Stamp passport copy at immigration?

[Guest siamjourney]

I thought someone had mentioned needing to get a stamp on a passport copy at immigration to satisfy the police. I just went to immigration and they had no idea what I was talking about. Is a regular copy of your passport legal or do you always need to have your actual passport with you? I prefer to always have a copy.

Thanks.

[northernjohn]

Just what immigration needs another duty.

Never heard of such a thing.

Was it in a bar?

[hml367]

It was reported in a post regarding Hua Hin Immigration I believe. It was later clarified from someone higher (but not the highest) that that is not something that Immigration does.

I am surprised you missed that thread Hello Northern Carl.

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

[Sparkles]

Hua Hin immigration has a reputation for thinking outside the box. CM Immigration will answer any queries you may have.

[Suradit69]

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

He told Thaivsia.com that information in an article published by The Nation on 31 July 2014, was incorrect.

He said that tourists can of course leave their passports locked in their hotel safe and enjoy their holiday in Thailand without worrying about the need to carry their original passport.

Deputy Commander Voravat also said that for expats living here, a Thai driving license or photocopy of your passport can be used as a form of identification.

However, if Immigration Police suspect an individual to be overstaying in Thailand or being involved in illegal activity, then the individual would be required to produce their original passport promptly.

The idea of foreigners being able to get a copy of their passport officially stamped by Immigration is currently not an option. However, it is always a good idea to have a copy of your passport with you at all times while in Thailand.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/747736-no-need-to-worry-says-bangkok-immigration-commander/?hl=%20carrying%20%20copy%20%20of%20%20passport

[Mapguy]

Never heard of such a thing as an immigration stamp on a copy of a passport. Seriously doubt that has ever been done, is being done, or will be done. Always prepared to see a photo of such a thing posted with a note about where, when and why this occurred, is currently a practice, or might happen.

[FolkGuitar]

I recently tried an experiment with my passport. It had been my habit to always carry a color photocopy of the front page and the latest entry stamp, (and still do in my shoulder bag and in my bike along with copies of registration and insurance.) But instead of a folded piece of paper in my wallet, I used Photoshop to reduce the size of the front page to business card size, printed it out, laminated it, and rounded the corners, and put that in my wallet. I've since been asked for my passport now about a dozen times, and have used it without anyone giving it a second look, including a policeman,( except at the bank when making a wire transfer. They insisted on seeing my original passport. ) Much more convenient than unfolding and folding a piece of paper, and it actually looks remarkably 'valid!'

[northernjohn]

I recently tried an experiment with my passport. It had been my habit to always carry a color photocopy of the front page and the latest entry stamp, (and still do in my shoulder bag and in my bike along with copies of registration and insurance.) But instead of a folded piece of paper in my wallet, I used Photoshop to reduce the size of the front page to business card size, printed it out, laminated it, and rounded the corners, and put that in my wallet. I've since been asked for my passport now about a dozen times, and have used it without anyone giving it a second look, including a policeman,( except at the bank when making a wire transfer. They insisted on seeing my original passport. ) Much more convenient than unfolding and folding a piece of paper, and it actually looks remarkably 'valid!'

I have always done that. I even have used it in the bank.

How often were you asked for your passport before you did that.

Why are you asked so often?

[FolkGuitar]

I recently tried an experiment with my passport. It had been my habit to always carry a color photocopy of the front page and the latest entry stamp, (and still do in my shoulder bag and in my bike along with copies of registration and insurance.) But instead of a folded piece of paper in my wallet, I used Photoshop to reduce the size of the front page to business card size, printed it out, laminated it, and rounded the corners, and put that in my wallet. I've since been asked for my passport now about a dozen times, and have used it without anyone giving it a second look, including a policeman,( except at the bank when making a wire transfer. They insisted on seeing my original passport. ) Much more convenient than unfolding and folding a piece of paper, and it actually looks remarkably 'valid!'

I have always done that. I even have used it in the bank.

How often were you asked for your passport before you did that.

Why are you asked so often?

I've been using this little version for about two months now. Stopped in several routine road blocks and asked once or twice there, rented a car a couple of times, rented a motorcycle, sent some money via Western Union, picked up mail at the post office 4-5 times, put down a large deposit on a special order, nothing particularly out of the ordinary. I suppose for some of them I could have used my Thai driver's license instead, but I wanted to see if my experiment had any value. It did!