If you are a resident in Thailand, should you always carry your passport with you?

[BangkokBernie]

In my opinion, the answer is no, it's not necessary. In over 30 years in the country, I've never carried my passport with me unless I am traveling around the country and need to have it with me to check in for a domestic flight or hotel. I've also never been stopped randomly and asked to show it to any form of immigration or law enforcement officer during the entire time that I've been here. 

 

The only time I was ever asked for my passport was once very many years ago during a routine traffic stop/road block at night. I politely explained to the police officer that I didn't have it with me and that was the end of it. 

 

The truth is that many foreigners in the country will also be without their passport at times when it's with a lawyer or visa agent and while their visa is being renewed. When I used to work for a company in Thailand, there were even times that my passport was not in my possession for weeks at a time. 

 

Anyway, none of the people that I know who live here full-time carry their passports with them either. I think it's more common for tourists to carry their passports, but not residents. I always have a photo of my passport, a photo of my current visa and my latest entry stamp, and even a copy of my last 90 day report receipt, all in my phone with me at all times. Something I only started doing 5-6 years ago. Before that I never had anything with me related to my passport or visa. 

 

In addition, I have a Thai driving license and a pink card so I have plenty of ID with me to prove my identity, that I've been here for some time and that I'm not a tourist. So it's never been an issue for me or anyone I know and I really don't expect it to become one in the future. 
 

I also don't reside in a major expat area or live in a rural part of the country on an O Visa, so that probably helps to avoid these random, isolated checks that some people seem concerned about.

[BangkokBernie]

Also, here is some information I pulled up online about a time when there were some issues about 10 years ago, however, since then, there hasn't been anything else like it that I'm aware of:

 

In late 2014 and early 2015, Thai police conducted frequent checks on tourists in Bangkok, particularly around the Sukhumvit Road area. Tourists were asked to show their passports, and those who couldn't produce them were sometimes fined or threatened. This practice drew significant criticism from tourists and expatriates, leading to concerns about police conduct and the legality of such demands. These intensified checks were linked to broader security measures following political unrest and the coup in Thailand.

 

Reports indicated that tourists, especially those not carrying their passports, were frequently stopped and subjected to searches and even urine tests for drugs. This led to numerous complaints of harassment and extortion by the police, which eventually prompted discussions and changes in how these checks were conducted.

 

The police justified these actions as part of efforts to crack down on illegal activities and ensure security. However, the practice was seen as targeting and harassing foreigners. Due to the backlash and negative publicity, the frequency of these stops eventually decreased, and the practice mostly stopped after a few months. This period highlighted the importance for tourists to carry at least a copy of their passport and visa while in Thailand.

[richard_smith237]

There will be very mixed responses to this...  

There has been mixed advice, with some regional police chief's suggesting a photo-copy is fine, while others suggest you need to carry your passport. 

 

 

IMO - the choice is individual.

 

Within province - a Photo of the Passport on your phone (and entry stamps / visa etc) is sufficient. 

As is carrying a photo-copy (many laminate this)

For most Police your Driving License will be fine. 

A copy of a Pink ID will also act as Government issued photo ID.

 

Outside of province - I carry my passport with baggage, but keep that at the hotel so its accessible within a reasonable time frame should it be necessary. 

 

The risk of passport loss and hassle of replacement, plus impact on travel arrangements for the time it takes to replace by far exceeds and potential of the Police specifically demanding to see my passport and subsequent potentail hassle of not having the actual passport in possession. 

 

In any such sitation, if handled politely in the vast majority of situations the Police will be more than satisfied with a PhotoCopy, Photo on your Phone, Driving License, or Pink ID. 

 

-------

 

As pointed out - As far as the 2014-2015 issue of the Police in Sukhumvit Bangkok (Thonglor Police) asking for passports and fining people without - this reached national headlines - the police officers turned out to be 'somewhat rogue' and were told to stop.

 

 

[NativeBob]

3 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

As far as the 2014-2015 issue of the Police in Sukhumvit Bangkok (Thonglor Police) asking for passports and fining people

It was really annoying and policemen were very rude. Pure extortion, nothing to do with "fighting terrorism and illegals" 

As for nowadays - just carry copies of photo page and latest visa page. Sufficient.

