I had a very confusing time at our Amphur trying to get an ID card. The reason being that my red alien registration book is very old and falling to bits. I have to carry this everywhere since I have no passport. I don't go abroad and I don't intend to so there's no point in getting a passport. Of course the confusion at the Amphur was because they have no idea what a PR is.  I understand from the local police that there are only two PR holders in the district. The confusion was about my blue tambien baan. They probably had never seen a foreigner with one.  But what was more confusing,  my ID number was a Thai one.  I eventually got to see the boss  who was a charming woman.  Apparently she had gone through the regulations and held up two ID cards a blue Thai one and a pink one and asked me which one I wanted.   I decided to ask for the pink one because I may not be entitled to a Thai  blue one even though I have a Thai registration number.   I could have problems in the future if I had accepted it. Anyway after that, everything went smoothly. I was surprised that I didn't have to fill in any forms or have any documents copied.  They just took my photo and my finger prints.  I paid the 10 bt fee and signed a receipt for the ID card. However to my great surprise the number on the card was 35............. which is the same number that all the Thai blue ID's start with. It says nothing about PR on the card. But obviously a 35  starting number is better than an 8.

I have read through many posts on the forum about ID cards for PR holders and I think a lot of the PR holders are very confused themselves. It seems that a lot of them don't seem to realise that they are entitled to a blue tambien baan which is very useful indeed, unlike the yellow one. They also probably don't realise that you don't have to have a passport unless you want to leave the country.

As a matter of interest regarding the above. I do have a good idea why I have a Thai ID number. It goes back to about 35 years ago when there were no tambien baans. My name was on a sheet of paper with a lot of other Thai staff  living in the same house.  We were all told to get an ID card and Tambien baans in about 1980. For some reason I did bother to get my Thai ID card having been told that I was entitled to oner (big mistake).

I would just like to add that the whole process took me just over an hour from the time that I arrived at the Anphur to the time I left. Everyone was very nice and pleasant.
I would be interested have any other PR holders comments on this

 

No.passport?

Very interesting story.  Not the part about getting a pink ID card as those are a dime a dozen and any one on a long term visa can get one.

 

What is interesting is that you refused a Thai ID.  Normally a Thai ID is not available to PRs only citizens.

Why do you think getting a Thai ID would have been a problem?  If it was me I would have gone for that option as it is more flexible.

 

For your information all PR are aware of the Blue Tabien Baan. It is mandatory that you get one, once you have received your PR.

 

Finally you mention that you used to have a Thai ID card.   Why was that a big mistake?

The big mistake was probably not accepting a Thai ID card now.  I would go back and get one while you can.

 

 

Yes as Thaijames says, it is an interesting story. I also agree that you should just grab the blue card.

 

It sounds to me like you are actually a Thai citizen.

 

If that is the result of a bureaucratic error made in 1980 it could well be that there are no records to prove it one way or the other.

The pink ID is not an ID card; be careful ! This is written in the back of it. It's usually handled to Burmese, laotian and Cambodgians. (I don't think they change them)

And it's also stated that the holder  must stay into the district noted on the card. Asking how to get a new PR booklet would have been metter, IMHO. If not, use a thai driving license; much better; no ?

10 hours ago, Mook23 said:

No.passport?

A passport is not required if you have permanent residency unless you want to travel.

21 minutes ago, thedemon said:

It sounds to me like you are actually a Thai citizen.

It think he only has PR as he stated.

When he got PR it was much easier to get and I think back then there may of been a ID card he could of gotten.

2 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

A passport is not required if you have permanent residency unless you want to travel.

I know. But not having a passport means he threw away his passport? Or lost it? 

3 minutes ago, Mook23 said:

I know. But not having a passport means he threw away his passport? Or lost it? 

Or it expired.

14 minutes ago, Don Mega said:

Or it expired.

No. Then u still have the passport.  An expired passport doesn't destroy itself. 

12 minutes ago, Mook23 said:

No. Then u still have the passport.  An expired passport doesn't destroy itself. 

It might as well destroy itself given it is no good for anything.

1 minute ago, Don Mega said:

It might as well destroy itself given it is no good for anything.

Bwhah... wasn't there a girl recently who wiped herself with pages from her pp?

I have PR and I think one of the requirements when you get PR is to get put on a blue tabien baan. So I think all PR holders are on a blue tabien baan. The ID number on my pink ID card starts with an "8", which is "for foreigners who legally come to Thailand and are allowed to stay permanently and foreigners who get Thai Nationality" Since yours starts with a "3", it appears you are classed as " Thai (allow foreigners too) who have name in tabien baan born before 31 May 2527  (1984)"

Thank you all for your replies and advice. Especially thaiowl for his very useful information.  It does appear that I should have accepted the blue thai ID card. I think I might go back to the Amphur and try and get it. I was naturally wary, because for a substantial sum, I know it is possible to get a blue ID card.  I thought that I'd be questioned  how I got it. i.e.  but since my name was in the tambien baan born before 31 May 1984. It should be OK

