Passports: Keep them on you, or leave them at home?

[Sutty]

All these same old same old topics. All the same old same old replies from NO I don't and why should I to yes I do as it's the Law of this country.

So the law is the law beats rumours and gossip beats I have never nor will I ever carry it. Easy decision you decide to carry it or not then if it's your decision then it's your consequences should you be fined or locked up.

Me I know what I'll do and that's my decision. Remember the Law is the Law and if you live in a country you abide by there Law not your thoughts on the Law.

[Si Thea01]

Always carry my passport even though I have a Thai driving license. Have never been asked to

produce it but just to save any dramas it's always at hand. Have been stopped many times at check points, produce the license, never asked for the passport.

Many say they are worried about losing theirs, don't know how unless they have no pockets in their clothing or get themselves into such a state that they become non compos mentis and become oblivious of what is happening around them. This is my choice and does not give the BIB any opportunity to look for a way to extract some tea money. Also being able to speak Thai seems to help immensely when conferring with them.

[quandow]

Ever since this last coup and noting how the BiB's JUMPED on it to squeeze money from farangs for not carrying their passport (wasn't there an article just yesterday from Hua Hin where farangs were being hassled for not carrying their passports?!?), I've carried my passport AND my always-up-to-date motorbike green book and insurance papers in a waterproof pouch, aka my man purse.

Phuqit, countdown to Mexico is under a month. Hopefully I'll be able to post feedback once I'm there unless the Great Firewall of Thailand blocks it.

[biplanebluey]

When I was in Thailand I almost always carried my U.S. passport. When an ID is needed - e.g. at guest houses and banks the passport is the most acceptable ID.

The one time I got stopped by a cop - for stupidly making an illegal right turn against a Red Light - and was then carrying one of those miniature laminated photos of the main pages, that the visa companies give you free and claim it is legally accepted - he was blunt and to the point. No! He would not accept this thing, he demanded the real deal. I had the passport still - in a handy pocket inside the bush hat that I use when I travel (Tilley hat, made of hemp and guaranteed theoretically for life.).

He took my passport and told me to go to the local police station and pay the Bt500 fine and come back with the receipt to collect my passport.

IMO why not carry the passport, inside a plastic pouch inside a pocket inside your hat? I feel it is safer with me than hidden in a room or house where something could happen to it when you are not around.

So the Cop took your passport and told you to come back with receipt from Police station for 500Bt and he would give you your P P back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Another good reason to have a COPY on you----------- he wouldn't want to keep that til you came back.Oh I dunno he was a dum cop

[Kondiao]

When I was in Thailand I almost always carried my U.S. passport. When an ID is needed - e.g. at guest houses and banks the passport is the most acceptable ID.

The one time I got stopped by a cop - for stupidly making an illegal right turn against a Red Light - and was then carrying one of those miniature laminated photos of the main pages, that the visa companies give you free and claim it is legally accepted - he was blunt and to the point. No! He would not accept this thing, he demanded the real deal. I had the passport still - in a handy pocket inside the bush hat that I use when I travel (Tilley hat, made of hemp and guaranteed theoretically for life.).

He took my passport and told me to go to the local police station and pay the Bt500 fine and come back with the receipt to collect my passport.

IMO why not carry the passport, inside a plastic pouch inside a pocket inside your hat? I feel it is safer with me than hidden in a room or house where something could happen to it when you are not around.

My hat blew off on Mt Everest once,never to be seen again!!!!

Bad luck my friend.

Doesn't happen with a Tilley hat.

It has an adjustable "chin-strap" feature, which is really just shoe laces, which you tie with slip-knots. It depends on the user how much trouble he wants to go to, but the ideal is to end up with one lace under the back of the skull and the other end of it (through the holes in the hat brim down to the chin where it cradles the chin. This is very secure - the hat won't blow off unless you get blown off.

WHen it is breezy but not rainning you can loosen the "strap" to let the hat fall and hang down at the top of your back. When there is no weather I sometimes loop the laces over to bend one side of the hat up, sort of Aussie-style. Or you could loop it to hold up both sides like a cowboy hat.