[HugoFastor]

If you go over to BS's latest nauseating, slush pile of a post from today you will find a whole bunch of negative, fear-mongering, anecdotal spewing about this topic, which all seems like fairly useless conjecture.

What's been written here so far is very sensible. I do the same as the OP. I have copies of everything in my phone, never carry my passport, and I've never had a problem either.
 

Will be interesting to hear what other sensible people think about this subject and if there is any good reason to change personal practices or not. I doubt doing anything different will be needed when going forward. 

[Sticky Rice Balls]

11 minutes ago, HugoFastor said:

Will be interesting to hear what other sensible people think about this subject

on this forum?     good luck friend!

[Sticky Rice Balls]

48 minutes ago, BangkokBernie said:

there were even times that my passport was not in my possession for weeks at a time. 

16 yrs for me!...*clutches pearls*...closes blinds and hides under bed

[Sticky Rice Balls]

29 minutes ago, NativeBob said:

It was really annoying and policemen were very rude. Pure extortion, nothing to do with "fighting terrorism and illegals" 

maybe can go to the station and file a complaint

[cdemundo]

Photocopy in my wallet.

[richard_smith237]

29 minutes ago, HugoFastor said:

Will be interesting to hear what other sensible people think about this subject and if there is any good reason to change personal practices or not. I doubt doing anything different will be needed when going forward. 

 

I think because the Op is sensible, non controversial, does not have a misleading headline, is well written and not misleading the thread will be short lived....  

 

... There is little to disagree and bicker about...  so there won't be many responses other than.. Agree !... 

[richard_smith237]

14 minutes ago, Sticky Rice Balls said:

44 minutes ago, NativeBob said:

It was really annoying and policemen were very rude. Pure extortion, nothing to do with "fighting terrorism and illegals" 

maybe can go to the station and file a complaint

 

File a complaint at the station about the the police from that station trying extort you ??...   

[NativeBob]

16 minutes ago, Sticky Rice Balls said:

maybe can go to the station and file a complaint

maybe, but back than I really believed they had something to do with terrorists

Thai police often has different campaigns - I remember when they even shaken karaoke bars for copyrighted music

[RSD1]

2 hours ago, cdemundo said:

Photocopy in my wallet.

That's a good analog way if you can get all your visa and entry stamps and your passport picture page all photocopied onto one piece of paper. But then my experience has been that folded up pieces of paper in a wallet don't last that long. I also don't carry a full sized wallet anymore. 

[Lacessit]

AFAIK it is not mandatory for foreigners to have their passports with them at all times. A paper copy, or photos on a smartphone should be adequate for police checks.

 

I can remember being asked at a checkpoint, my driving licence was sufficient.

 

The rules for banks vary. Bangkok Bank accepts the passport photo on my phone, Kasikorn insists on the physical passport.

[JackGats]

In this day and age with computers there's no excuse for Police insisting on a paper copy. 

[RSD1]

7 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

Bangkok Bank accepts the passport photo on my phone

Is that just for the branch that you go to regularly where they know you personally, or all BBL branches?

[RSD1]

1 minute ago, JackGats said:

In this day and age with computers there's no excuse for Police insisting on a paper copy. 

It's still a very analog country. Whenever I do anything involving documents and signatures in Thailand (banking, immigration, applying for services, etc) there's always a paper copy of my passport attached with my signature on the photocopy.

[Celsius]

"resident of Thailand"

 

LOL

[Lacessit]

11 minutes ago, RSD1 said:

Is that just for the branch that you go to regularly where they know you personally, or all BBL branches?

I don't know. The phone photos work in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.

[HappyExpat57]

THANK gawd, haven't seen this topic in at least three months.

[richard_smith237]

2 hours ago, NativeBob said:

maybe, but back than I really believed they had something to do with terrorists

Thai police often has different campaigns - I remember when they even shaken karaoke bars for copyrighted music

 

Its all extortion...   thats all it ever is, regardless of the political and security temperature at the time. 