1 hour ago, thaiowl said:

I have PR and I think one of the requirements when you get PR is to get put on a blue tabien baan. So I think all PR holders are on a blue tabien baan. The ID number on my pink ID card starts with an "8", which is "for foreigners who legally come to Thailand and are allowed to stay permanently and foreigners who get Thai Nationality" Since yours starts with a "3", it appears you are classed as " Thai (allow foreigners too) who have name in tabien baan born before 31 May 2527  (1984)"

 

1 hour ago, thaiowl said:

I have PR and I think one of the requirements when you get PR is to get put on a blue tabien baan. So I think all PR holders are on a blue tabien baan. The ID number on my pink ID card starts with an "8", which is "for foreigners who legally come to Thailand and are allowed to stay permanently and foreigners who get Thai Nationality" Since yours starts with a "3", it appears you are classed as " Thai (allow foreigners too) who have name in tabien baan born before 31 May 2527  (1984)"

thanks for your advice. Yes, I did have my name in the tambien baan and born before 31 May 1984. So shopuld I point this out and go back and try to get a blue card instead of the pink one.

9 hours ago, THAIJAMES said:

Very interesting story.  Not the part about getting a pink ID card as those are a dime a dozen and any one on a long term visa can get one.

 

What is interesting is that you refused a Thai ID.  Normally a Thai ID is not available to PRs only citizens.

Why do you think getting a Thai ID would have been a problem?  If it was me I would have gone for that option as it is more flexible.

 

For your information all PR are aware of the Blue Tabien Baan. It is mandatory that you get one, once you have received your PR.

 

Finally you mention that you used to have a Thai ID card.   Why was that a big mistake?

The big mistake was probably not accepting a Thai ID card now.  I would go back and get one while you can.

 

 

I think you misread my post. I never actually had a Thai ID card but was told to go and pick up one about 35 years ago. My mistake was that I didn't do so. If I remember rightly it was because I thought that I might have to give up my UK citizenship.

I got one yesterday, no problem, it's free, but you need the yellow house book from the same amphur, your problem could be that the staff don't know about it, you should ask to see the boss.

6 hours ago, Rv Hawee said:

The pink ID is not an ID card; be careful ! This is written in the back of it. It's usually handled to Burmese, laotian and Cambodgians. (I don't think they change them)

And it's also stated that the holder  must stay into the district noted on the card. Asking how to get a new PR booklet would have been metter, IMHO. If not, use a thai driving license; much better; no ?

I have lifetime Thai driving licence which has my PR number on it. It is very useful.  But the banks will not accept it so I use my blue Tambien baan

Apart from when they registered at the police station have any of the PR's been asked for their Blue Tabien Baan?

 

Is it actually their's or their landlords where they are renting from? If the latter, not sure how often they would carry it anyway.

 

I know PR's who were refused the Blue one and stuck on the yellow book with zero issues at all over the years since it was granted, including BOI work permits granted against it.

 

Agree with the others though pink ID is not against PR, being in a yellow book is enough.

18 minutes ago, Bangel72 said:

Apart from when they registered at the police station have any of the PR's been asked for their Blue Tabien Baan?

 

Is it actually their's or their landlords where they are renting from? If the latter, not sure how often they would carry it anyway.

 

I know PR's who were refused the Blue one and stuck on the yellow book with zero issues at all over the years since it was granted, including BOI work permits granted against it.

 

Agree with the others though pink ID is not against PR, being in a yellow book is enough.

 

You need your blue tabien baan to do a number of things, including getting a new Certificate of Residence when your initial one fills up.  The book itself belongs to the property owner.

6 hours ago, Rv Hawee said:

The pink ID is not an ID card; be careful ! This is written in the back of it. It's usually handled to Burmese, laotian and Cambodgians. (I don't think they change them)

 

 

It's clearly written in Thai across the front top of card ''This is not a citizen ID card', but it is an ID card for foreigners not of Thai citizenship.

 

I changed my proof of ID from my Passport number, to that of my Tabian Baan number on my ID card at my bank, tax office and DLT centre .

I now only need my TB and ID card to do anything, same as a Thai does.

My Driving Licences now has my TB number as my ID number.

 

A friend (as an experiment) recently tried to use his Pink ID card to book flights to Koh Lanta, check in, book a hotel, hire a motorcycle and enter a dual priced entrance park with no issues whatsoever. The Thais accept it as ID for a foreigner.

Edited November 1, 20169 yr by Faz

...pardon me... what is PR?     I just got my yellow book and pink ID card yesterday... What a performance!!  Why have one comprehensive application form when you can have 12?! Would be impossible without a passport..  ...interesting questions like... what is the name of the hotel you were staying in before you met your wife... 10 years ago!  ..fortunately I knew.. 

Edited November 1, 20169 yr by Laza 45

53 minutes ago, Laza 45 said:

...pardon me... what is PR?     I just got my yellow book and pink ID card yesterday... What a performance!!  Why have one comprehensive application form when you can have 12?! Would be impossible without a passport..  ...interesting questions like... what is the name of the hotel you were staying in before you met your wife... 10 years ago!  ..fortunately I knew.. 