When I am about to walk across the street or get onto a open-air vehicle like a tuk-tuk or tourist bus, I slip the strap down under my chin - if it blows off it stays on my back, like a cowboy's hat.

I have lost hats before - gone with the wind - but never one of these Tilley's - nor lost a passport when wearing one.

Lest people think I am trying to promote Tilley hats - I will add a caveat here: the "Life-time warranty" is really b.s. i.e they replace the destroyed, or worn-out hat ONCE. And reluctantly - like you are trying to pull something on them. It is "free", but I had to pay 25.00 postage to have it sent to me in Thailand from Canada, on top of the LD phone calls and time spent arguing with them. The second time I bought one, in California, same as the first one, I had to send them photos of the hat when it had worn out from many washings and they sent the replacement, to Arizona.

But I like the hat. It works for me as a traveler's necessity.

[Kondiao]

When I was in Thailand I almost always carried my U.S. passport. When an ID is needed - e.g. at guest houses and banks the passport is the most acceptable ID.

The one time I got stopped by a cop - for stupidly making an illegal right turn against a Red Light - and was then carrying one of those miniature laminated photos of the main pages, that the visa companies give you free and claim it is legally accepted - he was blunt and to the point. No! He would not accept this thing, he demanded the real deal. I had the passport still - in a handy pocket inside the bush hat that I use when I travel (Tilley hat, made of hemp and guaranteed theoretically for life.).

He took my passport and told me to go to the local police station and pay the Bt500 fine and come back with the receipt to collect my passport.

IMO why not carry the passport, inside a plastic pouch inside a pocket inside your hat? I feel it is safer with me than hidden in a room or house where something could happen to it when you are not around.

Because ...to prevent someone to take your passport and keep it hostage....until you pay ...

If he doesn't accept the copy... tough luck for him... what is he going to do ?

Does that Happen? Someone mugs you and takes your passport at gun=point ? holds it until you come back with the money to ransom it back? I never heard of that.

Speaking of the Thai cop - if a copy works for you that's cool, for you.

I was just saying what worked for me.

[i claudius]

The only document i have ever carried or shown is my Thai driving licece it is the same as having a Thai id card.

[TechnikaIII]

I carried mine until it went through the washing machine. Now I leave it at home.

20 years ago, my girlfriend in Norway put both my brand new UK and Australian passports through the washing machine.

I left her at home.

But to answer the OP question, I have been taking the one with the visa's into Bangkok, simply because it's needed for checking in at hotels. But the ever present fear of losing it does add to the overall stress level, which I could do without. I high quality scan and copy, laminated, cut to passport size would be a good idea, ... the page with visa and entry stamp on the reverse side.

[pogal]

For the first time in 15 years a group of immigration and police came to my condo and asked all foreigners to produce passports. I did not have mine on me because the office lady was doing a new visa/WP for me that very day and next. I called her and she sent photos of my passport/visa/WP through LINE to him and he was satisfied (which surprised me).

Normally I carry a copy of Passport/Visa/Immigration card in my wallet but through it away since I was getting a new one that day. I also downsize it to fit in my wallet.

Congenial and shook my hand at the end to say thank you. (or to get my DNA!!!? lol)

[richard_smith237]

Lossing a Passport is too much hassle.

In 18 years here I've been asked for my Passport twice:

- The first time I just said no and they rode off (it looked like they were chancing it).

- The second time the asked for my Passport and to get out of the Taxi they had stopped (I had to call a friend in the BiB before they waved me along).

IMO - the risk of getting asked for your Passport and Thai Driving licence is not good enough is too little to warrant carrying around my Passport

That said - I also have Photo's of my Passport and latest entrance stamps on my Phone.

But, if the BiB are looking to make a little cash and they are in the know, they'll only accept a Passport - in this circumstance its good to have someone to call.

If the BiB are simply carrying out honest checks, photo copies of your passport and visa page should be fine.