 

... The is a story of them demanding a urine test from a holidaying pensioner (a 70 something year old man with is wife)...    In the end I think it was pressure from Embassies and the onset greater publicity which forced a stop to this.

 

I recall at the time being pulled over in a taxi on the corner of Asoke while heading at about 7pm...  The BiB wanted me to get out - I knew their game and refused, but had to 'call a friend' (also BiB) to get them to back down - I was not going to pish on the side of the street for corrupt policeman (also 100% sober and not under the influence of anything so nothing to fear - but I knew such requests are illegal so I wasn't even joining the dance).

 

 

[BigStar]

This has been discussed ad nauseam over the years.

 

If a non-traffic cop wants to see ID, he’ll almost always first ask for a passport. Quick, easy, understandable. Since the law just calls for official ID to be carried, NOT a passport specifically, they’ll accept another form of ID UNLESS you’re under suspicion. 

 

Causes for “suspicion” can vary widely, but can be just “being a place where legally questionable activity has been occurring rather too often.” In that case, any old ID may not reveal your immigration status and may be dodgy anyway. Under suspicion means more probability of your overstay or being wanted for a crime elsewhere. Your real passport may therefore be demanded. 'Course, carrying no ID ensures it will be as well.

 

So then if you don’t have your passport with you, you’ll need to produce it within 24 hours. Wisely, they’ll not trust you to do so on the honor system, but detain you until somebody brings it to you.

 

But if heavens! no one can bring it to you, then the police, for a service charge, will escort you to its location. Note that at no point will you be under arrest or charged or penalized simply for not carrying your passport. That’s not an offense.

 

Not being able to produce any passport at all is, however, is a very different matter, obviously.

 

So most people, including me, rarely carry their original passsports and wouldn't, unless necessary, such as for air travel or a visit to my local friendly IO. I use my pink card for most ID requirements. But I have a Thai DL and phone photos as well. BTW, I stay away from dodgy places and people. I try not to act suspiciously, but in my case that's no great effort.

Edited Thursday at 10:42 AM by BigStar

[NativeBob]

2 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

The is a story of them demanding a urine test from a holidaying pensioner

Completely lawless indeed. I know they often act obnoxiously and the best thing to do is to avoid any confrontation with them.

[phetphet]

I always used to carry a laminated photocopy, but since it was stated in the news a while back that it was no longer necessary, I no longer bother. I do however always carry my Thai driving licence.

[Chris Daley]

Yeah I wear it next to the yellow star.

[richard_smith237]

26 minutes ago, Chris Daley said:

Yeah I wear it next to the yellow star.

 

Interesting - you have a Cartoon Icon of Stalin as your Image...  You draw a comparison of being required carrying identification to the holocaust...  

 

Note: Approximately 40-50 nations world wide have a Mandatory ID carrying law, its not exactly abnormal or anything close to the holocaust or segregation.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited Thursday at 02:04 PM by richard_smith237

[Moonlover]

6 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

I think because the Op is sensible, non controversial, does not have a misleading headline, is well written and not misleading the thread will be short lived....  

 

... There is little to disagree and bicker about...  so there won't be many responses other than.. Agree !... 

True indeed. Besides, it's a topic that's been discussed many time over in the past, so nothing new to add. 

 

On the other hand, if it was the price of baked beans..............................!

[Liverpool Lou]

5 hours ago, RSD1 said:

That's a good analog way if you can get all your visa and entry stamps and your passport picture page all photocopied onto one piece of paper. But then my experience has been that folded up pieces of paper in a wallet don't last that long. I also don't carry a full sized wallet anymore. 

Only a copy of the passport photo page and permission to stay needs to be copied and they can be sized to credit card/wallet size and laminated back to back to preserve them.

Edited Thursday at 02:30 PM by Liverpool Lou

[Liverpool Lou]

5 hours ago, JackGats said:

In this day and age with computers there's no excuse for Police insisting on a paper copy. 

They don't.

[Yagoda]

I had to carry my passport once or twice in the past 30 years, other than for outside home City Travel. Photocopy or now, picture on phone.

 

Once was for some Royal sponsored festival.