There is probably a quick answer to this. I was told at the Ampur yesterday that the yellow books were being gradually phased out to be replaced by ID cards (for Rangs). I will be looking for a driving license soon, but don't want to get a Tabien Baan and then have to go get an ID card a month or so later.

Anyone else heard about this?

Will the fact that the card shows clearly that I am not Thai exclude me and everyone else that is not Thai, from the ฿30.- scheme? Not that I plan on using the scheme, but it's nice to know that it's there.

I know that some Thais already use their ID card when going to hospital.

Have not seen any such report but it would indeed be welcome as a photo ID (other than DL) would be welcome for foreigners and perhaps solve the "carry passport" issue.

Seems strange, as a yellow tabien baan and an ID-card are two totally different things and fall under two different government agencies.

But there was talk of introducing an ID-card for foreigners a few years ago by immigration.