Can I use Thai driver's license as ID for domestic flights?

[JoseThailand]

Can I use my Thai driver's license as a form of ID instead of my passport for domestic flights within Thailand? Does anyone have an experience?

[DrJoy]

7 minutes ago, JoseThailand said:

Can I use my Thai driver's license as a form of ID instead of my passport for domestic flights within Thailand?

Yes.

 

I have used many times for the past 10 yrs, never a problem.

 

Recently used 27 Oct 2022.

 

Mind you- expired ones not accepted

[FriendlyFarang]

Yes

[nigelforbes]

Yes, many many times, never a problem.

Edited December 15, 2022 by nigelforbes

[Peterw42]

Most airlines just want some form of photo ID.

ID has to be in English, that's why Pink ID doesnt often work as its in Thai (name is in Thai script) and doesn't match the name in English booking.

[The Fugitive]

Don't have a Thai Driving Licence myself. However, was with my Thai sister-in-law when checking in for an Air Asia internal flight when she announced that she had forgotten she had sent her ID card away somewhere. I asked if she had her passport with her? - negative to that! I suggested trying her Thai driving licence but, at that time, I didn't know if she held one. Fortunately she did and even more fortunately had it with her!

[Saigon]

Yes, I used mine to fly within Thailand

last October (on AirAsia) no problem!

[Classic Ray]

Moot point as foreigners should also carry passport at all times?

 

I remember pre Covid Thai Viet Jet insisting on a passport as ID even for domestic flights in Thailand.

[nigelforbes]

43 minutes ago, Classic Ray said:

Moot point as foreigners should also carry passport at all times?

 

I remember pre Covid Thai Viet Jet insisting on a passport as ID even for domestic flights in Thailand.

The law only states that a foreigners passport should be available for inspection at reasonable notice, nowhere does it state that foreigners must carry their passport with them at all times.

[DFPhuket]

I've also used my Thai drivers license. However, if you're traveling and checking into a hotel, the hotel seems to always want the passport. 

[rumbo1]

4 minutes ago, DFPhuket said:

I've also used my Thai drivers license. However, if you're traveling and checking into a hotel, the hotel seems to always want the passport. 

Only once in 10 years has a hotel demanded to see my passport and not accepted my driving licence.

I just went to a different hotel very nearby 

[daveAustin]

^^^ Risky strategy. Hotels are obliged to see your passport for the TM30 info for immigration. As above, license alright for flights but, if you’re travelling, having one’s passport is recommended. 

[Orinoco]

1 hour ago, daveAustin said:

^^^ Risky strategy. Hotels are obliged to see your passport for the TM30 info for immigration. As above, license alright for flights but, if you’re travelling, having one’s passport is recommended. 

Also,  if you need big money out the bank  in an emergency.

what will the bank want to see ? or hospital ?

I'm sure there is other reasons as well.

Traveling long distances away from your passport in a foreign land,  is just not smart in my book.

A bit different if you don't  have your passport for what ever reason. 

 

 

 

 

Edited December 16, 2022 by Orinoco

[nigelforbes]

I agree regarding hotels, banks and hospitals but that wasn't what the OP asked, he only asked about flights, perhaps it is a day trip.

[ChrisKC]

No problem at all, though I always take my passport with me when travelling just in case. In reality, I could actually have left it at home. 

[sandyf]

15 hours ago, Peterw42 said:

Most airlines just want some form of photo ID.

ID has to be in English, that's why Pink ID doesnt often work as its in Thai (name is in Thai script) and doesn't match the name in English booking.

I think it is down to what the airline will accept. My wife had a potential problem last year and this is what easyjet say on the subject.

Identification needed for domestic flights

Photographic ID is required on all domestic flights.

 

Children under the age of 16 do not need to show ID on domestic flights (excluding Italy). The adult they are travelling with can vouch for the infant's/child's identity.

 

Children under 14 on Italian domestic flight must show photographic ID.

