Do You Plan To Carry A Passport Copy From Now On?

[jvs]

Having a copy of your id on your phone or in your wallet is a good idea,however your phone and/or wallet can be lost or stolen.

Scan your passport and other important papers and send them to your own email address ,any police station or someone with a smartphone can help you produce your identity.

And yes i know email addresses can be hacked but imo still the safest way.

[yourauntbob]

I was stopped and searched by a Thong Lo cop but he didn't ask to see my passport. I read a lot of friend of a friend stories here on thaivisa but I don't know in person anyone who carries their passport or who has ever had a problem from not so doing.

perfectly put!

[yourauntbob]

I was stopped recently on Suk near Ekamai just after dark by two policemen on a motorbike. One approached and asked what I was doing. He was very polite and asked to look in my small bag. Sure, I said. He looked. I had another bag with a camera and asked if he wanted to look in it. He said no. Asked if he wanted to see my driver's license. He said no, no problem. Some small talk followed, he thanked me an left.

Seemed a bit strange at the time.

i have had similar 4-5 times near sukumvit / ko san areas, they are probably looking for drugs. they never ask for my ID or any other info. Once I was with the missus coming back from ko chang and at the Ekami bus station they pulled me to the side and searched through my stuff. They took everything out of my bag, opened up my wallet/cig pack and patted me down. When the missus tried to hand over her bag they waved it off without even looking inside.

[barneywill]

I've always carried a good quality copy of the first page of my passport in wallet and that has been very handy on a number of occasions. After having lost my passport once, the hassle I went through to renew it is good reason for my paranoia.

[kurnell]

17 years, never been asked. In fact I can't think of one of my 50+ friends that have lived here for 5-20 years that have ever told me that they have been asked to show a passport by the police. Sorry, but it seldom ever happens.

[whybother]

I never carry my passport, except when travelling (in country). Some times I forget it when I'm travelling and just use my Aus DL. I have never been asked for it by the police in the 6 years I have lived here

[johndudorn]

I live in Udorn and traveled all over Thailand. I have never carried my PP but do have my US military ID (retired) with me. This has worked everytime at check points ets... I did lose my PP once in Germany (did find it) so I am reluctant to carry it...

[MaxYakov]

I don't carry copies. I normally have my passport with me at all times unless it is a short trip around town (never in village).

I have have never understood peoples paranoia about carrying their passports with them. In over 35 years of regular trips (for work) to many countries plus here I have never lost or had my passport stolen.

Do you sleep with it under your pillow?

I keep my passport in a safe and carry B&W photo copies of the ID and pertinent visa/90-day pages. I do take it with me when traveling outside Bangkok (rare) or only when absolutely necessary (immigration, banking). 3 1/2 years in Bangkok and never been asked for an ID on the street by LE (or anyone else).

I'd sleep with it, but it would probably charge me LT rates.

Edited November 19, 2012 by MaxYakov

[MaxYakov]

I was stopped recently on Suk near Ekamai just after dark by two policemen on a motorbike. One approached and asked what I was doing. He was very polite and asked to look in my small bag. Sure, I said. He looked. I had another bag with a camera and asked if he wanted to look in it. He said no. Asked if he wanted to see my driver's license. He said no, no problem. Some small talk followed, he thanked me an left.

Seemed a bit strange at the time.

Sounds like a little fishing expedition to me. I was stopped by a cop while on my bicycle one morning on Sukumvit Soi 3/1 (the scenic, L-shaped soi connecting Soi 3 and Sukumvit) while slowly negotiating between the buildings and a line of parked cars. He put his hand on one of mine which was gripping the handlebars. I looked down at his hand disapprovingly and he removed it. He appeared to have been drinking and he didn't speak English (nor I Thai). He let me proceed, but it was a little unsettling.

Another time, while walking with a friend on Sukumvit Soi 4, Soi 2 a motorcycle cop suspected I had thrown a cigarette on the road. He was mistaken, apologized and left smiling. These were the only two potentially confrontational encounters with LE I've had in Bangkok after 3 1/2 years of residence. Maybe I should get out more?

Edited November 19, 2012 by MaxYakov

[spidermike007]

I carry a good color copy of my passport. I keep it in my wallet. I find the police always accept it. So do many hotels, and I have even rented motorcycles, and cars with it. Very useful. Black and white copies do not seem to work, as they look alot less official!

[lifeincnx]

Thai driver's license and and a small one-page copy of my passport, visa, and departure card (reduced in size) for my wallet. Done.

[ekkamai]

Whenever I renew my one year visa, I make a fresh credit card size color copy of the first page of my passport and on the other side the current visa and re-entry permit. I carry it at all times. It is useful in banks, hotels etc.

My husband got stopped by the police on Sukhumvit around Soi 29 about a month back. They searched his bag, but never asked for ID. We never figured out what they were after, but his speaking a little Thai with them most likely made them give up.