I'm not sure how readily they'd accept the Photo of my Passport and Visa Page / Entrance Stamps etc on my Phone.

[Naam]

living in a foreign country a passport is the most valuable and important document. losing it means hassle². no way that i carry my passport with me!

[Jonathan Swift]

In my two trips to Thailand I've been advised to keep a photo of not only the passport but also, very importantly, all of the pages stamped inside - this can be stored in your smartphone or tablet for wherever you go. I have been told that this or good printed copies should be sufficient, but as some of you have stated, you might run into the occasional ill tempered cop. personally, with all of the pickpockets plus my own attention deficit problems especially during the days of jet lag I wouldn't take the chance in carrying it around with me. It depends on how much confidence you have in not losing it when carrying it.

[Thunderbirds20]

This is Thailand!! I have a wallet sized copy of my passoprt and visa in my wallet and also a Thai Driver's License, which is usually sufficient, but you never know when you will run into a corrupt cop that will hassle you because he can! I think it is best to leave your passport in a safe place and hope you do not meet the corrupt cop!

Edited September 24, 2015 by Thunderbirds20

[richard_smith237]

In my two trips to Thailand I've been advised to keep a photo of not only the passport but also, very importantly, all of the pages stamped inside - this can be stored in your smartphone or tablet for wherever you go. I have been told that this or good printed copies should be sufficient, but as some of you have stated, you might run into the occasional ill tempered cop. personally, with all of the pickpockets plus my own attention deficit problems especially during the days of jet lag I wouldn't take the chance in carrying it around with me. It depends on how much confidence you have in not losing it when carrying it.

On my phone I also carry photographs of my Passport ID Page / Visa / Entrance stamp and have been doing so for over a year. I've not yet tested out whether or not this is acceptable. But as you mention (and as I did earlier), it should be good enough for 'honest BiB' doing honest checks. But for those BiB looking for money nothing but the Actual Passport will be acceptable and they'll make things awkward for you if you are not carrying your passport and not willing to pay up - Fortunately issues such as this are extremely rare.

@ Jonathan Swift: Who told you that the Photo's stored on your smart phone was good enough ?

There are numerous 'sufficiencies' out there, there are also a handful of public comments made by senior Police and Immigration officers suggesting a photo copy is ok. However, when dealing with the BiB first hand it is often there own interpretation of the rules which we are 'stuck with'.

Nothing will surpass carrying our Actual Passport - but many of us don't want to risk its loss.

[Sutty]

Would a mod put this topic out of its misery and close it please been round in circles for hours.

Act as you please as I've said your choice your consequences if any simples

[edwardflory]

All these same old same old topics. All the same old same old replies from NO I don't and why should I to yes I do as it's the Law of this country.

So the law is the law beats rumours and gossip beats I have never nor will I ever carry it. Easy decision you decide to carry it or not then if it's your decision then it's your consequences should you be fined or locked up.

Me I know what I'll do and that's my decision. Remember the Law is the Law and if you live in a country you abide by there Law not your thoughts on the Law.

ALWAYS CARRY SOME FORM OF ORIGINAL ( ANY COUNTRY ) GOVERNMENT ISSUED PHOTO ID!!!

You MUST show a passport upon ANY police request to see your passport. Many times a foreign drivers licence or national ID card with photo will do for identification UNTIL:

you report back to police with your passport,

or are escorted by police to get passport,

or call someone to bring your passport to where you are.

If you are a ==>> criminal suspect <<==, things get much harder for you!!!!!!!!

ALWAYS TRY to know CURRENT POLICY about ID WHERE ( it differs ) in the local you are staying.

if you go to a police station FOR ANY REASON the 1st ITEM they ask for is a passport

Better still, dont get yourself in a situation WHERE you have police interaction

[alohatodon2]

It is wise to always carry a copy of your passport, but not the original. Copy the page that shows name, passport No., etc. and the pertinent page(s) regarding your being in Thailand.

