thai id card for foreigners

[Mattd]

7 minutes ago, Tanoshi said:

You can use your Thai ID card to book and travel on local flights, they are outside the area of issue.

Have you tried that using your Driving Licence to do that.

 

If a Driving licence is a form of ID why do you have to show your passport at the DLT to renew your DL.

If you understand how Thailand administration works the Tabien Baan and ID card can be used just as Thais do to renew a DL, book local flights, open bank accounts, selling/purchasing a vehicle register for tax etc.

Alternatively you can carry on using your foreign ID (passport) proof of address (certificates of residence) and numerous photocopies of various documents for administration processes.

Sorry, I totally disagree with 90% of what you are saying and I understand the system probably as well, if not better than you do, I have been here for a very long time and dealt with officialdom in that time rather a lot of times!

Are you 100% sure that you can book a flight using only your pink ID card? I seriously would doubt this as flights are booked using English characters and not Thai, an airline should only accept a form of ID that corresponds to the name on the ticket, I have flow numerous times using my Thai license as ID for an internal flight.

Passport, again, old stuff, of course you must still provide your passport to renew your Thai driving license, as would you even with the Yellow Tabien Baan as proof of residence, unless your are a citizen (and possibly a PR), then this would apply to all, as it is the only acceptable proof of citizenship / legal residence status in Thailand.

It would apply in the case of immigration / police wanting to see you passport as well, the Pink ID card would prove nothing to them as to your legal status here.

Opening a bank account, this would depend on the bank and branch at the time, 99.9% would still insist on your providing a passport as opposed to a pink ID card that most will not know what one is, granted, once opened it may possibly be OK to use as ID for account withdrawals.

Registering for tax is a simple process, not made any simpler by providing a pink ID card.

I did say that the Yellow Tabien Baan has its uses, not so sure that the pink ID has any more advantages to offer though, other than you can put it in a wallet.

[Tanoshi]

33 minutes ago, Mattd said:

Sorry, I totally disagree with 90% of what you are saying and I understand the system probably as well, if not better than you do, I have been here for a very long time and dealt with officialdom in that time rather a lot of times!

Are you 100% sure that you can book a flight using only your pink ID card? I seriously would doubt this as flights are booked using English characters and not Thai, an airline should only accept a form of ID that corresponds to the name on the ticket, I have flow numerous times using my Thai license as ID for an internal flight.

Passport, again, old stuff, of course you must still provide your passport to renew your Thai driving license, as would you even with the Yellow Tabien Baan as proof of residence, unless your are a citizen (and possibly a PR), then this would apply to all, as it is the only acceptable proof of citizenship / legal residence status in Thailand.

It would apply in the case of immigration / police wanting to see you passport as well, the Pink ID card would prove nothing to them as to your legal status here.

Opening a bank account, this would depend on the bank and branch at the time, 99.9% would still insist on your providing a passport as opposed to a pink ID card that most will not know what one is, granted, once opened it may possibly be OK to use as ID for account withdrawals.

Registering for tax is a simple process, not made any simpler by providing a pink ID card.

I did say that the Yellow Tabien Baan has its uses, not so sure that the pink ID has any more advantages to offer though, other than you can put it in a wallet.

With respect Dan, you obviously don't understand the system as well as you think.

 

I've booked many internal flights, you can book in either language.

I use my Thai ID card and book in Thai the same as shown on my ID card.

 

Again you used your Passport to obtain your original DL, your passport number will appear on your DL as your ID number, so that is the document that must be shown as ID in the future.

On a Thai ID card, the ID number is the same as on your Tabien Bann.(Civil Registration number)

In difference to you, my DL carries my Civil registration number as my form of ID, not my Passport number.

Same with other departments or offices I regularly deal with.

 

I provided my TB and Thai ID card and requested they change the form of ID.

They recorded and amended my details as per my civil registration number.

 

I renewed my DL with my TB, ID card and existing DL just the same as a Thai would.

I purchased a new vehicle earlier this year, TB and Thai ID card, no passport required.

 

Those who obtain a TB and ID cards then don't register/change these details at government establishments aren't using them to there full potential as the Government intended as the reason for allowing foreigners to integrate and use the systems the exact way Thais do.

Edited June 28, 2017 by Tanoshi

[Expattaff1308]

I'm at a total loss as to all the bickering its like a pi$$ing contest for petes sake. I thought the forum was to exchange information seems I was wrong.

The owning of the Yellow Book & ID card is a personal choice, much the same as wether you want to drive a toyota or a ford.

