I live in Chiang Mai and have planned a vacation down south next month, but my lawyer will need my passport while I am gone to renew my visa. Has anyone had personal experience using identification other than a passport when checking in to domestic flights, or copy of the passport? I was thinking a Thai driver's license might do the trick?

I have always used my Thai drivers license for domestic flights and never had a problem, saying that tho might be the last time its acceptable

No problem with a Thai driving licences as proof as ID when flying, but there have been reports that Immigration are now enforcing the requirement that hotels see passports, some people have apparently encountered problems.

You should also cary a copy of your passport with all relevant pages of your visa status as if the authorities outside the airport wish to question you, you could have a problem being hundreds kilometers away from your passport. Personally I would never make that kind of trip without my passport on my person.

Edited October 27, 201015 yr by gotlost

relax. If you don't have a Thai driving license a passport copy will be sufficient. Have a nice trip and don't underestimate the rainy season in the Southern Golf

Yes I also had no problems with copy of passport and drivers license. you will be fine.

Any photo ID, even a foreign ID, is okey for a domestic flight check-in/security check.

Any photo ID, even a foreign ID, is okey for a domestic flight check-in/security check.

Spot on. I have used Thai driving license, International driving license, even a Tarongo Zoo pass (with photo) with no problems on flights. However, carry the passport copy for other reasons. (Security checks, hotels etc). make sure that you copy the detail page AND the page with the entry stamp on as well (or extension to stay).

The biggest thing that i've noticed on most of thai air sites,they want you to carry the same credit card that you booked them with.

I think George is correct in his post above. I have used a work related photo ID on Thai Airlines domestic flights a couple of times without a problem.

Awesome replies, this is why I love ThaiVisa. Thanks! :jap:

When we go to hotels my wife registers. Often I am struggling with the bags but am around at reception so we don't try to hide the fact there is a falang involved! I have never had a demand for me to register or to see my passport (and they do not know she is my wife, so it works for any Thai traveling companion). Worked last week at 4 different hotels on the South Eastern seaboard so I question whether the reported immigration crack-down is having any effect.

I do it that way ever since I stupidly Ieft my passport at a hotel at great inconvenience. They will always hand back a Thai ID card but occasionally want to hang on to a passport to write it up later.

I wouldn't rely on that without taking a copy passport with me though.

Edited October 28, 201015 yr by SantiSuk

I thought that if your Visa was being extended you had to be physically there, with the lawyer.

Anyhow I have used driving licenses to fly domestically, never carried a copy of my passport.

I thought that if your Visa was being extended you had to be physically there, with the lawyer.

There's a proxy letter that needs to be filled out and signed to allow a 3rd party to do it.

I have always used either my Thai DL or university photo ID when flying domestic without problems.

Thanks for the Info Tywais.

But for me, my Passport stays with me, I do the extensions myself.