Domestic Thai Flight without passport (yes again!)

[RT85]

hey guys!

yes i know this has been discussed multiple times on TV andother posts.. however nothing recent! as of late 2014 or 2015...

I will be flying to Phuket from Bangkok via Airasia @ Dom Mueang...

unfortunately my 90 days renewal is up so my passport will need to be with my HR office.

Can i travel with my WorkPermit or other Driving Lics (not local thai DL)

i will keep a coloured copy of my passport on me just in case.

will also call Air Asia to confirm again.. the ticketing lady didn't seem 100% confident when she told me ok...

Cheers!!

[craigt3365]

I know a Thai DL will work, not sure about a copy of your passport or WP. I'd call Bangkok Air to check. Can't hurt to ask a few. And just because somebody did it one time doesn't mean it will work again! LOL

[ubonjoe]

Not sure what you mean by a 90 day renewal. If you mean a report of staying loner than 90 days I cannot see why they could not get it done before you make your trip. They can be done up to 15 days early or 7 days after the report date. They can also be done online now..

[phuketrichard]

any id with a photo works

i always use my Thai license

[NanLaew]

any id with a photo works

i always use my Thai license

OP no hab.

It's stated that a government issued photo ID is required so that's why Thai ID cards and Thai DL are acceptable as well as passports for non- Thai (or those without local DL's)

I haven't heard of a WP being used for airport security so better to call Air Asia and clarify. If you take the original WP and copy of passport, it should work but best to ask the horses mouth.

[bamnutsak]

There have been many reports of people getting air-side for domestic flights by flashing any old ID; guards at Suvarnabhumi didn't seem overly interested in examining my passport when I last traveled domestically in April.

With the recent incidents, and the associated focus, I wouldn't be surprised if there will be increased scrutiny.

A government-issued ID may be interpreted as being a Thai national ID card, and/or a passport.

If I had to try to travel domestically by air today, without my passport, I might carry a notated (by company official; with as many official looking "stamps" on it as possible) copy of my passport, and a cover letter in English and Thai explaining the situation.

[craigt3365]

I think it's the airline check-in staff that would create the biggest fuss. And you just never know. I just got back from Europe on a major airline. They couldn't figure out my retirement visa. Basically because I've got 5 of them, with different dates, 5 multi entry stamps, entry/exit stamps, etc. The agent just gave up and said I'd have to deal with it if I had problems upon arrival! LOL Never had that happen before.

[KhunBENQ]

guards at Suvarnabhumi didn't seem overly interested in examining my passport when I last traveled domestically in April.

Sure, they only look at the main page with the photo and the name, compare it to the boarding pass.

Just an ID check, no passport check.

So I would be optimistic that any photo ID from your home country (like a DL) would be fine.

WP without photo does not sufficient.

[stevenl]

guards at Suvarnabhumi didn't seem overly interested in examining my passport when I last traveled domestically in April.

Sure, they only look at the main page with the photo and the name, compare it to the boarding pass.

Just an ID check, no passport check.

So I would be optimistic that any photo ID from your home country (like a DL) would be fine.

WP without photo does not sufficient.

Where do you get a WP without photo?

[KhunBENQ]

Oops! I have none and did a false assumption from this thread.

So my remark is void.

Sure a WP with photo would be good for ID check!

A Thai document with your name and photo, what else could they expect?

[bamnutsak]

Sure, they only look at the main page with the photo and the name, compare it to the boarding pass.

Well the guard only looked at my BP, and not my passport. She was busy chatting with her colleague.

But that was then.

I think it's the airline check-in staff that would create the biggest fuss.

With OLCI staff do not even figure in to the process.

Edited August 8, 2015 by bamnutsak

[RT85]

Hey guys,

Thanks for all the replies...

So I called air Asia the morning before my flight and insisted only passport will be accepted. So I informed my company to do renewal once I'm back.

I did not renew before my flight because it was a very last minute trip which just happened to coincide with the date HR intended to renew.

Anyway bkk to hkt... My DL(non Thai) was acceptrd.

I just came through hkt again... Used the same DL.. No questions asked...

I supposed air Asia will always insist passport only.. But ground staff seem pretty relaxed about it.no one asked for my passport at all.

Just replying to give some assurance (not guarantee) that you can travel with DL or other official photo IDs if you're in a pickle.

[KhunBENQ]

Thanks for the follow up.

And another reminder that these hotlines are not too helpful.

They will probably give the most "defensive" answer just to assure themselves from giving a wrong answer.

[bubba]

I have always used my home country DL for domestic flights, on several different airlines, and never had a problem.

[JayHon]

I just had this situation in July 2015. I was in Udon but had left my passport back in Bangkok. I chose to fly back, and only had my USA License on me.

I sent emails to FOUR airlines, just asking if I could fly within Thailand without a Passport (Bangkok Air, Air Asia, Nok & Thai Airways). I'm pretty sure they were the four, however I have the emails stashed somewhere and can dig them up.

Basically three of them answered that I could fly without my Passport, no problem. However, Air Asia said NO, in an email response. They said even for Domestic flights a Passport is required for Foreigners.

Now, one thing to keep in mind, because I've heard it said 'the airport ALWAYS asks me for my passport'.

That is true, the girl in Udon Thani airport DID say 'Passport, Please' and I said 'I don't have it, I was told my USA DL is enough?'. She said 'You're only flying to Bangkok' and I said 'Yes, I don't have a flight from Bangkok out of the country'......

That was fine, I flew no problem at all. So be prepared for them to ask for it, but just hand them your license and say your Passport is back in your condo or hotel safe or something...no problem.

[The Big Mango]

For over 10 years ive ever only used my WP , no issues on any airline including my latest trip over the weekend .