Are residency certificates in Thailand specific to certain tasks, such as opening a bank account or getting a driver's license?

a residence certificate is ALWAYS connected to the purpose you need it for. And it is always valid for use for only FOUR WEEKS

It seems like this is again different from place to place. There are three main purposes why you would get one: Driver license, buy a car and open a bank account.

I have one to open a bank account. They even stated “at Bangkok bank” on the RC.

I’ve used it at two banks, not Bangkok bank. At one bank they noticed and said it wasn’t a problem. The other bank didn’t even mention it.

Then I bought a car with the same RC. No problem at all. I expect that the DLT will require the proper reason on the RC when I go there.

This was in Isan, by the way.

They will be identical. The only possible reason for wiring separate ones for DL, buy a bike, open bank account is so they can charge you another 300 baht and provide you with a day of entertainment while you get them. Actually for a bank, they ask which bank and address it to the bank, so it can be quite useful persuading the bank to open the account

Once you get a yellow book you should never need to get another residence certificate.. it's issued by the Amphur/Municipality where you live after meeting fairly stringent criteria.. and is prima-facia evidence of address.. akin to the blue book held by many citizens.. I've never been asked for a RC once when dealing with any govt agency here when I've produced my yb.. but this is not easy to get if you are on a tourist visa or are not married to a Thai!

Yes that seems to be the main problem in Thailand every govt department province has different interpretation of the rules and guidelines, an sometimes it’s the cart before the horse syndrome esp with visas steps plus grease the wheels graft on occasion

I got a yellow book early on, within six months of moving to Thailand in 2004. I never had a problem after that. And what’s a pink ID card?

I doubt you can use a copy now if you were getting and auto and bike license you can use a copy and copy of medical but you’ll need a new one for a bank account if they will accept that

I understand the RC is also needed to buy a motorbike right? So should I ask for one specific to buy a motorbike?

Yup.. even if you go for both Car and Bike licence.. means 2x RC's

Yes. I needed two for financing a new truck in my name. Land transportation demanded an original and the financing company wanted an original.

As always with Thailand it depends on which Immigration Office you deal with. My experience in Hua Hin and Sri Racha was that you need individual residence certificates for; opening bank account, obtaining a driving licence, buying a car etc.

I have seen online that other offices provide a general residence certificate. Also, some offices charge for issuing them (Hua Hin and Sri Racha did), but other offices do not.

Bangkok bank in Chiang Rai took my DL RC and opened my first account which I used to apply for my current retirement visa

Omg I didn’t know this… so what things do you need the RC for? (I’m waiting for my visa to come through and wanting to open a bank account, get a car and motorbike license, buy a car, transfer my motorbike to my name… what else would I need a RC for?)

Can I ask for all these RC’s at once at immigration?

its one time paper. u do not need for bank account, TM30 is enough. Sometime difficult with tourist stamp.

Yes. When you get the residence certificate it asks you what the purpose is and it will be written on the certificate. You likely won't be able to use that one for any other reason. I've even heard of DLT offices that required 1 original for car license and another original for motorcycle license.