Whenever we leave BKK, we take our PPs. You never know....

[Mario2008]

Whenever I renew my one year visa, I make a fresh credit card size color copy of the first page of my passport and on the other side the current visa and re-entry permit. I carry it at all times. It is useful in banks, hotels etc.

My husband got stopped by the police on Sukhumvit around Soi 29 about a month back. They searched his bag, but never asked for ID. We never figured out what they were after, but his speaking a little Thai with them most likely made them give up.

Whenever we leave BKK, we take our PPs. You never know....

That was a drug search, not uncommon in that area.

[hhfarang]

Been here nearly nine years and have never left my property without my passport. I wear cargo pants and always keep it in a ziplock bag in a front pocket. Never been asked for it except at immigration or when checking into a hotel though.

[Keesters]

I voted no because I don't think I'm required to carry it. I carry my Thai 5-year driving license and a laminated credit sized color photocopy of details and visa pages. However if traveling out of my province, especially if staying over night, I would carry my PP as in my experience hotels like to see your TM card. But, for me, that is a very rare. In the last 3 years the only people who have seen my passport is immigration and they want a copy of it every 90 days. Except for once a year the copy is identical to the one they got 90 days previously.

[marcher]

color copy id page and visa page with stamps laminated & copy departure card & copy residence proof immigration......and accompanied with Thai driver license

Very good idea but coloured copies or lamination not necessary. Important copies are those which you would produce for your 90 day stamp, as you schedule above. To be absolutely sure you can have these verified and officially stamped at your local police station. Looks impressive to officer!

I never carry my passport unless needed for particular transaction or for travel. Too risky. Keep it in your safe at home

[TheChiefJustice]

I was in a taxi in Sukhumvit 16 at approximately 11pm several weeks ago and was stopped by the boys in brown. I was asked to get out of the car and whether or not I was willing to undergo a "pat down" and for the police to check my pockets. I asked what they were checking for and they said drugs. I told them that they could check me but that I wanted to inspect their hands first before they were placed into my pockets. When asked why, I said that I wanted to be sure their hands were free of any items such as illicit drugs. They let me inspect the hands of the officer who was to check. There were about 5 of them milling about and I told the others to stand back while I let one check me. He did and they found nothing. I was not carrying any ID and they did not ask. They were polite enough.

Edited November 19, 2012 by TheChiefJustice

[Dork]

I was in a taxi in Sukhumvit 16 at approximately 11pm several weeks ago and was stopped by the boys in brown. I was asked to get out of the car and whether or not I was willing to undergo a "pat down" and for the police to check my pockets. I asked what they were checking for and they said drugs. I told them that they could check me but that I wanted to inspect their hands first before they were placed into my pockets. When asked why, I said that I wanted to be sure their hands were free of any items such as illicit drugs. They let me inspect the hands of the officer who was to check. There were about 5 of them milling about and I told the others to stand back while I let one check me. He did and they found nothing. I was not carrying any ID and they did not ask. They were polite enough.

That sounds like a very sensible response to the situation. Though it has never actually happened to me, a few years ago after there were quite a few stories of random searches by motorbike cops in the Sukhumvit area, I asked a police major general whether they were empowered to that and what rights I have should it ever happen. He told me that police are able to request a search of your vehicle and/or person but only at an organised road block where at least one commissioned officer is present. He also said that without some very obvious probable cause, normal police (non commissioned) are not empowered to search you. His advice, in the event that it happened, was that I should demand that the search be carried out at the relevant police station.

Some of the posts in this thread about 2 cops on a motorbike pulling up in quiet soi and demanding to search your person, I find quite ominous.

Strangely, all the reports that I recall of this happening have been in the Thonglor police district. Don't know if there is anything in that or not.

[HeavyDrinker]

I had my laminate "verified" by having a policeman neighbour of mine by signing it on the reverse before it was laminated and also having his card in the same laminate.

I have not once been asked to produce it but it is always wise to have ID on you as, God forbid, should the worst happen, you don't want to be a "John Doe" in a Thai mortuary....

[OZEMADE]

Always carry a colour copy of passport and retirement page, have bike and car licence on me at all times as well. Been stopped numerous times on my travels around the LOS in the last 10 years and have had to produce it on a few of occasions. Pays to be safe and not cause a problem for yourself.

Edited November 19, 2012 by OZEMADE

[Arkady]

The police don't have to accept photocopies whether in colour and/or sealed in plastic or not. People have been arrested for only carrying copies in pub round ups, although the chance is slim.

[Crossy]

I always have my Thai driving licence and my passport lives in my laptop bag so that's usually with me when in town or driving.

I like the idea of having a scan available so have uploaded to the MS Skydrive where it's available to me anywhere with internet (and on my phone).

