richard_smith237

Pink ID takes an additional 10mins after getting the Yellow Book - its hardly a major effort to obtain (its the Yellow Books which is a PITA). As far as Bank Accounts go... I used my Yellow House Book to open my Bank Accounts with both Bangkok Bank (2 years ago) and Kasikorn (6 months ago)... ....the alternative was to book an appointment with the UK Consulate (Embassy), wait for however many weeks for the appointment, then obtain the Affirmation of Address document for about 2000 baht.... ... Or, get the Yellow House Book out and use that... and I didn't 'need to take my business elsewhere, shop around, hedge my bets etc... to find a bank that would accept me because the Yellow Book works perfectly in this situation.

Good info Thanks... Whenever travelling I usually carry my passport with my anyway (just incase its needed or I need to travel elsewhere etc), even when driving somewhere (such as Hua Hin, Khao Yai, Koh Chang etc)... ... Its just on one occasion I couldn't because my passport was at an Embassy over night for a Visa Application. Recently I travelled domestically and used my Pink ID as for no other reason than it was easier to access in my wallet than getting the passport out of the pocket in my hand-carry (not really any additional convenience at all there, but still...)...

Will you need to make an appointment at the Amphur Office ???... We did, but I suspect that was more a mean to get us to give up (as mentioned above)... The reality for me was different as I was overseas, so booking an appointment at a later date suited me perfectly. The Consular booking delays can also be a PITA - IMO thats more reason to get the Yellow Book so we don't have to book Consular Appointments each time we need Proof of Address (for those of us who can't get one from immigration).

Translation.... "Its a PITA for us (amphur officers) to deal with, so instead of doing our jobs we'll BS you in the hope you'll give up" !!!!....

Father and mother of who ??? - thats irrelevant to getting a Yellow House Book. Sure you were give the correct list of required documents ? and if one isn't applicable to you, ignore it and try anyway. It seems you gave up before you left the gate.... But as you also point out, you really do not consider the Yellow House Book to be of any benefit to you whatsoever - if I felt the same I wouldn't have bothered with it either.

I kind of agree that the 'list of requirements' is somewhat ridiculous.... especially the Consular officer Notarised Verification of your Passport, and MFA verified translation... But I also partially 'get that'... as it involves the 'translation' of your name into Thai which is then permanent. The contradiction exists that no such verified transition is required for a Marriage Certificate...... and ultimately the two need to match. Thus: Surely the 'name' on the Marriage Certificate and Kor-ror documentation is already sufficient - hence, what we all agree on is 'unnecessary hoop jumping'.... But, thats bureaucracy all over the world. The only real debate I see here is whether the 'hoop jumping' is worth the benefits / convenience of having a Yellow Book (and Pink ID). Those who argue there is no benefit are perhaps reacting emotionally with the annoyance at the required hoop jumping. I wonder if the obtaining of such a documents involved no hoop jumping at all they'd change their tune and state that the documentation does have some advantages and added convenience.

Exactly... Same here... ... although that is confusing for one idiot and funny for another !!!...

Fair enough.... What did you 'do' when you applied ???... When I applied (Amphur in Bangkok), my MiL went (with her thai ID card of course), but no House Book. My Wife, also present, with her house Book... maybe they considered her one of the Witnesses and her Blue Book as sufficient.

I too have heard that DLT at Pattaya do not accept the Yellow House Book as proof of address. I've never understood why, its an official proof of address. IF I lived in Pattaya and wanted to renew my driving licence, I'd want a reasonable explanation why other than 'cannot'... (I know, I wouldn't get it, but still... )... As far as the 5 years thing, not quite.. I let my DL expire for longer than 1 year... had to start again... 2 year Temp, then 5 year, then another 5 year. + 2 year Motorcycle licence applied for at a different time, then 5 year... Then there is registering my vehicles (two cars and two motorcycles in that time) As you mentioned (sarcastically), Yippee... thats only 9 situations where its proven more convenient for 'me' in about 9 years or so).. (again to repeat - I travel too much and never do a 90 day report - so I'd can't get a Letter of Residence from Immigration (at 500 baht each), instead I'd have to get an Affirmation of Address fro my consulate at about 2000 baht each time)... Not worth the hassle to get the Yellow Book ?... From a personal Perspective I'd disagree from those 9 situations alone - whats the time and money saving there alone ?

Well... I'm not sure about the credibility of that... he most certainly wasn't 'swimming' !!!... ... but, I do get your meaning.... But, if he couldn't swim, why would he 'try' ?? wouldn't he know he couldn't swim before attempting to do so ?... OR cramped up ? heart attack etc ?

it being the Pink ID specifically... It is accepted as an individual document.... - When checking in for a domestic flight (passport not available) - When checking in at a hotel - When using it for ID at a bank - Switching SIM (to eSIM). - Getting Thai Price at some places that use Dual Pricing (but not national parks) *Others will argue that a Thai DL can be used for the same purposes but I've had mixed experiences with that - and of course, experience varies from person to person and various locations etc.

