ballpoint

I used to feel that way, but I've since gone off them. Now I'm an

Fair enough.

When I lived and worked in Malaysia for a couple of years I, and my wife, were both issued with an "i-pass", a plastic card similar to what the op is referring to. They were valid for the length of my employment pass (we were issued with new ones after the yearly extension), and were a form of ID, as well as allowing priority queueing at the airport, plus the option of not getting a stamp in your passport when entering and leaving (very handy when I was going through a passport every 2 - 3 years due to them filling up with stamps). They could not be used to get the local rate at attractions though, that required a "MyKad", which only citizens get. (Malaysia being even more xenophobic than Thailand, even against its own non Malay citizens). I'd like to see a similar card issued to long term visa holders here (minus the lack of local discounts), but can't see it happening. I don't carry my passport with me (but do have a laminated "micro copy" in my wallet, with photo page on one side and current extension on the other), and have never been asked for it, but I imagine a drivers' licence or even pink card wouldn't fit the bill if asked, as they give no indication of your visa status, other than you had a valid permit to stay at the time they were issued.