With all the above I've not been asked for my passport in 8 years.

[Jayman]

Whenever I renew my one year visa, I make a fresh credit card size color copy of the first page of my passport and on the other side the current visa and re-entry permit. I carry it at all times. It is useful in banks, hotels etc.

My husband got stopped by the police on Sukhumvit around Soi 29 about a month back. They searched his bag, but never asked for ID. We never figured out what they were after, but his speaking a little Thai with them most likely made them give up.

Whenever we leave BKK, we take our PPs. You never know....

For those of you carrying around a credit card sized copy of all your pertinent passport pages, do you also carry around a magnifying glass? How would you expect anyone to be able to read any of that? A better solution is to take a photo with your phone camera and then you can both easily carry it around with you as well as zoom in to see any pertinent details without drama.

[Udox]

I was in a taxi in Sukhumvit 16 at approximately 11pm several weeks ago and was stopped by the boys in brown. I was asked to get out of the car and whether or not I was willing to undergo a "pat down" and for the police to check my pockets. I asked what they were checking for and they said drugs. I told them that they could check me but that I wanted to inspect their hands first before they were placed into my pockets. When asked why, I said that I wanted to be sure their hands were free of any items such as illicit drugs. They let me inspect the hands of the officer who was to check. There were about 5 of them milling about and I told the others to stand back while I let one check me. He did and they found nothing. I was not carrying any ID and they did not ask. They were polite enough.

That sounds like a very sensible response to the situation. Though it has never actually happened to me, a few years ago after there were quite a few stories of random searches by motorbike cops in the Sukhumvit area, I asked a police major general whether they were empowered to that and what rights I have should it ever happen. He told me that police are able to request a search of your vehicle and/or person but only at an organised road block where at least one commissioned officer is present. He also said that without some very obvious probable cause, normal police (non commissioned) are not empowered to search you. His advice, in the event that it happened, was that I should demand that the search be carried out at the relevant police station.

Some of the posts in this thread about 2 cops on a motorbike pulling up in quiet soi and demanding to search your person, I find quite ominous.

Strangely, all the reports that I recall of this happening have been in the Thonglor police district. Don't know if there is anything in that or not.

I can endorse the above 100%. I live in Phrom Prong, which falls under the jurisdiction of Thonglor Police Station. I frequently walk in the area (both directions) I have been stopped SIX times this year, half of them for a passport check and half for a "body search". Most stops have occurred close to Terminal21 at Asoke, but have also been in Thonglor, and Ekamai (after getting off a bus at the bus station). After the 5th time and getting cheesed off with it - I consulted a lawyer who informed me that I cannot refuse a search by a serving police officer however I am entitled to see his police ID card before the search - and if he is unwilling - can ask to continue at the police station, where he can explain to his boss why he stopped me. On the 6th search - it worked but it was a stand-off before he finally agreed to show me his ID card.

Three of the occasions were cops on a motorbike (the ones who go round signing the books at premises. One was in a quiet soi and they just stopped and pulled me up - so yes, it does really happen

Its strange that 'regular' police officers are suddenly immigration experts, as are traffic cops who pulled me into the traffic box at Asoke Junction to search me, last time. Yet when my friend had her bag stolen recently and asked a traffic cop for help - he replied "nothing to do with me - I'm traffic, go to a police station"

Personally, I think its a tourist scam as they pick on 'unsuspecting' tourists - seemingly mostly in the low / mid Sukhumvit area and inform them that they must pay a penalty if they do not have their passport on them - and most tourists will leave it in the hotel safe, but when confronted by the police - become scared and pay up.

The same applies to these BMA 'Officers' - in the Asoke / Nana area who 'prey' on tourists for dropping litter - and I have seen many many foreigners filling out the forms and paying up (Never a Thai). The last one I saw recently was even escorted to the ATM machine nearby to withdraw the money for his 'fine'.

What a wonderful way to treat people visiting your country !

I carry my passport now when in the immediate vicinity (Asoke/Thonglor) but even though it's only a year old - it looks shabby and has to survive another 9 years.

The simple solution would be to issue a plastic ID card to non-imm visa holders, tourists here for 2 weeks can carry a passport.

Many other places issue plastic cards for minimum cost - so why not immigration ? (Tesco/Ikea/ ATM cards/Topps/Paragon/ Driv. Lic. etc...) hmm just thought - it doesn't have any benefit to them - so why would they ?

Edited November 21, 2012 by Udox

[poanoi]

I carry my passport on me at all times, but you didnt have a button for that option

[Jayman]

I carry my passport on me at all times, but you didnt have a button for that option

And then there will always be guys like our friend here that when given the choices: yes, no, and not sure. He will decide none of them fits his special situation.