 

[Tanoshi]

10 minutes ago, Expattaff1308 said:

I'm at a total loss as to all the bickering its like a pi$$ing contest for petes sake. I thought the forum was to exchange information seems I was wrong.

The owning of the Yellow Book & ID card is a personal choice, much the same as wether you want to drive a toyota or a ford.

 

You've got to buy it to drive it first Taff.

Passport and Certificate of Residence, or Tabien Baan and Thai ID card?

To make the choices, don't you need to know the options.

 

Sorry Taff, I'm bickering.  

[Rc2702]

51 minutes ago, Expattaff1308 said:

I'm at a total loss as to all the bickering its like a pi$$ing contest for petes sake. I thought the forum was to exchange information seems I was wrong.

The owning of the Yellow Book & ID card is a personal choice, much the same as wether you want to drive a toyota or a ford.

 

Or woman or sheep 

[Mattd]

57 minutes ago, Expattaff1308 said:

I'm at a total loss as to all the bickering its like a pi$$ing contest for petes sake. I thought the forum was to exchange information seems I was wrong.

The owning of the Yellow Book & ID card is a personal choice, much the same as wether you want to drive a toyota or a ford.

 

Not bickering, more like a never ending debate!

The question, which has been asked umpteen time in different threads, was asked as to the benefit of having the pink ID card, (there was no mention of the yellow Tabien Baan).

I stated that IMO there is no benefit or advantage, note the IMO part, as you rightly state it is personal choice.

If indeed it is possible, then I can see no benefit in being able to book an internal flight in Thai script, which would mean being in the website in Thai, when I can book it using my native language and use my Thai driving license for ID purposes.

@Tanoshi appears to be very fortunate that DLT allow him to use only the Pink ID card to renew his license, they should not, it is a requirement for them to check the immigration status of the applicant, as you should have non-immigrant status to obtain a 5 year one, if taking copies of the passport etc. then can just as easy take the original as well.

There a few reasons why I would not want a Citizens ID number to replace my passport number on my Thai driving license, not least of which there could well be issues using it for a rental vehicle in another country, as most rental companies require to see your passport as the initial ID and I have been asked to link the two in the past as it is a foreign license.

You can buy or sell a car using the yellow Tabien Baan, you do not use the ID card as proof of residence.

Anyway, enough from me on this subject, it really has been done to death.

 

[Expattaff1308]

5 hours ago, Mattd said:

Not bickering, more like a never ending debate!

The question, which has been asked umpteen time in different threads, was asked as to the benefit of having the pink ID card, (there was no mention of the yellow Tabien Baan).

I stated that IMO there is no benefit or advantage, note the IMO part, as you rightly state it is personal choice.

If indeed it is possible, then I can see no benefit in being able to book an internal flight in Thai script, which would mean being in the website in Thai, when I can book it using my native language and use my Thai driving license for ID purposes.

@Tanoshi appears to be very fortunate that DLT allow him to use only the Pink ID card to renew his license, they should not, it is a requirement for them to check the immigration status of the applicant, as you should have non-immigrant status to obtain a 5 year one, if taking copies of the passport etc. then can just as easy take the original as well.

There a few reasons why I would not want a Citizens ID number to replace my passport number on my Thai driving license, not least of which there could well be issues using it for a rental vehicle in another country, as most rental companies require to see your passport as the initial ID and I have been asked to link the two in the past as it is a foreign license.

You can buy or sell a car using the yellow Tabien Baan, you do not use the ID card as proof of residence.

Anyway, enough from me on this subject, it really has been done to death.

 

You cannot get the ID without a yellow book

[KhunBENQ]

9 hours ago, YetAnother said:

what in the world is a temporary foreigner ? separately, what are the benefits of having this id card (other than another form of id) ?

>90% of all "expats" I would guess.

Legally you are staying temporary and extend your stay regularly.

Typically on a yearly basis like the retirement extension.

You only reach a better status by the permanent residency.

A process that is not doable for most of the retired expat community.

 

Tell that to foreigners in your country and they will have a good laugh.

[007 RED]

On ‎6‎/‎11‎/‎2017 at 3:35 PM, kamalabob2 said:

The Pink Thai ID card for Foreigners has proven helpful many times in Buriram. SIM cards, post paid AIS Mobile phone service, CAT and AIS fiber internet, depositing a USA check at Bangkok Bank all go smooth with that card. I keep a photo of my Passport on my phone if the clerk needs that number. Delivery to my home from local stores seems to go better as they can read the address in Thai. Senior discount on BTS, MRT, movies with that card in my personal experience. It also shows your height in cm.  If I do not have my Government Hospital card I show the pink ID and they can quickly look up my medical records at the Government Hospital. The Yellow house book has worked perfect for many drivers licenses and registering two new vehicles in my name at the Buriram Land Transportation Office. I obtained PWA and PEA utility service in my name using my yellow house book. Years ago I obtained TOT land line phone service in my name using the yellow house book.  No TEA money for the above tasks as I was "papered', but there may be some procedures where chocolate cake for government office staff goes a long way. 

