binjalin Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 My passport won't be available does anyone know if a photocopy will get me checked in and past the boarding passport/ID check? or Thai driving license? many thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LivinLOS Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 A Thai driving license is accepted, but you may need to have a supervisor involved as check in staff dont always understand that a farang can do that. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uptheos Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Thai DL will usually get you checked........BUT........they could ask for your passport. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post lopburi3 Posted February 19, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted February 19, 2015 You are aware that your passport must be available at all times if not a Thai national? You can leave it at home, carry a copy, but you could be spending time at a police station until it is presented. I would not advise flying to another area of Thailand without a passport. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LivinLOS Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 You are aware that your passport must be available at all times if not a Thai national? You can leave it at home, carry a copy, but you could be spending time at a police station until it is presented. I would not advise flying to another area of Thailand without a passport. Thats has been confirmed by top police that it is not the case.. Carrying a copy is valid as long as if an issue comes up, then it can be provided within a reasonable period. Given that there are many possible instances when you cannot have your passport to hand (applying for a visa for a country that doesnt have a consulate here for example) its obvious that there have to be exceptions. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lobin Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 i too am needing to travel this weekend and do not have my passport with my, it is currently with another countries embassy getting stamped for a visa. my thai license is out of validity so not sure if that would work, but do have a second passport that I could use, but there is no immigration stamp in it as i entered using the one that has been sent away, does anyone know if this second passport would suffice? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uptheos Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 You are aware that your passport must be available at all times if not a Thai national? You can leave it at home, carry a copy, but you could be spending time at a police station until it is presented. I would not advise flying to another area of Thailand without a passport. Thats has been confirmed by top police that it is not the case.. Carrying a copy is valid as long as if an issue comes up, then it can be provided within a reasonable period. Given that there are many possible instances when you cannot have your passport to hand (applying for a visa for a country that doesnt have a consulate here for example) its obvious that there have to be exceptions. You are right in general circumstances, but under aviation rules a passport can be demanded before being allowed to board an aircraft. They are under no obligation to accept a photocopy no matter who says it's OK. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post HooHaa Posted February 19, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted February 19, 2015 if your passport is not available because you are waiting for a visa, you can show the receipt and another form of ID. On domestic flights all they require is proof of identity. A thai drivers licence, id card or anything will suffice. A freind of mune just flew with her Canda DL and embassy receipt. Dont ask here, confirm with the airline. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chwooly Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 I always carry a copy or have a photo on my phone of my passport and current entry stamp. My understanding is that as long as you have a copy of both you are covered, Now that being said, I have never tried to fly without my passport so don't have any first hand experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
khwaibah Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 (edited) You are aware that your passport must be available at all times if not a Thai national? You can leave it at home, carry a copy, but you could be spending time at a police station until it is presented. I would not advise flying to another area of Thailand without a passport. Thats has been confirmed by top police that it is not the case.. Carrying a copy is valid as long as if an issue comes up, then it can be provided within a reasonable period. Given that there are many possible instances when you cannot have your passport to hand (applying for a visa for a country that doesnt have a consulate here for example) its obvious that there have to be exceptions. You are right in general circumstances, but under aviation rules a passport can be demanded before being allowed to board an aircraft. They are under no obligation to accept a photocopy no matter who says it's OK. When you leave Chiang Mai you enter Thailand and Thailand is under martial law. The military calls the shots not a top cop. There is no way I would travel anywhere in Thailand without my passport. Edited February 19, 2015 by khwaibah 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lopburi3 Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 You can be detained until original is shown so it is not a good idea to travel outside of the local area. Showing in a reasonable time is subject to the officers mood - and it can mean taking him to it. If anyone has any legal document showing otherwise please post as an official change would be most welcome - but as far as I know there has not been such such change - only clarification that you would be safe for local travel with a copy if you can then provide the original if asked. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