Same for me... - Travel too regularly, so I don't do a 90 day report... (can't get a letter of Address from Immigration in Bangkok) - So have to go to Consulate anyway (either for Affirmation of address or get a Verified Copy of Passport) May as well do the 'extra steps' and get the Yellow Book... Since then I've had 4 licences... (each saving time at the Consulate as I don't need to get the Affirmation of Address and save the cost of that)... This was the primary reason I got the Yellow Book... Since then it has proven useful... Just one example: I was able to get a Covid Vaccine very quickly in Thailand while so many other's on this forum were complaining that foreigners weren't being vaccinated in Thailand (early days of vaccinations in Thailand).

Two witnesses need to be Thai, they don't need to have a blue book, they just need a Thai ID card. Of course, its easier for an applicant if the 'Blue Book Holder' (of the address) is also present as that eases the process otherwise further forms are required... Additionally, if every Thai an applicant knows 'has something better to do' than helping a friend or family member, then that may speak as the attitudes and relationships that 'foreigner' has in the first place (thats a different discussion of course)...

At least you have one and are providing your experience rather than projecting an opinion (as others are doing). Discussing Pink ID specifically, its not of much use, but the ease with which it is obtained (after getting the Yellow House book) makes it worth while, just incase. In my case: I opened a Bank Account with my Yellow House Book as proof of ID, thus whenever I need to do something at the bank (which isn't very often), I have my ID in my wallet already, I don't need to bring my Passport or plan in advance etc. I've also used it for domestic travel (when passport was at an Embassy), I'm not sure I'd have been able to travel otherwise, or if they'd accept a Thai Driving licence, some have said airlines will accept a Thai Driving licence, but years ago I tried and they wouldn't. I was at a Shopping mall when I saw the e-SIM option, so I decided to 'give it a go'... they wanted ID and accepted the Pink ID, otherwise I wouldn't have been able to make the switch without my Passport. Of course, non of the examples above show that the Pink ID itself is essential or needed... but, it did provide an element of convenience that makes the additional 10 mins and 40 baht somewhat of a no-brainer in my opinion. The bigger question is whether an individual considers securing the Yellow House Book worth the leg work and hassle, from personal perspective it was, for others it may not be.

Which Amphur ?... Someone has likely gone through the process already there (you'll also need a Witness, maybe two). The process itself at the Amphur is somewhat arduous for the Amphur officer which is why in many cases they don't like doing it is perhaps the reason they make up an excuse as to why it cannot be done. When we (I) applied my Wife went along (as I was away at work) found out exactly what documents were required and was told that she'd need to book and appointment - They needed a copy of my Visa (for some reason) to book the appointment, my Wife was then told that my Visa 'didn't exist' so they couldn't make and appointment (they didn't recognise a Thai Elite Visa)... Heels dug in a one supervisor later an appointment was made.... After getting a Copy of the Passport Verified (at Consulate), then going to MFA building, getting the copy translated into Thai, then submitting that for MFA verification (which took a morning) we received document in the post 3 days later. The day of Amphur submission took 2 hours - the poor Amphur officer worked solidly filling out various forms etc... that took a further two hours (theoretically, I needed two witnesses - just the Mother In Law sufficed, but if they asked for another we had another friend who could come). As soon as the Yellow Book was issued, there was a further 5 min wait at another counter to get the pink ID done (which cost 40 baht I think).

Exactly.... like a 'residency card' or something.. Tie it to a Passport / Visa and combine it with E-gates on entry and exit etc... Lots of potential....

Somewhat of a sweeping generalisation there... I have mentioned (and agree) that its not a necessity. Like a lot of things, we can do without... just like having a car... its not at all essential, but it can come in handy... Two facets to this discussion - Pink ID and Yellow House Book. - Pink ID - there are situations where I've found it handy (again, not essential) - Yellow House Book - there are situations where I've saved time and money by having it (I consider that useful). You may think its worthless... personal perspective I suppose, but I wonder why you are generalising that its worthless when there are examples of them being handy ??? I do wonder what it is exactly that some people have against these documents ??...

Thats interesting (would a letter of address not also work in this situation ?)... In the interests of accuracy - I've not seen such a requirement before.

Oh, but it is... because you are offering advice based on your flawed sweeping generalisation... Others with personal experience have found that having Yellow House Book (and Pink ID) offers convenience and cost savings.... If you want to point out that 'Your life is great without them'.. and you wouldn't waste YOUR time trying to get them, then fair enough. But others may be in a different situation from you whereby obtaining such documents proves an advantage. --- One major example I can think of (that isn't applicable to me)... Is obtaining proof of address. - If someone hasn't submitted a 90 day report - they can't get a Letter of Address from Immigration (in many provinces) meaning they'd need to travel to a consulate to obtain an expensive affirmation of residence. - Or, if they don't live near an immigration office etc... - Whereas, if they are holding the Yellow House book, thats time and money saved against the one off effort and hassle of obtaining such. - Whether the one off effort and hassle of obtaining the Yellow House Book is worth it in the long run is an individual thing and based upon how much 'usefulness' an individual gets out of having such documentation... As already mentioned - its by no means essential, but it adds a layer of convenience a lot of people consider worthwhile.... You don't and thats ok, but you are projecting...

