Can I travel domestically in Thailand with a Thai driver's license while waiting for a new UK passport?

Thai domestic travel UK passport application Thai driver's license visa and immigration ID requirements in Thailand

December 4, 2023

10 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

If i apply for a new UK passport, am I able to still travel by air in Thailand? I believe waiting time at moment is 11 weeks. 

I have a thai drivers license as ID but I am always asked for my passport for domestic travel.

Thanks in advance

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Yes, you can travel domestically in Thailand using a Thai driver's license while waiting for your new UK passport. Many users confirmed that they have used their Thai ID for domestic travel without issues, although it's advisable to keep a copy of your old passport handy for hotel check-ins.

Andy ******

Use the Thai driving licence to travel domestic in Thailand ,I've used my one loads of times ,no need for passport until fly international.

10 months ago

Simon ********

Further to the rest, I applied for a new British passport on 9 October at VFS in Chiang Mai. They said it would be 11 weeks but phoned me on the 20th (11 days later) to say that I could come and collect my new passport. It is blue but unfortunately I am told that they are produced in France!

10 months ago

Bob **********

I use my Thai license when traveling domestically but make copies of your current passport as the hotels probably need to see it

10 months ago

Gray ******

Unless at immigration, most of the time when they say”passport” they mean identification.

10 months ago

Jeffrey ************

Photo ID is required for domestic travel.

10 months ago

Tara ********

My friend got hers in less than 2 weeks.. November this year

10 months ago

Stuart *********

If you apply via VFS in Bangkok or Chiang Mai you will still have your passport to travel until your new one arrives. You need to colour copy every page of your passport on application but you keep your old one until the new one arrives.

That said you can indeed travel domestically within Thailand using a Thai government issued ID like a Thai driving license.

Turn around time for a new UK passport is now less than 4 weeks. Some reports of less than that.

10 months ago

Mark *********

@Stuart ********

Yep all correct - but the information from VFS/the British Authorities doesn't make it absolutely clear that you keep your old passport up until the time that your new one is in your hands and you have signed, approving that the new passport is correct. Then the old one gets the snip and is no longer valid, but only then. I applied for a new UK passport in May and already the process was down to 5 weeks, though 11 weeks quoted.

10 months ago

Stuart *********

@Mark ********

Perhaps the information isn’t clear on their sites, but you do indeed keep your “old” passport. In theory you can’t use it to travel once you’ve applied for a new one, but who would know?

My son’s new passport took 3 weeks in October. Others have said they got theirs in 2.

10 months ago

Reply to

Stuart *********

Brandon ************

I've never been asked for my passport for domestic travel when I give them my Thai drivers license. That should be all you need for domestic travel.

10 months ago

Reply to

Brandon ************

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