanong. I had no problems. Just needed to bring two people (one of who happened to be the house owner) and I don't remember the documents, but nothing unreasonable. I had also just completed my pink ID there, so they knew me. It took abut 2 hours or so in total. The difference between you and me is that I was never in any yellow tabien baan, but I think it should have made it easier for you rather than more difficult.

Just for the record, I also had to bring two witnesses in order to be added to the tabien baan. But it all seemed very routine and easy.

True, I experienced this the first time. They insisted that foreigners must always use their passports only. I ask them to call the Khet, the department that issues ID cards and also issued the pink ID, and the supervisor actually did call. They explained it to her, and then it was no problem any more. Please be polite with the officers that do not understand PR. They are just doing what they think is correct and in the best interest of the country. The problem is that the government does not train them properly.

Congratulations, and welcome to the club! You do not need the letter from the embassy any more. For the driver's licence, you just need pink ID and tabien baan, like Thai citizens. However, bring your red book, just in case. When your re-entry permit (it is now called "non-quote immigrant visa") and endorsement at Immigration (Chaeng Wattana for Bangkok residents), you need the red book and the blue book (which will be replaced with a white book when full). Do not forget to get these stamps into your passport and the blue (later white) book before you leave the country, otherwise your "permanent" residence will be cancelled. It is anything but permanent if you don't have those stamps.

The questions are written in Thai, they will read them to you. In my case, they just gave me the question sheet and I read them aloud myself before answering.

I will call them again next month, for my 2-year waiting anniversary. ????

Hm, I see.