 

Here's a few examples of photographic ID that is accepted:

 

• A valid passport - an expired passport can be used up to a maximum of five years after expiry
• Valid photographic EU or Swiss national identity card
• Valid photographic driving licence, provisional or full
• Valid armed forces identity card
• Valid police warrant card/badge

https://www.easyjet.com/en/help/boarding-and-flying/travel-documents-and-information

[TigerandDog]

2 hours ago, DFPhuket said:

I've also used my Thai drivers license. However, if you're traveling and checking into a hotel, the hotel seems to always want the passport. 

I agree that the pink ID is not accepted at the check-in counter for domestic flights but it is accepted when entering the departure lounge and shown with your boarding pass. At hotels my pink ID card has always been accepted when the reservation is in my name.. I've never been asked for my passport. When the reservation is in my Thai wife's name I don't get asked for any ID.

[cjinchiangrai]

16 hours ago, Peterw42 said:

Most airlines just want some form of photo ID.

ID has to be in English, that's why Pink ID doesn't often work as its in Thai (name is in Thai script) and doesn't match the name in English booking.

Not true. The Thai airline clerks and security people read Thai just fine. What they struggle with is English. Nobody has ever rejected my ID card in Thailand.

Edited December 16, 2022 by cjinchiangrai

[Peterw42]

35 minutes ago, cjinchiangrai said:

Not true. The Thai airline clerks and security people read Thai just fine. What the struggle with is English. Nobody has ever rejected my ID card in Thailand.

Of course they can read Thai, they are Thai staff working at a Thai airport. And yes, as I said, they do sometimes accept a Pink ID, however, often their official policy is an ID in the same language as the booking, and all bookings are usually in English.

I have used pink ID (name in Thai script) for airline check-in probably 10 times, and it has been refused 2-3 times because it was in a different language

Edited December 16, 2022 by Peterw42

[blackshadow]

answer is a big YES

[The Fugitive]

50 minutes ago, TigerandDog said:

I agree that the pink ID is not accepted at the check-in counter for domestic flights but it is accepted when entering the departure lounge and shown with your boarding pass. At hotels my pink ID card has always been accepted when the reservation is in my name.. I've never been asked for my passport. When the reservation is in my Thai wife's name I don't get asked for any ID.

Experiences at hotel check-in definitely differ. They always ask for my passport but usually are only concerned with the data page. However, last time in Phuket, two staff checked my retirement extension stamps, discussing them between themselves.  

 

[The Fugitive]

21 minutes ago, Peterw42 said:

Of course they can read Thai, they are Thai staff working at a Thai airport. And yes, as I said, they do sometimes accept a Pink ID, however, often their official policy is an ID in the same language as the booking, and all bookings are usually in English.

I have used pink ID for airline check-in probably 10 times, and it has been refused 2 times because it was in a different language

I guess some people don't understand what transcription is and that it's not perfect. My Mrs and her sister both keep their maiden names. However, on their Thai ID cards, their surnames are spelt differently in English.  

[Mavrix]

19 hours ago, DrJoy said:

Mind you- expired ones not accepted

I can vouch for that as l was refused boarding at Udon Thani airport, and next day enjoyed a nice 9 and a half hour bus trip back to BKK

[Fairynuff]

8 hours ago, DFPhuket said:

I've also used my Thai drivers license. However, if you're traveling and checking into a hotel, the hotel seems to always want the passport. 

I don’t use my passport or DL to check into hotels here

[Fairynuff]

7 hours ago, daveAustin said:

^^^ Risky strategy. Hotels are obliged to see your passport for the TM30 info for immigration. As above, license alright for flights but, if you’re travelling, having one’s passport is recommended. 

If you present a Pink card you don’t need your passport 

[statman78]

I fly domestically every month and never had any issues using my Thai license.  

[Skeptic7]

Yes. On ThaiSmile to be sure. 10 flights on TS this year and only showed Thai DL.

 

Hotels want PP. Some smaller hotels may accept DL or even no ID at all, but most require PP.

Edited December 16, 2022 by Skeptic7

[JoseThailand]

On 12/16/2022 at 5:30 AM, Classic Ray said:

I remember pre Covid Thai Viet Jet insisting on a passport as ID even for domestic flights in Thailand.

Hmm, interesting, I'm gonna fly with them soon

[Maestro]

Removed a baiting post and the replies to it.