Hi kamalabob2,  I would be very interested to know where, and how, you managed to obtained a BTS Senior Rabbit Card using your ‘pink’ Thai ID card.

Looking at the BTS website http://www.bts.co.th/customer/en/16-rabbit-condition-adult.aspx it clearly states “Senior Rabbit card Senior Rabbit card may only be used by Thai Senior Citizens aged 60 years and over, according to date of birth as shown on Citizen ID, which must be presented upon request be BTS Staff”.  The ‘pink’ ID card does not give you Thai citizenship.

Being well over 70 and somewhat curious, this morning I stopped off at the Rabbit Information Center in Siam BTS station and enquired if my ‘pink’ ID was sufficient proof of my age to acquire a Senior card. 

The customer service assistant very politely advised me that Rabbit Senior Citizen Cards are only available to Thai citizens.  She did, however, confide that MRT will give me an “Elder” card on production of any proof of age over 65 years regardless of nationality.  The card provides a 50% discount from the full fare.

It will be interesting to see what happens when BTS and MRT have a single card system.

[Rhys]

On 6/28/2017 at 8:40 PM, KhunBENQ said:

>90% of all "expats" I would guess.

Legally you are staying temporary and extend your stay regularly.

Typically on a yearly basis like the retirement extension.

You only reach a better status by the permanent residency.

A process that is not doable for most of the retired expat community.

 

Tell that to foreigners in your country and they will have a good laugh.

 

  Then begging the question what are the advantages of the PR?

 

[GroveHillWanderer]

On 03/07/2017 at 4:34 PM, Rhys said:

 

  Then begging the question what are the advantages of the PR?

 

According to 'Camerata's Guide to the Permanent Residence Process' in the thread of that name, the main one is:

 

Quote

No need to extend or renew any visa, or report your address every 90 days.

Although by 'visa' I think he means permission to stay. 

[MrPatrickThai]

On 7/3/2017 at 4:34 PM, Rhys said:

 

  Then begging the question what are the advantages of the PR?

 

The PR is only advantageous for those not married to a Thai. Otherwise citizenship seems the logical choice.

 

[stupidfarang]

On 6/28/2017 at 5:02 AM, YetAnother said:

what in the world is a temporary foreigner ? separately, what are the benefits of having this id card (other than another form of id) ?

We are all temporary foreigners here, up to them as to how long we can stay LOL

[MrPatrickThai]

On 7/16/2017 at 5:50 AM, stupidfarang said:

We are all temporary foreigners here, up to them as to how long we can stay LOL

No we're not, many have Permanent Residency or Citizenship.

 

Under the Constitution, anyone with a dependant who is a Thai citizen cannot be refused entry into the country.

[perthperson]

1 hour ago, MrPatrickThai said:

Under the Constitution, anyone with a dependant who is a Thai citizen cannot be refused entry into the country.

 

Where did you get this from?  

 

Please provide a link to the relevant part of the Constitution. 

[Maestro]

1 hour ago, MrPatrickThai said:

Under the Constitution, anyone with a dependant who is a Thai citizen cannot be refused entry into the country.

 

That's useful information. Please indicate under what section of the current Thai constitution this is the case, as a quick search I made did not produce the answer.

 

Constitution B.E. 2560 (2017) en.pdf

 

 

[MrPatrickThai]

21 hours ago, Maestro said:

 

That's useful information. Please indicate under what section of the current Thai constitution this is the case, as a quick search I made did not produce the answer.

 

Constitution B.E. 2560 (2017) en.pdf

 

 

It comes under chapter 3, I imagine, I'm not a lawyer. It's to do with the rights of the Thai citizen, not the foreigner's rights. If a child's parent is refused entry to Thailand on the basis of their race or nationality, that is discrimination. 

I'll ask my lawyer the next time I see him.

 

[jeab1980]

When it comes down to it yellow book and ID card are aids nothing else. What can be done on yellow book and ID card can be done on Passport and Thai driving licence and a COR.

On a recent visit to a goverment hospital to see a specialst doctor I had to register I as usual started to get my Passport. They spied my yellow book in the same clear wallet. Wow did it speed up the registration process and even more so when i produced the ID card as well. So it does have its uses but as stated everything can still be done on Passport.