[Suradit69]

I decided the safest place is hidden in your room. I'm an expert at hiding things in rooms but I'm not going to give details here.

The danger is that its easy to forget if your in hotels and i have had to backtrack and retrieve it when another guest was in the room a couple times.

If you do carry it with you carry it in your wallet. The passport books are hard to feel and seem to slip out of pockets pretty easy.

Boots sells a passport holder. With the passport and a few other things in it, it's bulky enough to require a bit of tugging for me to get it out of my pocket. so it's unlikely to slip out or be forgotten when sending things to the laundry or for a pickpocket to lift without a struggle.

Never had a problem so far. On the other hand, if you frequently spend time getting blotto in a bar it's probably better to leave it at home.

[SamDean]

I decided the safest place is hidden in your room. I'm an expert at hiding things in rooms but I'm not going to give details here.

The danger is that its easy to forget if your in hotels and i have had to backtrack and retrieve it when another guest was in the room a couple times.

If you do carry it with you carry it in your wallet. The passport books are hard to feel and seem to slip out of pockets pretty easy.

Boots sells a passport holder. With the passport and a few other things in it, it's bulky enough to require a bit of tugging for me to get it out of my pocket. so it's unlikely to slip out or be forgotten when sending things to the laundry or for a pickpocket to lift without a struggle.

Never had a problem so far. On the other hand, if you frequently spend time getting blotto in a bar it's probably better to leave it at home.

i have a 20 month old kid. Last thing i need on me is more bulky crap. i'm still leaving mine at home. The cops can drive me to my house if they need psychical proof that bad.

Great thing about iPhones is that they have replaced the need to carry damn near anything in most countries. Why not a Passport? i also keep a copy of my US DL on there for when i'm at home. i don't get pulled over much, but i have to run quick errands a lot, and typically will just take 1 debit card or cash, along with my phone.

[KhunBENQ]

Always have copies of the relevant passport pages with me.

Additionally I have two Thai driving licenses.

For emergency I also carry a "business card" incl. my name, address and contact telephone numbers (all in Thai exc. name).

Passport is usually in the safe, but with me on every multiday/remote trip and office visits of course.

Edited September 24, 2015 by KhunBENQ

[craigt3365]

The law doesn't say you must have your passport on you. I just says you need to prove you are in the country legally. For most of us, that's a visa stamp in our passport. Which means for most of us, we need to have that available.

The law is very vague. They seem to like to leave it up the official on the scene to figure out what to do. And therein lies the rub. One official may be happy with a DL, another with a copy, and another looking to pad his pocket a bit is looking for the real thing.

Up to you as to how you proceed. I have personal friends who've been stopped and fined 2k on the spot for not having their passport on them. Their house was only 2km away, but no joy. 2k and you can continue on your way. He was on the back of a scooter taxi near Thong Lor and Suk. Another at a bar here in Pattaya. It does happen, though it's very rare.

[Jingthing]

It would cost a lot more than 2K to deal with a lost passport. Not to mention the agita. Priceless!

[MyFriend You]

I have a copy of my Bios page and Visa page - but also have an expired passport I carry around - never failed to satisfy a Policeman.............as posted, if Immigrations wants to see youe passport, youhave a resonable amount of time to produce it.

[KMartinHandyman]

"and the survey says,,,,,UP TO YOU"

I only carry mine to and from the airport, travel within Thailand until check in, U.S. Embassy, Thailand government or attorneys offices.

Always paper copies on my person and pics on phone.

Expired passport stays up country for identity proof and quick replacement if current one is lost.

Not interested in a replacing a lost passport.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[hawker9000]

Ah yes, time for the quarterly reposing of this exact same topic. Well, it's simple. Which worries you more; losing your passport or having it pickpocketed while out & about, or being hassled by the police for not having it on you? In 30yrs, I've never had a policeman stop me & demand to see it. I know I don't want to have to go through the pain of reporting mine stolen and getting a replacement. So, I just carry the photocopy on me and am willing to navigate whatever comes of that choice if one of the surly brownshirts should ever decide that's not good enough for him. (If that ever happened, even if I did have it, he'd likely just find some other way to plague me anyway.)