khwaibah Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 <script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script> You are aware that your passport must be available at all times if not a Thai national? You can leave it at home, carry a copy, but you could be spending time at a police station until it is presented. I would not advise flying to another area of Thailand without a passport. Thats has been confirmed by top police that it is not the case.. Carrying a copy is valid as long as if an issue comes up, then it can be provided within a reasonable period. Given that there are many possible instances when you cannot have your passport to hand (applying for a visa for a country that doesnt have a consulate here for example) its obvious that there have to be exceptions. You are right in general circumstances, but under aviation rules a passport can be demanded before being allowed to board an aircraft. They are under no obligation to accept a photocopy no matter who says it's OK. When you leave Chiang Mai you enter Thailand and Thailand is under marshall law. The military calls the shots not a top cop. There is no way I would travel anywhere in Thailand without my passport. I have personally witnessed (twice) individuals detained by the military at highway check points. Both times they were in the crossbar hotel for two days and nights until their passport were produced. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thailand Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 You are aware that your passport must be available at all times if not a Thai national? You can leave it at home, carry a copy, but you could be spending time at a police station until it is presented. I would not advise flying to another area of Thailand without a passport. Thats has been confirmed by top police that it is not the case.. Carrying a copy is valid as long as if an issue comes up, then it can be provided within a reasonable period. Given that there are many possible instances when you cannot have your passport to hand (applying for a visa for a country that doesnt have a consulate here for example) its obvious that there have to be exceptions. You are right in general circumstances, but under aviation rules a passport can be demanded before being allowed to board an aircraft. They are under no obligation to accept a photocopy no matter who says it's OK. When you leave Chiang Mai you enter Thailand and Thailand is under martial law. The military calls the shots not a top cop. There is no way I would travel anywhere in Thailand without my passport. I thought Chiangmai was already in Thailand? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LivinLOS Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 You are aware that your passport must be available at all times if not a Thai national? You can leave it at home, carry a copy, but you could be spending time at a police station until it is presented. I would not advise flying to another area of Thailand without a passport. Thats has been confirmed by top police that it is not the case.. Carrying a copy is valid as long as if an issue comes up, then it can be provided within a reasonable period. Given that there are many possible instances when you cannot have your passport to hand (applying for a visa for a country that doesnt have a consulate here for example) its obvious that there have to be exceptions. You are right in general circumstances, but under aviation rules a passport can be demanded before being allowed to board an aircraft. They are under no obligation to accept a photocopy no matter who says it's OK. The airline has the right of refusal anyway.. Passport or no passport.. However for domestic flights a passport is not a requirement.. ID is.. As is evidenced by the many Thais flying on every flight, without a passport. I have flown with only a Thai DL a few times, it did have a small bit of conversation as the expectation is a farang will have one.. But it was easily understood and accepted after checking the DL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uptheos Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 You are aware that your passport must be available at all times if not a Thai national? You can leave it at home, carry a copy, but you could be spending time at a police station until it is presented. I would not advise flying to another area of Thailand without a passport. Thats has been confirmed by top police that it is not the case.. Carrying a copy is valid as long as if an issue comes up, then it can be provided within a reasonable period. Given that there are many possible instances when you cannot have your passport to hand (applying for a visa for a country that doesnt have a consulate here for example) its obvious that there have to be exceptions. You are right in general circumstances, but under aviation rules a passport can be demanded before being allowed to board an aircraft. They are under no obligation to accept a photocopy no matter who says it's OK. The airline has the right of refusal anyway.. Passport or no passport.. However for domestic flights a passport is not a requirement.. ID is.. As is evidenced by the many Thais flying on every flight, without a passport. I have flown with only a Thai DL a few times, it did have a small bit of conversation as the expectation is a farang will have one.. But it was easily understood and accepted after checking the DL. Most Thai's don't have a passport, their ID if the 'gold standard' of identification. I think you're missing the point, which is that they can demand to see a passport before allowing you on board. If there's concerns or something has happened at the time this is very likely and it's their right to refuse you. I usually fly domestic with my driving licence, but I've got my passport with me anyway. In the OP's case I doubt he will have a problem, but it's not 100% guaranteed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bartender100 Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Why not call the airline and ask? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mesquite Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 (edited) I've used my Thai DL, my US DL, and my US passport card for domestic flights. These have always been accepted. All you need is a government-issued ID. Having said that, I always have my passport with me if I leave Chiang Mai. I don't believe there is any law that says you have to show your passport to a 25 year old Nok Air counter girl. Edited February 19, 2015 by mesquite 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onthedarkside Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 I've used my Thai DL, my US DL, my US passport card. All you need is a government-issued ID. Having said that, I always have my passport with me if I leave Chiang Mai. I don't believe there is any law that says you have to show your passport to a 25 year old Nok Air counter girl. Every airline has the right to refuse a boarding card. Just read through any airline's terms & conditions of ticket purchase. