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Do foreigners need a passport for domestic travel within Thailand?
Thailand travelForeigners in ThailandPassport requirementsDomestic travelVisa regulationsThai driver's license
Feb 13, 2021
5 years ago
Phu***
ORIGINAL POSTERPlease help. Do foreigners need passport for domestic travel in Thailand?.Bangkok-Chang Mai -Bangkok
TLDR : Answer Summary
For domestic travel within Thailand, while it is generally recommended that foreigners carry their passports at all times as a form of identification, it is not legally mandatory to do so. Travelers can use a valid Thai driver’s license as ID for domestic flights; however, having a copy of the passport is advisable in case of unknown checks. During 2020, some instances were reported where travelers were asked for a passport, making it safer to bring it along. Overall, while a passport is vital for flights and interactions with officials, alternatives may suffice during travel.
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Janica ***********
Yes! Even if you travel from Chiang Mai to Pai you'll need your passport. There are check stops on the way where you have to show it
David ********
Musabeh Faraj Fateh
Steve **********
Yes, unless you have Thai drivers licence.
You can have your PP cover page and visa stamp laminated to size of DL. That is acceptable. But as everything here. T.I.T.
You can have your PP cover page and visa stamp laminated to size of DL. That is acceptable. But as everything here. T.I.T.
Martin **********
I recommend all who like to know it to read this article. It includes the answer.
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3/passports-better-safe-than-sorry#:~:text=Thailand%20along%20with%20many%20other,travel%20documents%20all%20the%20time.Mark ********
Poorly written and lazy article from a legal perspective. The article doesn't actually quote the law, it simply references the police interpretation of the law which is not the same thing at all
Bobby ********
Mark Barron. The police interpretation is all what I'm concerned about. If I get fined 1000 baht by a cop, I'm sure as hell not going to pay a solicitor to fight it in court for me!
Mark ********
@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.Bobby ********
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
Reply to
Bobby ********
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Martin **********
@Mark *******
how about linking something better than bitching around? Mark ********
@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 itselfReply to
Mark ********
Reply
Alexander **********
@Martin *********
Excellent Reply to
Alexander **********
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Terry **********
Never been asked, but when talking to Tourist Plods always show driving licence when asked how long here. Same response everytime, "thankyou sir, enjoy you time in Thailand"
Martin **********
Yes it is since a few years. But anyway I wouldn't fly anywhere without my passport. You are required to have the passport always with you. Especially when you travel.
Frank ******
Yes
David *******
Just take a photo copy with you
Alexander **********
@David ******
Sure, but on an official business, you have to go with your original.Reply to
Alexander **********
Reply
Otto *********
Yes, you need.
David *********
While in Thailand you should carry with you your passport with your visa in it just in case you get stopped for what ever reason.
Brett *********
You are required to formally identify yourself according to Thai Law. You are also required to show evidence of permission to stay in the Kingdom. So semantics about non specific immigration law wording is not going to get you far when asked by police for ID and valid permission to stay.
Kim ***********
@Brett ********
thank goodness. Finally someone with some sense. Brett *********
@Kim **********
please don't mistake me for having sense. HahahaReply to
Brett *********
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Bizkit ******
Thats the only valid identification with u to show to the local authorities so why not ?
Steve **********
Reply to
Steve **********
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Benjamin ******
You do not need to show your passport while taking a domestic flight. However, you need to always carry your passport with you, or a letter from YOUR embassy saying the embassy has the passport.
Kim ***********
@Benjamin *****
I have been asked for my passport for every flight I have taken out of CM over the past 10 years. Benjamin ******
@Kim **********
domestic or international flights?Kim ***********
@Benjamin *****
both. We are regular visitors, semi retiring there. Benjamin ******
@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.
Kim ***********
@Benjamin *****
thank you, yes knew all of this. As I don't own Thai driving licence, passport it is. Reply to
Kim ***********
Reply
Brett *********
The law does not specifically say it. But you do need to produce it when asked by police. So i wouldn't be too far away from it. Like another province.
Mark ********
@Brett ********
Strictly speaking, that isn't correct, but arguing the law with the police is usually a futile exerciseBrett *********
@Mark *******
but is law that you carry a form of ID at all times. Same as Thai citizens.Mark ********
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!)'
Mark ********
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.
Reply to
Mark ********
Reply
Brett *********
@Mark *******
you are correct. But that is the interpretation application of the law and the discretion of the police that is used in practice.Reply to
Brett *********
Reply
Brett *********
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3/passports-better-safe-than-sorry#:~:text=He%20said%20that%20by%20law,is%20not%20an%20acceptable%20substitute.Owen ***********
Thais dont need passport as they have there own ID card to use for domestic travel
Wayne ********
Tremendous contribution,
@Ow**
. 🙄Reply to
Wayne ********
Reply
Adam ******
For flying your need passport and hotels and bus services are asking for it
Kim ***********
@Adam *****
yep. Train and bus travel. We were refused ticketing in Lampang at the train station. Reply to
Kim ***********
Reply
David ********
If I stay close to home I never take it, but when traveling in another province or on a multi-day trip I always take it with me.
Kim ***********
@David *****
Absolutely. Garrett ***********
@Da***
AgreedReply to
Garrett ***********
Reply
Ronald *****
It's is required by law to carry your passport with you everyday for inspection when you are a foreign visitor.