 

[Tanoshi]

34 minutes ago, MrPatrickThai said:

It comes under chapter 3, I imagine, I'm not a lawyer. It's to do with the rights of the Thai citizen, not the foreigner's rights. If a child's parent is refused entry to Thailand on the basis of their race or nationality, that is discrimination. 

I'll ask my lawyer the next time I see him.

 

Chapter 3 deals with the rights and liberties of Thai people.

 

I see absolutely nothing in the Constitution that implies a foreigner who may be the dependant of a Thai child could claim discrimination if refused entry. Refusal would be based under the current Immigration law.

 

Where it states; (Chapter 3, section 27)

'Unjust discrimination against a person on the grounds in origin, race, language, sex, age, disability, physical or health conditions, personal status or economic and social standing, religious belief, education or politic view which is not contrary to the provinsions of the Constitution or on any other grounds shall not be permitted'

 

This relates to Thai citizens or other nationalities who may have acquired Thai citizenship.

It does not imply that it relates to citizens of other nationalities.

 

Section 39;

'No person of Thai nationality shall be deported or prohibited from entering the Kingdom'

 

No mention of the rights of those who are not of Thai nationality who are subject to Immigration control

[Tilacme]

4 hours ago, jeab1980 said:

When it comes down to it yellow book and ID card are aids nothing else. What can be done on yellow book and ID card can be done on Passport and Thai driving licence and a COR.

On a recent visit to a goverment hospital to see a specialst doctor I had to register I as usual started to get my Passport. They spied my yellow book in the same clear wallet. Wow did it speed up the registration process and even more so when i produced the ID card as well. So it does have its uses but as stated everything can still be done on Passport.

 

In my experience. no second tier Thai local government official wants to be the first one to register a farang for anything.  They worry that there is something they don't know about within the many and frequently changing rules and regulations which concern farangs and, it will end up blotting their work record, not least translating your name correctly.  When they see the yellow book and ID its takes the pressure of them.

[jeab1980]

12 minutes ago, Tilacme said:

In my experience. no second tier Thai local government official wants to be the first one to register a farang for anything.  They worry that there is something they don't know about within the many and frequently changing rules and regulations which concern farangs and, it will end up blotting their work record, not least translating your name correctly.  When they see the yellow book and ID its takes the pressure of them.

You may be correct it just greased the wheels

However the hospital card (credit card size with my patient number which is my ID/yellow book number) has my name in Thai and English on it. Completley off topic but.

Went to KK Ram first to see a specialist who reffered me to the government hospital as they are the specialist in the field i need. KKRam bill for seeing and reffering 1100 bht.

Saw specialist doctor in goverment hospital full examination and explanation as to procedure ect 50bht yes 50bht. Says a lot to me about KKRam wont be using them again.

Sorry of topic rant over

[bluesofa]

50 minutes ago, Tilacme said:

In my experience. no second tier Thai local government official wants to be the first one to register a farang for anything.  They worry that there is something they don't know about within the many and frequently changing rules and regulations which concern farangs and, it will end up blotting their work record, not least translating your name correctly.  When they see the yellow book and ID its takes the pressure of them.

I'd generally agree with the comment about no one wants to be the first to register a farang for anything.

 

When I first applied for house registration and a yellow book, there were a few hurdles. Everyone said anything they could, to avoid registering me.

It took an interview with the head of house registrations to convince her I should have a yellow book. I know that might seem crazy, but the regulations and the practical implementation of them is another.

 

With translating my name correctly, I went to an approved translator and gave them a copy of my passport. I also gave them name translated into Thai already, as I wanted it spelt, which they just accepted.

 

When I got to the pink ID card stage, we went armed with a copy of the Thai regulations, which said they were obliged to do it, expecting a refusal there. I also took a copy of the ombudsman contacts details in Thai, so they could see it, and be aware I knew about the ombudsman.
In the end there was no problem at all with that part, and I had the card issued in less than an hour.

 

I'm not trying to be clever in all this, but it does need a bit of preparation in order to get some of these tasks completed.

[MrPatrickThai]

6 hours ago, Tanoshi said:

Chapter 3 deals with the rights and liberties of Thai people.

 

I see absolutely nothing in the Constitution that implies a foreigner who may be the dependant of a Thai child could claim discrimination if refused entry. Refusal would be based under the current Immigration law.

 

Where it states; (Chapter 3, section 27)

'Unjust discrimination against a person on the grounds in origin, race, language, sex, age, disability, physical or health conditions, personal status or economic and social standing, religious belief, education or politic view which is not contrary to the provinsions of the Constitution or on any other grounds shall not be permitted'

 

This relates to Thai citizens or other nationalities who may have acquired Thai citizenship.

