Do foreigners need a passport for domestic travel within Thailand?

@Bobby *******

What's the police interpretation then? There have been several different 'interpretations' published in the press. I have never once seen anyone actually refer to the specific law that states that foreigners have to carry their passports. There is, however, a law that requires all persons in Thailand (including Thai citizens) to carry ID with them at all times, which is a different thing entirely as of course a passport is a form of ID, not the only form of ID. There have been instances of the cops fining or trying to fine foreigners for not having their passports, and there have been high ranking officials going on record to say that that was wrong, so I am not saying that there isn't or hasn't been a problem at street level. However, saying that you have to do something because it's the law is wrong if that isn't actually the law and that's the point I am making.

Mark Barron. Street level is where it will affect me so I do my best not to rock the boat. It's not rocket science

@Martin *********

Why is pointing out that something is inaccurate bitching? It's completely factual. what is pretty moronic comment is bitching about my comment being hypocritical in itself

@Benjamin *****

both. We are regular visitors, semi retiring there.

@Kim **********

international flights, you must show your passports. For domestic flights, it’s easier for the people at the counter to ask for the passport because:

1. They aren’t native English speaker and it’s easiest to remember one concept for ID (“passport”, instead of having to remember to ask for “driver’s license “, “Pink ID card”, etc).

2. Everyone should carry the passport with them at all times, and it’s a reasonable assumption to assume the person flying has a passport.

If you don’t have a passport, and you show your Thai drivers license, it would work too.

@Benjamin *****

thank you, yes knew all of this. As I don't own Thai driving licence, passport it is.

Brett Wilkins What I take issue with is the number of expats who just parrot information without knowing either the law or the basis behind any interpretation of the law. It's one thing to say that for practical reasons, it is best to carry your passport (or have easy access to it) and another entirely to say 'It's the law: you have to (or else!)'

Brett Wilkins That's absolutely correct, but many people (including, it seems, the Thai police), conflate that to mean that foreigners have to carry their passports at all time, which isn't (of course) the same thing at all (a passport is a form of ID, not the only form of ID). I remember reading somewhere that only Thai Immigration Police have the authority to require you to produce your passport (apparently normal Thai police don't have access to the immigration database), but of course even if that is correct, trying to argue it out at the police station is likely to be a futile exercise and easier to just produce your passport.

@Ron***

I didn't find it. Do you have anything more specific?

@Ronald ****

@Ron***

That's not what I asked. I can find 5 articles saying the opposite. I'll ask again, what law requires a foreigner to carry their passport on them at all times? Here is the immigration act, take your time while you find it.

@Gary ************

can use licence for domestic flights need your passport for international flights can't get an entry or exit stamp on your licence

@Ken *******

yeh​ internal​ domestic same​ same​ no​ one​ mentioned​ international

@Gary ************

yeah sorry read internal and brain read international just got up still on my first coffee but I think internal flights are still science fiction like fantastic voyage and innerspace 😂

@Mike ********

if i was going on a plane internally then yes of course i would have it

Edward Nathan. I think the OP was after the legal answer, not "this has always worked for me". I've lived in Thailand for 12 years and still drive on my Aussie driving licence. Never had a problem, but I do know it's technically not correct

@Bo***

No it's not

Garrett Greenwald. Actually it is

@Bo***

Ok, what's the law?

@Garrett **********

3/passports-better-safe-than-sorry

@Bobby *******

"Better safe than sorry" I asked what the law is. Take your time looking for it.

Garrett Greenwald. Don't need to. It's law. 🤣

@Bo***

No it's not, and you can't find the law because it doesn't exist.

@Bobby *******

Garrett Greenwald. 🤣🤣🤣

@Bobby *******

And a contradiction. Again, show me the law.

@Garrett **********

/keep-you-passport-with-you-at-all-times-in-thailand/

@Bo***

"by law" Last time, show me the law not some bullshit article telling me it's the law.

@Garrett **********

IMMIGRATION ACT, B.E. 2522 (1979)

@Alex*****

lol. Ya, that’s it 😂

In the extremely unlikely event that EVER occurs, look in your pocket for 500 baht and carry on

@Mat****

internally, you just need govt ID. Not sure if airlines would accept passport photo

@Todd ********

mate every time I’ve flown I’ve shown my passport

If I’m waking around I have the card I made on me which also show my visa

Just in case

@Matthew ******

totally understand. Only saying they will let u fly with govt ID (only internally obviously) and I don’t carry any ID. Ever 🤷‍♂️. But that’s just a choice

@Todd ********

I wouldn’t think too many westerners have Thai give ID

The odd drivers license I suppose

@Mat****

any official national ID with photo and valid, not Thai.

@Todd ********

thanks mate

Makes sense I suppose as I’ve used my license when I’ve changed money

@Todd ********

Foreigners are expected to be with their original passport to show proof of your valid stay and any transaction. Ie traveling, banking etc.

@Alex*****

oh well. Foreigners are expected to wear helmets, not exceed the speed limit and be quiet after midnight. But nobody is perfect lol

@Todd ********

Sure,

To be on the safe side.

Even during COVID 19.

Foreigners carry big blame for the spread of it.

@Alex*****

all ok 👍! Never been a better time to be here really. Amazing

@Garrett **********

you carry a photocopy on you. Original stays secure at home. That's what i always do

@Sam *********

Exactly! Just a photocopy will suffice. Unless you are going to the bank or need to work out documents with officials, then you need to bring the original passport. Good luck to all of you out there 💖

@David ********

Correct, you need something to prove your identity. I'm not sure what you're arguing about, as I said THERE IS NO LAW REQUIRING YOU TO CARRY YOUR PASSPORT.

Whoever "they" are, a "recommendation" isn't a law.

@Garrett **********

I didn’t say it was ‘law’

@David ********

What does "technically" mean?

@Garrett **********

and that something for the majority of people is a passport. So technically in a round about way you are required to carry your passport.

@David ********

Photocopy of passport, picture of passport on your phone, drivers license (Thai or foringe). Lots of options, but in any country you should never carry your actual passport with you if you aren't traveling.

@Alan ******

When I just got out of University I was working as a diptacher for a limo company for a couple months. Had a boss that used to say that everyday.