Work Permit As An Id Instead Of Your Passport.

[britainmal]

Can you use you work permit

as an ID instead of your passport, For

example to check into hotels?

[george]

In general a Thai drivers license or a passport are the only valid ID's at banks etc.

The hotels in Thailand are required to report all check-ins to immigration (basically the information on your TM card).

But most hotels accept Thai drivers licence or work permit booklets for check-in purposes, but they are breaking the Immigration law and can be fined for that.

By law all foreigners are required to produce, at check-in at guesthouses and hotels, a valid, not overstayed passport or Aliens book (residence permit).

http://www.thaivisa.com/515.0.html

[sabaijai]

I've found that a Thai driver's license works fine for all ID needs in Thailand. I use it at the airport when asked for ID in the departure lounge, at upcountry police checkpoints when asked for ID, and when stopped on the street in Bangkok (it's only happened once) and checked. I never carry my passport except when I need it for a specific purpose, eg, international travel, visa extension, etc.

[huski]

I've found that a Thai driver's license works fine for all ID needs in Thailand.

same same, for most everything it's fine

The hotels in Thailand are required to report all check-ins to immigration (basically the information on your TM card).

But most hotels accept Thai drivers licence or work permit booklets for check-in purposes, but they are breaking the Immigration law and can be fined for that.

this is true, so it is best to have your passport with you when traveling in LOS just in case the hotel wants to see it or make a photocopy during checkin. i have had some insist on it over a thai driver's license

[camerata]

I've found that a Thai driver's license works fine for all ID needs in Thailand. I use it at the airport when asked for ID in the departure lounge, at upcountry police checkpoints when asked for ID, and when stopped on the street in Bangkok (it's only happened once) and checked.

Does it work for withdrawing money from a bank branch other than where your account is?

[george]

Does it work for withdrawing money from a bank branch other than where your account is?

Thai drivers license has always worked for me, even at upcountry branches. Not sure about internal bank regulations though.

[lopburi3]

On last hotel check in a month ago noticed they have now stamped TM data request on sign in sheet and closely checked it. Think that wake up raid rattled a few cages and DL may not be accepted as often anymore (outside the hourly places).

On last bank book replacement they wanted original passport used to open account - only the fact visa was transferred and that page was in present passport saved a trip home.

In the past DL was always (photo ID law requirement) good. Lately police have been saying only PP is acceptable ID for foreigners so you take your chance if you don't carry it. My DL is 34 years old so photo is not quite as I appear today.

[Axel]

My DL is 34 years old so photo is not quite as I appear today.

Men are like wine, improving with age

I used the WP twice over the years at a SCB-branch for the company's account.

Accepted, but don't think it's in the book. The bank staff was more puzzled to see a farang with a p/port written in Thai.

Generally, I do carry my p/port only if I expect to be in an aread that could be treated as entertainment-place. That includes big pub.

For travel better to have the p/p, even domestic they check carefully.

For the rest I rely on DL, albeit was never tested.

But again, I know I am taking a risk if I do not have it one me. So Friday-Sat. nights better to carry, the "waiting - time" might get too long.

[camerata]

On last bank book replacement they wanted original passport used to open account - only the fact visa was transferred and that page was in present passport saved a trip home.

On my last bank book replacement they actually asked for my work permit! And I've had the account around 25 years...

[britainmal]

I don't mean to rude, but I am not talking about a driver's license. I am talking about a work permit. Can I use this as an ID? You need your work permit to get a mobile phone monthly account.

[sabaijai]

britainmal, obviously no one following this thread thus far has had any experience using a work permit as ID, I don't think anyone means to be rude.

It seems like overkill to me to have to carry either a work permit or a passport around all the time. Doesn't fit in the average shirt or trousers pocket, does it? So then you're stuck carrying a bag, briefcase or one of those funny handbags some Chinese guys carry around.

My guess is that most of the time a WP would do just fine. Where you may have trouble is with authorities or officials who have never seen a work permit. Everyone's seen a Thai driver's licence, most folks have also seen a passport. I'd say either a passport or driver's license would probably prove more useful than a work permit. If you have the capability to carry a WP than you certainly ought to be able to carry a passport. Or get a driver's licence for convenience's sake.

Edited May 27, 2004 by sabaijai

[p_brownstone]

It often causes confusion when I check into a hotel here and they ask for my Passport.

I have Permanent Residence so there is no TM Card in my Passport, something which they don't come accross very often and junior staff are easily nonplussed - sometimes it takes the intervention of the Manager to clarify the situation. It would be easier to carry the Residence Permit too I guess.

[astral]

The hotels in Thailand are required to report all check-ins to immigration (basically the information on your TM card).

Hotels require your Passport and the TM card number so they can report your presence to Immigration.

Otherwise the Work Permit should do as general ID.

[britainmal]

Actually, when I check into hotels they usually don't make a copy of my visa status page only my passport information page.