Airport army/police checkpoint asking to see passports

simon43 · July 30, 2014

Following on from the news that the police in Hua Hin require all foreigners to carry their passports at call times, there was an interesting development on this 'theme' last night at the airport.

I had to go to the airport around 11pm after the army stopped our hotel licenced taximeter car for not having an actual meter in the car (why have a meter when the pick-up service is free??)

At the army /police checkpoint at the exit to the car-park, not only were all car/minivan drivers being checked very carefully, all passengers had to show their passports to the army personnel before being allowed to exit the car park.

NomadJoe · July 31, 2014

The news was not that all foreigners carry their passports at all times. It was that all foreigners must carry ID at all times. Thai DL or copy of passport verified by immigration will also suffice. And it's not a new law either. That has always been the law in Thailand for everyone, not just foreigners, for decades. (It's part of the Thai ID Card Act). Foreigners have the additional responsibility of being able to prove to a "competent official" that they "entered the Kingdom legally." Even that law doesn't require you carry your passport, but it's up to the "competent official" as to whether a copy or a photo on your smart phone is enough. You may be detained until your passport can be brought to you.

Edited July 31, 2014 by NomadJoe

starkey_rich · July 31, 2014

The news was not that all foreigners carry their passports at all times. It was that all foreigners must carry ID at all times. Thai DL or copy of passport verified by immigration will also suffice. And it's not a new law either. That has always been the law in Thailand for everyone, not just foreigners, for decades. (It's part of the Thai ID Card Act). Foreigners have the additional responsibility of being able to prove to a "competent official" that they "entered the Kingdom legally." Even that law doesn't require you carry your passport, but it's up to the "competent official" as to whether a copy or a photo on your smart phone is enough. You may be detained until your passport can be brought to you.

The news is that all foreigners must carry their original passport. Read

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/747424-hua-hin-immigration-clarifies-rules-on-foreigners-carrying-id/?utm_source=newsletter-20140730-1647&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=breaking

So you have to cart your passport to the beach , the bars ect.This is going to to pee quite a few tourist off.

NomadJoe · July 31, 2014

The news was not that all foreigners carry their passports at all times. It was that all foreigners must carry ID at all times. Thai DL or copy of passport verified by immigration will also suffice. And it's not a new law either. That has always been the law in Thailand for everyone, not just foreigners, for decades. (It's part of the Thai ID Card Act). Foreigners have the additional responsibility of being able to prove to a "competent official" that they "entered the Kingdom legally." Even that law doesn't require you carry your passport, but it's up to the "competent official" as to whether a copy or a photo on your smart phone is enough. You may be detained until your passport can be brought to you.

The news is that all foreigners must carry their original passport. Read

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/747424-hua-hin-immigration-clarifies-rules-on-foreigners-carrying-id/?utm_source=newsletter-20140730-1647&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=breaking

So you have to cart your passport to the beach , the bars ect.This is going to to pee quite a few tourist off.

Yep. Saw that just now. I think the good Col. needs to do a bit of research on the laws he is supposed to be enforcing. He contradicts what every other official has ever said about these laws and the law themselves if you just read them. Even immigration Col.'s don't make laws, and nothing has changed. This is a typical comment for a person appointed to a position due to money and influence and not merit. This guy is shooting from the hip with his answers. Watch as other "interpretations" come out contradicting what this guy has said.

This is one big non-story by a headline grabbing Col. and a fair bit of over zealous reporting.

The other issue I have with this is that it comes from a relatively obscure part of Thailand. If there was some big change in how the ID Card Act and Alien Immigration Act B.E 2493 were being applied, it would come from Bangkok, not po-dunk Hua Hin. No, things will carry on as usual. I wouldn't expect to see tourists rounded up and fined at your local bars any time soon.

Edited July 31, 2014 by NomadJoe

starkey_rich · July 31, 2014

The news was not that all foreigners carry their passports at all times. It was that all foreigners must carry ID at all times. Thai DL or copy of passport verified by immigration will also suffice. And it's not a new law either. That has always been the law in Thailand for everyone, not just foreigners, for decades. (It's part of the Thai ID Card Act). Foreigners have the additional responsibility of being able to prove to a "competent official" that they "entered the Kingdom legally." Even that law doesn't require you carry your passport, but it's up to the "competent official" as to whether a copy or a photo on your smart phone is enough. You may be detained until your passport can be brought to you.

The news is that all foreigners must carry their original passport. Read

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/747424-hua-hin-immigration-clarifies-rules-on-foreigners-carrying-id/?utm_source=newsletter-20140730-1647&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=breaking

So you have to cart your passport to the beach , the bars ect.This is going to to pee quite a few tourist off.

Yep. Saw that just now. I think the good Col. needs to do a bit of research on the laws he is supposed to be enforcing. He contradicts what every other official has ever said about these laws and the law themselves if you just read it. Even immigration Col.'s don't make laws, and nothing has changed. This is a typical comment for a person appointed to a position due to money and influence and not merit. This guy is shooting from the hip with his answers. Watch as other "interpretations" come out contradicting what this guy has said.

