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Can I fly to Koh Samui without my passport while waiting for my ED visa to be processed?
ED VisaDomestic TravelThai Driving LicensePassport RequirementsVisa Processing TimesKoh Samui TravelImmigration Procedures
Apr 24, 2022
4 years ago
Chris *******
ORIGINAL POSTERHi there, I'm currently waiting for my ED visa to be processed. I was told it might take a few weeks. I was planning to fly to Koh Samui (from Phuket) in 2 weeks and I was wondering if I can do so with any other official document other than my passport (international DL, domestic ID from France and/or a copy of my passport). I've found conflicting information online so if anyone can help me, I'd really appreciate it!
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is concerned about traveling to Koh Samui without their passport while their ED visa is being processed. They inquire whether they can use other forms of identification, like an international driving license or a domestic ID from France. Commenters clarify that a Thai driving license or a pink ID card can be used for domestic travel in Thailand, but there are concerns about hotel check-in and required documentation for travel. One user suggests that usually, immigration provides a receipt or acknowledgment when they hold onto your passport, which the original poster does not have.
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Chris *****
Bonjour a toi.
As-tu réussi a obtenir un visa étudiant ?
Je suis aussi dans cette expective ayant ici famille et enfants.
Je te remercie d avance de ta réponse,
As-tu réussi a obtenir un visa étudiant ?
Je suis aussi dans cette expective ayant ici famille et enfants.
Je te remercie d avance de ta réponse,
Russell *******
Don't immigration give you a letter saying they have your passport ?
Chris *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Russell ******
I did not receive anything from them. They took my picture. I signed a form, but that's about it.Russell *******
@Chris ******
oh ok . But I thought it was law to always have your passport on you . Surprised the don't give something to explain where the passport is 🙂Reply to
Russell *******
Reply
Stuart **********
You can do everything you can do with your passport inside Thailand with your Thai driving license or pink I'd card
Lisa ********************
Or get bus / ferry to Samui
Chris *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Lisa *******************
my post is about flying to Samui with a domestic flightLisa ********************
@Chris ******
I understand that. But if airline won't accept you without passport , the bus will accept copy.Maxim ***********
@Lisa *******************
You do not need a passport to get bus tickets. My GF always buy tickets and I never get asked anything ever. For hotel reservation they need the passport for tm30, a passport copy is probably fine because the hotel make a copy anyways so you are basically giving them what they need.Lisa ********************
@Maxim **********
yes I know all this. You're replying to the wrong personMaxim ***********
@Lisa *******************
¸Oh, I thought u said that bus will accept copy of passport. I was referring to that because he is with his GF, his GF ID or passport will do.Chris *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Lisa *******************
thanks for the tip. I've heard from several people that the Thai DL works for foreigners (even though I can't find an official source that says so) so I'm going to get one just in case.Brian *******
@Chris ******
you will need your Passport to get a Thai licence.Lisa ********************
@Chris ******
maybe airline will accept copy of passport. It is only domestic flight not international. Can message BK air and Air Asia on their Facebook pageChris *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Lisa *******************
I just heard from BK airways who confirmed a Thai DL would work. Now the question is, can I get the license without having my passport? 😅Chris *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Lisa *******************
much appreciated. I'll do that and keep everyone posted.Reply to
Chris *******
Reply
Danny ********
How are you going to check into your hotel without your passport?
Maxim ***********
From experience, even if its book under her name, they will ask for your passport because the hotel is legally oblige to fill the tm30. I would say cheaper and bad rating hotel might dont give a bleep, but any hotel with good ratings are probably going by the book.
Chris *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stefan ***
thanks for the tip. My (thai) girlfriend will be traveling with me. I'm wondering if they would ask both of our passports or just the person who made the reservation. Either way, I'll check with the hotel in advance just to be safe.Peng *********
@Chris ******
let her book under her name and check in under her name.Reply to
Peng *********
Reply
Chris *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Danny *******
if I can fly with a Thai driving license, I doubt checking into a hotel will be much of an issue. I still have a copy of my passport with me.Reply to
Chris *******
Reply
Kay ***********
You can fly domestically with Thai Driving license or Pink card. can apply and get your Thai driving license in a few days.
Chris *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kay **********
thanks. It's probably my best option. I have heard it usually takes weeks but you can pay a fee to get the process expedited so I'll probably do that.Reply to
Chris *******
Reply
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