 

PR = Permanent Resident or Permanent Residency. (not citizenship)

 

Obtained by foreigners who have contributed/worked/invested in Thailand for a number of years.

They don't have to obtain extensions or do 90 day reports and can be named in a Blue Tabian Baan amongst a few of their privileges.

Edited November 1, 20169 yr by Faz

39 minutes ago, Faz said:

 

PR = Permanent Resident or Permanent Residency. (not citizenship)

 

Obtained by foreigners who have contributed/worked/invested in Thailand for a number of years.

They don't have to obtain extensions or do 90 day reports and can be named in a Blue Tabian Baan amongst a few of their privileges.

Thank you..

6 hours ago, KamnanT said:

 

You need your blue tabien baan to do a number of things, including getting a new Certificate of Residence when your initial one fills up.  The book itself belongs to the property owner.

 

3 hours ago, Laza 45 said:

Thank you..

I lost my certificate of residency and think it might be a good idea to try and get a new one. Do you know where I can do this and do I have to take any other documents other than my blue tambien Baan and alien registration book

12 hours ago, gamini said:

I think you misread my post. I never actually had a Thai ID card but was told to go and pick up one about 35 years ago. My mistake was that I didn't do so. If I remember rightly it was because I thought that I might have to give up my UK citizenship.

 

For some reason I did bother to get my Thai ID card having been told that I was entitled to oner (big mistake).

 

12 hours ago, Bangel72 said:

Apart from when they registered at the police station have any of the PR's been asked for their Blue Tabien Baan?

 

Is it actually their's or their landlords where they are renting from? If the latter, not sure how often they would carry it anyway.

 

I know PR's who were refused the Blue one and stuck on the yellow book with zero issues at all over the years since it was granted, including BOI work permits granted against it.

 

Agree with the others though pink ID is not against PR, being in a yellow book is enough.

 

You need to provide the Tabien Baan for any official dealings including opening bank accounts and drivers's license.

 

i was asked to provide the Blue Tabien Baan for my drivers license.  I need it every year to renew re-entry permit.  Otherwise when photocopied, the copy has no color and as far as Thais are concerned they can't tell the difference between yellow and blue as most are not aware of the numbering scheme.  So I can see how you could easily get by with just the yellow one.

 

6 hours ago, gamini said:

 

I lost my certificate of residency and think it might be a good idea to try and get a new one. Do you know where I can do this and do I have to take any other documents other than my blue tambien Baan and alien registration book

 

Immigration will re-issue a certificate of residency.  Go to the branch where you applied. Hopefully they still have the original book with your entry.  Bring as many documents as possible.  More than likely you are in the system, since you were offered a blue ID card so it should not be a problem. 

7 hours ago, gamini said:

 

I lost my certificate of residency and think it might be a good idea to try and get a new one. Do you know where I can do this and do I have to take any other documents other than my blue tambien Baan and alien registration book

The best place to go would be immigration in Bangkok at Chaeng Wattana. I think what you mentioned would be enough along with your passport.

Form to apply for re placement can be downloaded here: http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/download/pdf/tm20.pdf 

The fee for one is 1900 baht.

8 hours ago, gamini said:

 

I lost my certificate of residency and think it might be a good idea to try and get a new one. Do you know where I can do this and do I have to take any other documents other than my blue tambien Baan and alien registration book

 

You don't need a certificate of residence, which are only valid for 30 days anyway.

 

C of R's are only required as proof of address for some administration processes.

Obtaining a Tabian Baan is part of the process of integrating into the Thai administration system. Your details are entered into the Civilian Register for Census purposes and you are given an ID number (the number on your Tabian Baan).

 

Your Tabian Baan is therefore now your permanent C of R, (proof of registered address) but valid for as long as you remain at that address.

The ID card for foreigners can replace the requirement to show your passport as proof of ID within Thailand.

 

A Thai citizen only requires their Tabian Baan and ID card for any administration process at government offices (DLT, tax office) and banks.

By allowing foreigners to register on the Civilian database, obtain a TB and foreigners ID card, it is an attempt to allow foreigners to use the same systems and documents that Thais use tor proof of ID and registered address.

 

Unfortunately a lot of foreigners just don't get it and continue to complain they are useless.

I personally have found them to be invaluable, but then I'm prepared to adapt and become part of the Thai system.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited November 2, 20169 yr by Faz

30 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

The best place to go would be immigration in Bangkok at Chaeng Wattana. I think what you mentioned would be enough along with your passport.

Form to apply for re placement can be downloaded here: http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/download/pdf/tm20.pdf 

The fee for one is 1900 baht.

 

Slightly off-topic, sorry!

 

My Certificate of Residence is now full and I am due for renewal of my 5 yesr extension in February next year.

 

Is the Form you referenced the same Form I have to submit and do I need to go to Chaeng Wattana or my local Police Station (where I usually get the 5 year extension)?

 

Patrick