No one is trying to tame the monkey in you Poanoi. It was just a simple question. You can chose 1 answer and still remain "special" to the rest of us here in TVF.

[brewsterbudgen]

I was in a taxi in Sukhumvit 16 at approximately 11pm several weeks ago and was stopped by the boys in brown. I was asked to get out of the car and whether or not I was willing to undergo a "pat down" and for the police to check my pockets. I asked what they were checking for and they said drugs. I told them that they could check me but that I wanted to inspect their hands first before they were placed into my pockets. When asked why, I said that I wanted to be sure their hands were free of any items such as illicit drugs. They let me inspect the hands of the officer who was to check. There were about 5 of them milling about and I told the others to stand back while I let one check me. He did and they found nothing. I was not carrying any ID and they did not ask. They were polite enough.

That sounds like a very sensible response to the situation. Though it has never actually happened to me, a few years ago after there were quite a few stories of random searches by motorbike cops in the Sukhumvit area, I asked a police major general whether they were empowered to that and what rights I have should it ever happen. He told me that police are able to request a search of your vehicle and/or person but only at an organised road block where at least one commissioned officer is present. He also said that without some very obvious probable cause, normal police (non commissioned) are not empowered to search you. His advice, in the event that it happened, was that I should demand that the search be carried out at the relevant police station.

Some of the posts in this thread about 2 cops on a motorbike pulling up in quiet soi and demanding to search your person, I find quite ominous.

Strangely, all the reports that I recall of this happening have been in the Thonglor police district. Don't know if there is anything in that or not.

I can endorse the above 100%. I live in Phrom Prong, which falls under the jurisdiction of Thonglor Police Station. I frequently walk in the area (both directions) I have been stopped SIX times this year, half of them for a passport check and half for a "body search". Most stops have occurred close to Terminal21 at Asoke, but have also been in Thonglor, and Ekamai (after getting off a bus at the bus station). After the 5th time and getting cheesed off with it - I consulted a lawyer who informed me that I cannot refuse a search by a serving police officer however I am entitled to see his police ID card before the search - and if he is unwilling - can ask to continue at the police station, where he can explain to his boss why he stopped me. On the 6th search - it worked but it was a stand-off before he finally agreed to show me his ID card.

Three of the occasions were cops on a motorbike (the ones who go round signing the books at premises. One was in a quiet soi and they just stopped and pulled me up - so yes, it does really happen

Its strange that 'regular' police officers are suddenly immigration experts, as are traffic cops who pulled me into the traffic box at Asoke Junction to search me, last time. Yet when my friend had her bag stolen recently and asked a traffic cop for help - he replied "nothing to do with me - I'm traffic, go to a police station"

Personally, I think its a tourist scam as they pick on 'unsuspecting' tourists - seemingly mostly in the low / mid Sukhumvit area and inform them that they must pay a penalty if they do not have their passport on them - and most tourists will leave it in the hotel safe, but when confronted by the police - become scared and pay up.

The same applies to these BMA 'Officers' - in the Asoke / Nana area who 'prey' on tourists for dropping litter - and I have seen many many foreigners filling out the forms and paying up (Never a Thai). The last one I saw recently was even escorted to the ATM machine nearby to withdraw the money for his 'fine'.

What a wonderful way to treat people visiting your country !

I carry my passport now when in the immediate vicinity (Asoke/Thonglor) but even though it's only a year old - it looks shabby and has to survive another 9 years.

The simple solution would be to issue a plastic ID card to non-imm visa holders, tourists here for 2 weeks can carry a passport.

Many other places issue plastic cards for minimum cost - so why not immigration ? (Tesco/Ikea/ ATM cards/Topps/Paragon/ Driv. Lic. etc...) hmm just thought - it doesn't have any benefit to them - so why would they ?

While these police checks have become far more common recently (even Stickman was stopped last week!), I've not heard about many instances of money being asked for unless a genuine offence has been committed, so it's seems unfair to brand them as "scams". There is a drug problem and there are farang dealers (I used to live on Suk soi 22 and the farang cociane delaer was very well known!), so it's understandable that the police are trying to stay on top of the problem.

I've never been stopped, but always carry a laminated copy of my passport & work permit and my Thai driver's licence.

[wpcoe]

To ask on an online forum: "Do you carry your passport in Thaliand? Is it required?" seems to elicit passionate responses akin to asking "Whose God is better: Christians' or Muslims'? Why?"

[HeijoshinCool]

I never carry my passport. When i have been asked to produce it, by the police, I politely refuse, stating I will produce it for immigration. Usually within a minute or two, I am kicked loose.

I don't know where it is written (other than on TV) that foreigners must produce passport/visa for LEOs.

[attrayant]

I've been carrying a laminated copy for the past three years (I had it made the very first time I was a tourist, and never got around to taking it out of my wallet), and see no reason or need to stop carrying it.