Traveling With Passport/visa

[Slated]

As I do not have an international drivers license, nor do I desire to drive in Thailand, must I carry my passport/visa with me at all times?

I apologize if this has been asked many times, but was uncertain of how to search for it. Links to previous posts appreciated.

(international driver's license because then I could obtain a Thai driver's license. Post is in regards to traveling and living within Thailand and IDs that must be on hand)

Edited August 5, 2006 by Slated

[Crossy]

As I do not have an international drivers license, nor do I desire to drive in Thailand, must I carry my passport/visa with me at all times?

The rules state that foreigners must carry their passports at all times. If you don't have your PP or other acceptable ID and you get stopped or caught in a raid, you can be detained until you produce the PP.

Many people use a (reduced and laminated) colour photocopy of the ID page, their visa, latest entry stamp and TM6 (arrival) card, 99% of the time, this is sufficient.

Personally, I have my passport (and work permit) most of the time (they live in my briefcase). When I don't have my case I have my Thai DL which has always been accepted by police as valid ID.

I keep copies of eveything at home, just in case the worst happens (it makes life easier when requesting replacements).

[peterjackson]

Hey

Just to clarify as the first sentence in your post Crossy seems to be a little confusing.

You say that you MUST carry your passport as a Foreigner. But then go on to say or other acceptable ID.

If I was to carry my Intl Driving Licence and matching verification licence, both include my photo., would that be enough or MUST I carry my passport to be lawful.

I would hate to be detained for having the wrong documentation, but I also don't like the idea of having to carry my passport everywhere I go.

Kind regards

Peter

[Crossy]

You say that you MUST carry your passport as a Foreigner. But then go on to say or other acceptable ID.

If I was to carry my Intl Driving Licence and matching verification licence, both include my photo., would that be enough or MUST I carry my passport to be lawful.

I say that "The rules state that foreigners must carry their passports at all times". Depending upon where you read it, sometimes it says 'tourists', which may be more appropriate.

A Thai driving licence or other Thai govenment issued photo ID (An SRT site pass works quite well) is also acceptable to 99.99% of police officers (unless you have REALLY pissed them off).

AFAIK NO other form of ID is acceptable because it won't be readable to a Thai officer, half of them don't even know what an official IDP looks like

[p_brownstone]

I am not entirely sure if the checks are to establish ones' identity or to establish that one is in Thailand legally.

If the former, then an International Driving Licence would suffice. I would guess however that the Thai Authorities would be more interested in legal status in Thailand so are looking for evidence of that – in which case obviously an International Driving Licence establishes nothing.

Patrick

[peterjackson]

Hey

That clears it up, as much as I don't like it, I'll have to carry my passport at all times.

BTW, I am right in thinking that I can drive legally in Thailand with an IDP ? Issued against my UK Photo Licence.

Kind regards

Peter

[Crossy]

That clears it up, as much as I don't like it, I'll have to carry my passport at all times. You could carry a colour copy (like I suggest) far safer and cheaper to replace.

BTW, I am right in thinking that I can drive legally in Thailand with an IDP ? Issued against my UK Photo Licence. Correct!

EDIT I'll add the rider to the IDP question, you can only drive for a period of up to 90 days from your latest entry, no problem for a tourist but if you have a retirement visa or work / marriage extension, you will need a Thai DL.

Edited August 6, 2006 by Crossy

[peterjackson]

Hey

I will be entering on a Multi Entry B and doing a visa run every 90 days or so. So, I presume I can use the IDP all the time then.

Is it actually acceptable to have a copy of the passport as opposed to the original ? If it is a grey area, I will air on the side of caution, otherwise I can see me being the poor bugger getting detained.

Many thanks for your help and advice on this subject.

Kind regards

Peter

[ZZZ]

I say that "The rules state that foreigners must carry their passports at all times". Depending upon where you read it, sometimes it says 'tourists', which may be more appropriate.

This is a very comon problem here. There should only be ONE plase where you can read it. Have anyone read the actual law regulating this?

As far as I know you can go with your passport to immigration and have a certified copy made there, that should be enough to satisfy any checks.

[astral]

Actually the law says all perons must carry id, no distinction between Thai and farang.

All Thais over 15 have an id card, Bat Prachacon.

In practice driving licences are accepted as ID for Thais.

The average tourist only has a passport.

As an expat you can get a Thai driving licence. (An official gov document!)

I am not sure that an international licence is acceptable at all, as ID.

OK for a motoring matter but that is all.

[Slated]

Actually the law says all perons must carry id, no distinction between Thai and farang.

All Thais over 15 have an id card, Bat Prachacon.

In practice driving licences are accepted as ID for Thais.

The average tourist only has a passport.

As an expat you can get a Thai driving licence. (An official gov document!)

I am not sure that an international licence is acceptable at all, as ID.

OK for a motoring matter but that is all.

There's a board advertiser' here that 'provides' international driver's licenses. If I were to have on of them, would I then be able to ask for a Thai driver's license?

Thanks

[Crossy]

There's a board advertiser' here that 'provides' international driver's licenses. If I were to have on of them, would I then be able to ask for a Thai driver's license?

A lot of the 'international licenses' advertised on the web are actually NOT valid in Thailand (or for that matter anywhere else).

What you need is an International Driving Permit (IDP) which you get from the motoring organisations in your home country (the AA or RAC in the UK), not sure about the US, I'm sure someone will pop up and enlighten us

[lopburi3]

There is no such advertiser for this board. What you see is from Google and believe they assist you in the application for an IDP according to the laws of your home country. You must have a national licence of some country to even apply for an ID as all it does is confirm your national licence.

[Slated]

There is no such advertiser for this board. What you see is from Google and believe they assist you in the application for an IDP according to the laws of your home country. You must have a national licence of some country to even apply for an ID as all it does is confirm your national licence.

sorry, it was a full size banner ad on here that I had seen, so I had just assumed...

I have a US drivers license, but since we drive on the right side of the road, I doubt I can easily get a Thai license

Edited August 7, 2006 by Slated

[lopburi3]

Regardless of driving on the right or wrong side of the road you should not have any problem getting a Thai license because of that.

[Axel]

Regardless of driving on the right or wrong side of the road you should not have any problem getting a Thai license because of that.

Seconded, see no problem for you to get the Thai licence.

While the rule is IDP, some offices do accept IDP, US- or UK-licence.

At least the one office opposite Sukhumvit Soi 62 does accept US-licences.

For procedure and address look here, go yourself for application, at the entrance you will find help to fill in the form. The office in charge depends on where you live:

http://www.thaivisa.com/320.0.html

[Slated]

Greatly appreciate the information. I'll go in for my Thai license as soon as I'm settled.