This is one big non-story.

Must be after his 15 mins of fame . I wonder what Bkk thinks about this?

NomadJoe · July 31, 2014

The news was not that all foreigners carry their passports at all times. It was that all foreigners must carry ID at all times. Thai DL or copy of passport verified by immigration will also suffice. And it's not a new law either. That has always been the law in Thailand for everyone, not just foreigners, for decades. (It's part of the Thai ID Card Act). Foreigners have the additional responsibility of being able to prove to a "competent official" that they "entered the Kingdom legally." Even that law doesn't require you carry your passport, but it's up to the "competent official" as to whether a copy or a photo on your smart phone is enough. You may be detained until your passport can be brought to you.

The news is that all foreigners must carry their original passport. Read

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/747424-hua-hin-immigration-clarifies-rules-on-foreigners-carrying-id/?utm_source=newsletter-20140730-1647&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=breaking

So you have to cart your passport to the beach , the bars ect.This is going to to pee quite a few tourist off.

Yep. Saw that just now. I think the good Col. needs to do a bit of research on the laws he is supposed to be enforcing. He contradicts what every other official has ever said about these laws and the law themselves if you just read it. Even immigration Col.'s don't make laws, and nothing has changed. This is a typical comment for a person appointed to a position due to money and influence and not merit. This guy is shooting from the hip with his answers. Watch as other "interpretations" come out contradicting what this guy has said.

This is one big non-story.

Must be after his 15 mins of fame . I wonder what Bkk thinks about this?

Surely they are wondering this guy is talking about.

I am going to try to check with some ranking officers here in Phuket to see if they are aware of any official changes. I will come back with what I hear. There was the general "100% enforcement" order given to police recently. Perhaps this is an over reaction to that.

I don't think what Simon saw at the airport has anything to do with a Col's comments in Hua Hin. I have seen that before both here and at Swampy.

Edited July 31, 2014 by NomadJoe

NomadJoe · July 31, 2014

A clarification from Bangkok this time:

"He added that starting from August 29, foreigners who failed to produce their passports would be fined up to Bt20,000 and jailed for up to two years."

The fact that it says "failed to produce" and not "failed to carry on their person." is just more proof that this is much to do about nothing, because it is the exact same wording they have always used. The police have always defined "able to produce." as in if it's at home or the office, someone brings it to you while you wait if for some reason they don't accept your PP photocopy and or Thai DL.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/747534-august-29-heavy-new-penalties-await-visa-overstays-thai-immigration/?utm_source=newsletter-20140731-0747&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=news

Edited July 31, 2014 by NomadJoe

kartman · July 31, 2014

Before it gets lost what was the outcome of the Taximeter car without a meter, lots of smoking ears or what?

simon43 · July 31, 2014

Before it gets lost what was the outcome of the Taximeter car without a meter, lots of smoking ears or what?

I had a meeting 2 days before with the army guys who confirmed that it was fine to use the taximeter car to pick up our hotel guests - no taxi fee.

So when our driver was stopped last night in this car, it was rather a surprise. I, my ex, our driver and the head of the airport taximeter co-op met up with the army guys last night who agreed that we could use the car, but we need to print out a sign with each customer's name and รับส่งฟรี (send/collect free) written on the sign.

So... we will do that and see what happens later tonight

FritsSikkink · July 31, 2014

licenced taximeter car

That is why you need a meter in the car, has nothing to do with the fact you don't charge them.

NomadJoe · July 31, 2014

The news is that all foreigners must carry their original passport. Read

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/747424-hua-hin-immigration-clarifies-rules-on-foreigners-carrying-id/?utm_source=newsletter-20140730-1647&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=breaking

So you have to cart your passport to the beach , the bars ect.This is going to to pee quite a few tourist off.

Yep. Saw that just now. I think the good Col. needs to do a bit of research on the laws he is supposed to be enforcing. He contradicts what every other official has ever said about these laws and the law themselves if you just read it. Even immigration Col.'s don't make laws, and nothing has changed. This is a typical comment for a person appointed to a position due to money and influence and not merit. This guy is shooting from the hip with his answers. Watch as other "interpretations" come out contradicting what this guy has said.

This is one big non-story.

Must be after his 15 mins of fame . I wonder what Bkk thinks about this?

Surely they are wondering this guy is talking about.

I am going to try to check with some ranking officers here in Phuket to see if they are aware of any official changes. I will come back with what I hear. There was the general "100% enforcement" order given to police recently. Perhaps this is an over reaction to that.

I don't think what Simon saw at the airport has anything to do with a Col's comments in Hua Hin. I have seen that before both here and at Swampy.

As I said...

"Deputy Commander Voravat confirmed that foreign tourists and expats do not need to carry their passports with them at all times."

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/747736-no-need-to-worry-says-bangkok-immigration-commander/

Jimi007 · July 31, 2014

As I said...