All the rest is just the usual "expert" back & forth about what the statues & regulations written in thai actually say. Blah-blah-blah.

[craigt3365]

Ah yes, time for the quarterly reposing of this exact same topic. Well, it's simple. Which worries you more; losing your passport or having it pickpocketed while out & about, or being hassled by the police for not having it on you? In 30yrs, I've never had a policeman stop me & demand to see it. I know I don't want to have to go through the pain of reporting mine stolen and getting a replacement. So, I just carry the photocopy on me and am willing to navigate whatever comes of that choice if one of the surly brownshirts should ever decide that's not good enough for him. (If that ever happened, even if I did have it, he'd likely just find some other way to plague me anyway.)

All the rest is just the usual "expert" back & forth about what the statues & regulations written in thai actually say. Blah-blah-blah.

In all my years of traveling around the Kingdom extensively, I've never had a problem with being pickpocketed. Not even late at night while roaming around Bangkok. Other countries it's a big deal. Here, it's quite rare. Though I've been reading reports of this happening more and more.

I have a small travel wallet that holds my money and a few cards. I carry that and my passport in my front pocket.

[mesquite]

I have a copy of my Bios page and Visa page - but also have an expired passport I carry around - never failed to satisfy a Policeman.............as posted, if Immigrations wants to see youe passport, youhave a resonable amount of time to produce it.

Doesn't your expired passport have holes punched in it? All of mine do.

[hawker9000]

Ah yes, time for the quarterly reposing of this exact same topic. Well, it's simple. Which worries you more; losing your passport or having it pickpocketed while out & about, or being hassled by the police for not having it on you? In 30yrs, I've never had a policeman stop me & demand to see it. I know I don't want to have to go through the pain of reporting mine stolen and getting a replacement. So, I just carry the photocopy on me and am willing to navigate whatever comes of that choice if one of the surly brownshirts should ever decide that's not good enough for him. (If that ever happened, even if I did have it, he'd likely just find some other way to plague me anyway.)

All the rest is just the usual "expert" back & forth about what the statues & regulations written in thai actually say. Blah-blah-blah.

In all my years of traveling around the Kingdom extensively, I've never had a problem with being pickpocketed. Not even late at night while roaming around Bangkok. Other countries it's a big deal. Here, it's quite rare. Though I've been reading reports of this happening more and more.

I have a small travel wallet that holds my money and a few cards. I carry that and my passport in my front pocket.

I guess I could say the very same about being asked for it by police, since I've never been asked for it by police. But "it's-never-happened-to-me" strikes me as a terminally short-sighted way of making choices. Pickpocketing is not rare at all (unless you define "rare" as "never happened to me"). I've never been shaken down by RTP or ever purchased any illegal drugs, but I wouldn't say either one is "rare". Do some googling (or even some thrashing through the dozens of previous threads on this same subject right here on TVF).

But no matter. Up to you (and everybody). If you're comfortable carrying it around, then do so and good luck. If not, you should give some thought to your options if asked for it by police.

[craigt3365]

I already said I don't carry mine. But have it nearby if needed. I carry a laminated copy. If asked by police, I'll show the copy. If not good enough, I'll see what they want. In the end, if it's a few Baht, what can you do? TiT!

[kovaltech]

Immigration chops and changes on this subject. The law states that you must carry your passport at all times. Bars have been raided with the sole purpose of getting money from Farangs that don't have their passport, sometimes they will let you go back home to collect it sometimes they won't.

My wife insisted on keeping it in her handbag until a guy tried to take it off her, I was walking in front and managed to give the guy a push. So now it's a photocopy and driving license. If they want to put you down, they'll put you down no matter how many documents you have with you.

"The law states"....

Can you clarify and point out to me, where that is been stated and what is the current policy ?

Coz i sure can't verify your statement to be true...