18 hours ago, Iamloki said:

It is the law, and one never knows...

So I was informed by 3 uniformed and armed Immigration officers when I was stopped in the street in front of a local hotel (only 10 mins from where I live) and asked for my Passport, which I wasn't carrying, only a copy. Which was deemed to be unacceptable as easily forged, offered Pink Card and Driving License to back it up, waved away with "means nothing to us". Let off with a warning and told to carry my passport at all times outside the house.

This wasn't recently, quite a few years ago in fact, and we are not on a heavily beaten tourist route/area either.

On 12/6/2023 at 5:04 AM, Tropicalevo said:

Technically yes, but some years ago the police officially announced that a photocopy was acceptable but the original must be available.

Later, some government department somewhere (sorry - I have a very poor memory) said that photos on a mobile phone were also acceptable.

But a photo or copy of just the details page may not be enough. One also needs photos of the visa/immigration stamp given on arrival as per the TM 30 system.

 

That announcement was made by the Chief of Police in Phuket...  

Shortly after, I recall another comment from a Chief of Police (in another province - I think Chonburi but am not sure), that all alients need to carry their passport.

 

Regardless, the statment is a 'show of intent' rather than a law... but with the initial statement it indicated an intention to remain flexible. 

 

The reality is - this remains somewhat of a grey area without any actual 100% legal clarification one way or the other.

 

 

On 12/6/2023 at 5:04 AM, Tropicalevo said:

Only the police can take your passport. All of the dodgy scooter rental folk (and others) demanding that you hand over your passport as deposit  - definitely illegal.

The passport is a government document, not the individual's private property.

 

Only the Police ??  Or also Foreign Embassies when submitting a visa application....

 

 

The question still remains - When nearly all travel recommendations and government websites of various nationalities suggest that we must carry our passport at all times - how can Embassies demand to keep someones passport when a visa application is submitted ?

 

 

10 hours ago, foreverlomsak said:

So I was informed by 3 uniformed and armed Immigration officers when I was stopped in the street in front of a local hotel (only 10 mins from where I live) and asked for my Passport, which I wasn't carrying, only a copy. Which was deemed to be unacceptable as easily forged, offered Pink Card and Driving License to back it up, waved away with "means nothing to us". Let off with a warning and told to carry my passport at all times outside the house.

This wasn't recently, quite a few years ago in fact, and we are not on a heavily beaten tourist route/area either.

Wow... that kind of stinks... Knock on wood, but I never carry my passport unless going to the bank or leaving town for a couple days... I have photos of the passport, original visa and entry stamps on my phone... never had the occasion to test....

 

Do you carry your passport all the time now?

Nope, only when going more than 10/15 mins travel from the house.

Carry laminated paper copy and copies on phone, but still get need passport.