Its been useful... (but most definitely not essential)... - Popping into the Bank (unplanned) and needing to do something (my bank have not accepted DL in the past). - Opening another Bank Account (with Yellow Book) - Travelled with Pink ID when passport is in for visa purposes (DL not accepted in the past when attempting the same) - Had it on me as proof of ID when I decided to switch from SIM to eSIM (needed to show ID for that - Pink ID accepted, DL not) - Yellow Book as proof of Address (i.e. Driving Licence) - saving a few 1000 baht (each time) from getting Embassy letter. - Handy ID during police stops (if stopped and not carrying passport - DL usually accepted in this situation though). How useful the Pink ID and Yellow House Book can be is a purely individual thing... ... To any of the above situations there will be alternatives, such as 'plan and carry your passport'... or 'they accepted my Driving Licence' or 'they accepted a copy of my Passport'.. or.. 'can get a proof of address from immigration' (you can't if you haven't done a 90 day report).... So.. the Pink ID has its uses, though I've hardly used mine, but it wasn't the Pink ID I was bothered about, I wanted the Yellow House Book for proof of address purposes... I was sick of getting ripped off by the British Embassy 2000 baht (or however much it was) each time I needed an Affirmation of Address.

After the initial leg work of obtaining the Yellow House Book, the book itself has proven useful and has saved time and money. The Pink ID less so, but the additional time to obtain it makes it worth while... just for the convenience of carrying a form of ID that can be used in the Banks etc (if out and about without a Passport etc). Life Changing ?? - no of course not, such a statement is only made with a degree of sarcasm by people such as yourself who seem to project that others place a greater degree of importance on the pink ID than you'd agree with - its called Gaslighting !

Indeed... how does someone 'fatally fall' from a speed boat ??? - a ridiculously incomplete and vague story.... Perhaps the author; Kittisak Phalaharn, could redirect his passion for outgoings no matter how tough and redirect them it accurate journalism !!!! If this is the same story... (link below), it would appear that the deceased fell over board then drowned... Which lends to the question, how long did it take them to get to him after he fell overboard ? https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/chinese-tourist-drowns-during-similan-islands-tour

Understood - the 'migrant worker' argument is often cited to suggest limited movements of Westerners holding Pink ID - I just wanted to clear that up. Who every gave you that information at DLT was incorrect.... The Thai Driving Licence is a national Licence and has no province limitations. It is often the case in Thailand that someone in an official capacity who should know better lacks the humility to be honest and say they 'don't know'... this is perhaps such as situation (in fact its often the situation here and 'I don't know is often replaced with cannot' !!)...

Exactly this... a no brainer solution. Just combine the 3 tickets into one document.

Not quite true and has been heavily debated in the past with a selective interpretation of the wording. As we have 'passports' that ID takes precedence over the Pink ID which as you mention is 'restricted to area' - that doesn't mean 'we are restricted to that area if we hold the Pink ID as we have our passport which supersedes this'.... ... on the back of the card there is a statement "The holder of this card is prohibited from leaving the issuing area except for those who have an alien identification"... (in this context the alien identification is a Passport) While our DL is obtained through our Pink ID, it is registered to us (the person) with Name, DOB and photo, thus remains valid outside of the 'are stated on the Pink ID'.... On the back of the Thai DL there is also a comment that states... "Restrictions on use / Restrictions in the case of driving outside the area, us it together with a permission letter to leave the area"... ... some misinterpret this to mean the holder cannot drive outside of the province (if the DL was obtained with a pink ID) - this is incorrect... 'Outside of the area' refers to outside of Thailand... in this case, 'written permission' is an IDP to drive with the Thai License (and IDP) outside of Thailand. -------- Back on Topic: Two separate points for the OP. - There is the Yellow House Book (Tabien Baan) - for foreigners. - There is the Pink ID. The Pink ID is obtained after obtaining the Yellow House Book. Obtaining the Pink ID is very very simple and takes a matter of minutes. Obtaining the Yellow House Book takes some leg work and often requires a lot of documentation. The Yellow House Book has its uses (i.e. for proof of address - DL / Banking etc), but the hassle of obtaining this may outweigh the usefulness. The Pink ID (can be handy as ID), but is by no means a necessity. The only true way to know what is required (how much hoop jumping) to obtain the Yellow House Book is to go to the Amphur and ask. Usually required documents are: 1) MFA Verified Translation of an Embassy Verified Copy of your Passport.. i.e. (a) - Go to Embassy and Get a Verified Copy of Passport (b) - Get that officially translated into Thai (i.e. at MFA building). (c) - Get the Translation verified by MFA.