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mesquite Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 I've used my Thai DL, my US DL, my US passport card. All you need is a government-issued ID. Having said that, I always have my passport with me if I leave Chiang Mai. I don't believe there is any law that says you have to show your passport to a 25 year old Nok Air counter girl. Every airline has the right to refuse a boarding card. Just read through any airline's terms & conditions of ticket purchase. I've never heard of anyone being refused boarding a domestic flight by using a government-issued ID that was not a passport. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LivinLOS Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 I've used my Thai DL, my US DL, my US passport card. All you need is a government-issued ID. Having said that, I always have my passport with me if I leave Chiang Mai. I don't believe there is any law that says you have to show your passport to a 25 year old Nok Air counter girl. Every airline has the right to refuse a boarding card. Just read through any airline's terms & conditions of ticket purchase. Yes, and they have that right even if you have your passport in hand. I have never heard of anyone being refused boarding on a domestic flight with a Thai issued ID / DL etc.. Tho I can believe a fronline desk person may think it unusual. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post WinnieTheKhwai Posted February 19, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted February 19, 2015 Why not call the airline and ask? LOL.. You do know we're in Thailand right? Good luck getting ANY kind of response even out of Thai Airways, and most definitely not out of Air Asia and the like. Company staff in this country do NOT feel empowered to give out any kind of information, and are too inert and/or lazy to go find out. (Plus, their manager would be exactly the same) Fortunately for the OP though, any photo ID is accepted. I haven't shown my passport for domestic air travel in years, I just show my driver's license. Accepted at check in, security and then when boarding. They never even give it a second look. So don't worry about it. (Just don't get in serious trouble without having your passport on you, but that applies to being anywhere in Thailand without passport, not specifically to air travel.) 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lopburi3 Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Actually we were almost denied boarding of a Nok Air flight in Chiang Mai due to original birth certificate name not exactly matching ticket (this was for a Thai child). Only when we presented an official government name amendment paper were we allowed to board (was presented but behind the original and not seen). Also boarding any flight is subject to the approval of the Captain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terminatorchiangmai Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Take your second passport because its only for ID. make sure you have a copy of your entry stamp or permit to stay from your other passport with you and you will be ok. If you don't have copy's then you can still try and pray you not get stopped anywhere by the military or police for check up. Good luck, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beetlejuice Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Each time I have travelled by in-land flights in Thailand, I have always without fail been asked to show my passport. My advice to the OP is; make inquiries with the airline, explain why he is unable to produce his passport and see if they can come up with some solution to the problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Puwa Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 I've used my driver's license a number of times when my passport was held up somewhere. The check-in staff at CNX see this kind of thing all the time. In my experience they are not looking for excuses to keep passengers from boarding. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uptheos Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 I've used my driver's license a number of times when my passport was held up somewhere. The check-in staff at CNX see this kind of thing all the time. In my experience they are not looking for excuses to keep passengers from boarding. Yes we all have. Yes they see it all the time. No they are not looking for excuses to keep passengers from boarding. BUT if there's ever an incident, they may be told to check all passports no exception, it could be someone's unlucky day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
true blue Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 reading that post it was as clear as mud,suppose winnies post was the most convincing,bloody nuisance this passport malarkey anyway ,just another money making scheme. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
northernjohn Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Each time I have travelled by in-land flights in Thailand, I have always without fail been asked to show my passport. My advice to the OP is; make inquiries with the airline, explain why he is unable to produce his passport and see if they can come up with some solution to the problem. I also have always been asked to show my passport. But that does not mean they would not except a Thai drivers license for in country flights. They just assumed that you will have a passport and are rite probably about 95% of the time. the ones who have other types of ID apparently have no problem with it. I do have a question to travelers. some have a place to stay with friends or relatives and need no ID. But for those staying in a hotel or guest house are they not required to show their passport? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WinnieTheKhwai Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 reading that post it was as clear as mud,suppose winnies post was the most convincing,bloody nuisance this passport malarkey anyway ,just another money making scheme. Tell me about it.. I just paid 5000 baht for a new passport, not including the trip to Bangkok. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
binjalin Posted February 19, 2015 Author Share Posted February 19, 2015 thanks all... I'm having to keep my passport in CM because the 90 day is due and that's the reason for not having it when I fly to BKK well I'll take my Thai driving license and a photocopy so hope it will be ok Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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