"Deputy Commander Voravat confirmed that foreign tourists and expats do not need to carry their passports with them at all times."[/size]

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/747736-no-need-to-worry-says-bangkok-immigration-commander/

My neighbor is a Thai Civil Defense volunteer. His wife came over last week and told me I should carry a copy of my passport ID and visa page as that's all they are checking for, just as in the article you posted a link to states.

simon43 · July 31, 2014

_[quote]

_{licenced taximeter car}

_{That is why you need a meter in the car, has nothing to do with the fact you don't charge them.}

_[/_quote]

_{I thought the 'taximeter' part referred to the nice 'taximeter' sign on the roof}

EBlair48 · August 1, 2014

Now let's debate whether copies should be color or black and white are sufficient-

This was in the visa forum a few days ago and you can get a copy of your pp certified by immigration, which is what tourists should do as they arrive , with copy already in hand.

They can charge a couple hundred for that, too

Edited August 1, 2014 by EBlair48

stevenl · August 2, 2014

Now let's debate whether copies should be color or black and white are sufficient-

This was in the visa forum a few days ago and you can get a copy of your pp certified by immigration, which is what tourists should do as they arrive , with copy already in hand.

They can charge a couple hundred for that, too

This has all been contradicted already by somebody really in the know.

If you want to inform, better keep up to date. See NomadJoe's link in this thread.

steelepulse · August 2, 2014

Let's hope a photo of the passport and appropriate stamps in my phone will suffice.

Jimi007 · August 2, 2014

Just made an airport run this morning, took my wife for a flight to Don Muang. No one asked me for anything, other than 20 Baht for parking. Although after reading this thread, I did have my passport with me as well as a color copy in my wallet.

LivinginKata · August 2, 2014

Just made an airport run this morning, took my wife for a flight to Don Muang. No one asked me for anything, other than 20 Baht for parking. Although after reading this thread, I did have my passport with me as well as a color copy in my wallet.

Same for me yesterday. Dropped of a friend. Had passport, only one very disinterested soldier for the 3 lanes.

NomadJoe · August 2, 2014

Let's hope a photo of the passport and appropriate stamps in my phone will suffice.

And don't forget your Thai DL. :)

EBlair48 · August 2, 2014

Now let's debate whether copies should be color or black and white are sufficient-

This was in the visa forum a few days ago and you can get a copy of your pp certified by immigration, which is what tourists should do as they arrive , with copy already in hand.

They can charge a couple hundred for that, too

This has all been contradicted already by somebody really in the know.

If you want to inform, better keep up to date. See NomadJoe's link in this thread.

What has been contradicted? I'm talking about a debate in another thread on colour vs b/w and certified copies of passports that tourists would want to carry. Ex pats have DL. beg your pardon but I am " in the know" and never jumped on the most recent panic bandwagon about expats having to carry the passport , I've always know a DL is sufficient, BUT have also always carried a copy. The certified copy stuff was brought up in the visa forum, and tourists having a copy to get certified as they come through Immigration a good idea - and could be a nice little earner for the Immigration staff.

Edited August 2, 2014 by EBlair48

NomadJoe · August 2, 2014

Now let's debate whether copies should be color or black and white are sufficient-

This was in the visa forum a few days ago and you can get a copy of your pp certified by immigration, which is what tourists should do as they arrive , with copy already in hand.

They can charge a couple hundred for that, too

This has all been contradicted already by somebody really in the know.

If you want to inform, better keep up to date. See NomadJoe's link in this thread.

What has been contradicted? I'm talking about a debate in another thread on colour vs b/w and certified copies of passports that tourists would want to carry. Ex pats have DL. beg your pardon but I am " in the know" and never jumped on the most recent panic bandwagon about expats having to carry the passport , I've always know a DL is sufficient, BUT have also always carried a copy. The certified copy stuff was brought up in the visa forum, and tourists having a copy to get certified as they come through Immigration a good idea - and could be a nice little earner for the Immigration staff.

I understood your post the same as stevenl. I see now you were talking about the suggestion by TV members that immigration do this as you enter. Your post makes it sound like you were referring to the meeting in Hua Hin where attendees were told they could get their passport copies certified by Thai immigration. This is what has been contradicted, actually twice, by both a senior official at Hua Hin and an even more senior official an immigration headquarters in Bangkok. In fact it was the only thing the two senior officials could agree on.

" Immigration does not provide any kind of ‘stamp’ verification on a photocopy of a passport as announced at the meeting yesterday."

-Pol.Col. Thanasak Vongluekiat, Superintendent of Prachuap Khirikhan and Phetchaburi Immigration. 29-July-14

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/747424-hua-hin-immigration-clarifies-rules-on-foreigners-carrying-id/

"The idea of foreigners being able to get a copy of their passport officially stamped by Immigration is currently not an option."

- Deputy Commander and Police Colonel Voravat Amornvivat, a senior official at Immigration headquarters in Bangkok. 30-July-14

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/747736-no-need-to-worry-says-bangkok-immigration-commander/

Edited August 2, 2014 by NomadJoe

Valentine · August 3, 2014

Did not see anyone getting checked at 8pm last night.

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