It does not imply that it relates to citizens of other nationalities.

 

Section 39;

'No person of Thai nationality shall be deported or prohibited from entering the Kingdom'

 

No mention of the rights of those who are not of Thai nationality who are subject to Immigration control

I know it refers to Thai citizens, that was my point. 

[MrPatrickThai]

2 hours ago, jeab1980 said:

You may be correct it just greased the wheels

However the hospital card (credit card size with my patient number which is my ID/yellow book number) has my name in Thai and English on it. Completley off topic but.

Went to KK Ram first to see a specialist who reffered me to the government hospital as they are the specialist in the field i need. KKRam bill for seeing and reffering 1100 bht.

Saw specialist doctor in goverment hospital full examination and explanation as to procedure ect 50bht yes 50bht. Says a lot to me about KKRam wont be using them again.

Sorry of topic rant over

Did you think Ram was a government hospital? I hope you questioned the large bill, unless they gave you medication. I was there recently, got a blood test and medical for 500/600 baht. 

 

I flew to Bangkok last week and used my ID card instead of a passport. Btw.

 

However, my hotel wouldn't accept it but accepted my driver's license. 

[jeab1980]

19 minutes ago, MrPatrickThai said:

Did you think Ram was a government hospital? I hope you questioned the large bill, unless they gave you medication. I was there recently, got a blood test and medical for 500/600 baht. 

 

I flew to Bangkok last week and used my ID card instead of a passport. Btw.

 

However, my hotel wouldn't accept it but accepted my driver's license. 

No i knew Ram was private had an op there before. Did question bill 600 for the privalage of talking to doctor and small examination and 500 for referral letter would you belive. 

Have used ID for flight and hotels so far no refusals 

[bluesofa]

28 minutes ago, MrPatrickThai said:

I flew to Bangkok last week and used my ID card instead of a passport. Btw.

 

However, my hotel wouldn't accept it but accepted my driver's license. 

I'm guessing here, but it must be to do with the fact they'll need your name spelt in English as per your passport, for when they make their report to immigration.

Otherwise it would be almost impossible to tie-up a Thai-spelt name with the English version, as on the Pink ID card there's only your name in Thai script.

 

(edit:) Or perhaps if you use the Pink ID card, some hotels erroneously might not report your details to immigration, as they're guessing you're here permanently with the ID card and therefore not required to do so?

Edited July 21, 2017 by bluesofa

[jeab1980]

22 minutes ago, bluesofa said:

I'm guessing here, but it must be to do with the fact they'll need your name spelt in English as per your passport, for when they make their report to immigration.

Otherwise it would be almost impossible to tie-up a Thai-spelt name with the English version, as on the Pink ID card there's only your name in Thai script.

 

(edit:) Or perhaps if you use the Pink ID card, some hotels erroneously might not report your details to immigration, as they're guessing you're here permanently with the ID card and therefore not required to do so?

Have asked hotels about this the say they still report you to there local immigration. Using your name in Thai plus the copy of your Id. They say. Personaly i dont care if they do or dont.

Edited July 21, 2017 by jeab1980

[SkyNets]

Got my pink id card the other week. Used it to board internal flights from Swampy to Chiang Mai and back,  also used it to reserve two different hotels without problems. I like this card as the idea of losing my passport freaks me out, if I lost this all I have to do is go to the amphur's office and sort it out.

Has anybody linked their pink id/yellow book number to their Thai income tax records/returns online?

Edited July 31, 2017 by SkyNets

[verticalift]

I saw this post a couple months ago while at work back in Abu Dhabi. Having dropped anchor in Phuket over 18 years ago, built a home, got married, raised a couple dogs, I thought having a Thai ID card might be a good idea. If it opens doors and makes my life easier, why not...??? So, this morning I went down to the local Amphur office with my Passport and Yellow Tambian Baan. 1 hour latter I walked out with my new pink Thai I.D. Card. No charge.

Perfect...:)

[melvinmelvin]

The pink card;

 

can you do anything you otherwise would need your passport to do?

 

(most airlines accept any photo-id re domestic flights, eg Driv Lic)

send Christmas cards at a Thailand Post office?

renew extension of stay?

hand in 90-day report?

obtain multiple re-entry permit?

everything related to Hospitals?

get a Driv Lic. or renew an old one?

register you and your sim card with your GSM operator?

bank operations? transfer money, deposit/withdraw money, opening account?

Getting your ATM card back after having been eaten by an ATM?