Todd *********
speeding is also against the law. And you must wear a helmet on motorbike lol. Who cares? If you really feel a desperate need to carry your passport, carry on lol
Garrett ***********
@Ron***
Which law is that?Ronald *****
@Garrett **********
immigration lawGarrett ***********
@Ron***
I didn't find it. Do you have anything more specific? Garrett ***********
@Ronald ****
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Garrett ***********
@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. ***********************************************************
Reply to
Garrett ***********
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Howarth *********
I screen shot my passport and visa entry slip and a also usually carry a photocopy of it in a sealed plastic A4 sleeve !
Ken ********
Thai drivers licence is fine I've traveled extensively in Thailand with my Thai drivers licence and never been asked to produce my passport
Kim ***********
Visitors are meant to be carrying their passports at all times. We carry scanned copies on our phones and photocopies, our actual passports are normally locked up in a safe at our accommodation. We have had police board buses that we are on and check for ID.
Kim ***********
Yes. We have been asked for our passports for ID every time we buy train and bus tickets and of course, flying within the country.
Gary *************
Thai driving licence used it many times, also driving licence number is same as passport number
Ken ********
David Broadfoot read my statement I stated most countries
Ken ********
David Broadfoot since thee original discussion was about air travel I stand by my original statement you will not get on a plane without a passport or be allowed to fly to most countries if your passport doesn't have 6 months until it expires
Ken ********
David Broadfoot tell that to those refugees in offshore detention that tried to go to Australia
Ken ********
David Broadfoot A passport is required for all international travel. If you're traveling anywhere overseas, you need a passport to board an international flight and to enter the country. Passport cards will not be accepted as form of I.D. for international air travel. Passports must be: Valid for at least 6 months after the date you enter a foreign country. Kept in good condition, free of any damage beyond normal wear and tear, and material alterations. You may be denied boarding if you travel with a passport that appears damaged or altered.
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Ken ********
David Broadfoot an example??
John **********
@Gary ************
,no.same as passport ? You must have a fake licence !!!Gary *************
@John *********
🤭 TIT 😂😂 😎Reply to
Gary *************
Reply
Ken ********
@Gary ************
no it's not I have both car and bike licence they are different numbers your passport number is on the licence but that's not your driver's licence number. Passport number is at the bottom of licence licence number at topGary *************
@Ken *******
ok no prob, i have bothe, point was making can use for internal flights without passport ,ive done without a problem, 👍Ken ********
@Gary ************
can use licence for domestic flights need your passport for international flights can't get an entry or exit stamp on your licence Gary *************
@Ken *******
yeh internal domestic same same no one mentioned international Ken ********
@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 😂Reply to
Ken ********
Reply
Oliver *************
Thai Law Foreigners Must Have Passport in their Possession at All Times
Owen ***********
@Oliver ************
correctReply to
Owen ***********
Reply
Rob ********
Piece of piss bro , take a photo of your passport , photo of visa , keep on phone , technical your meant to have actual documents , but never had any problems , , can’t expect you to be carrying passport with you . Just put it on phone
Paul *********
Should always carry your passport anyway when travelling
เด่ ******
Ofcourse you have to. How could the airline staf should know that the ticket belongs to you ? You can't overhand the ticket to someone else !
เด่ ******
David Broadfoot "other form of ID " 😆 this answer helps him nothing!!
Read his question properly "do you need passport "
And normal people would answer "yes ofcourse you need it" he doens't mention ID card at all !. 😆 why ?? Only one reason because the airline staff has to proof the ticket belongs to you.
Not all people have thai driving license like you specially if he just a regular tourist. He could missunderstand your statement.
Read his question properly "do you need passport "
And normal people would answer "yes ofcourse you need it" he doens't mention ID card at all !. 😆 why ?? Only one reason because the airline staff has to proof the ticket belongs to you.
Not all people have thai driving license like you specially if he just a regular tourist. He could missunderstand your statement.
เด่ ******
David Broadfoot not this one.. read your very first comment.. i have just quote what you wrote. All the discussion refers to you VERY FIRST COMMENT.
เด่ ******
David Broadfoot are getting old ?? I quote your very first statement
"All airlines (except VietJet) will accept other forms of ID."
And you dare telling me incapable ?? 😆
Where did you write thai documents ??
"All airlines (except VietJet) will accept other forms of ID."
And you dare telling me incapable ?? 😆
Where did you write thai documents ??
เด่ ******
David Broadfoot practically is NOT the same like theory. Try to show your ID or driving license from your country during checkin and you will know what happen. The same idea, thai people can't just show thai driving license or thai ID in USA or other country !.
Tim *******
@Tae ******
As a retired Canadian police officer the Thai ID card and or driver's licence is accepted. Reply to
Tim *******
Reply
JD ********
if Thai police authority demand to see your passport - you have to produce it. Sometimes a scanned copy of your Passport pages stored on your phone will satisfy a police officer. Same for paper copies.
Patrick *******
Photo ID for domestic flight is fine.
เด่ ******
@Niclas **********
oOMG, can you guys please read my comment properly. Please read again. Ofcourse they accept thai driving licence , because the documents belongs to THAILAND ! Under thai law !! Is that simple.
And to get thai driving license you have to notarize your national driving license and translate it to Thai first through your thai embassy !
Richard ********
@Tae ******
I got my first Thai licence in Nong Bau Lampu, May 2020 and did not need any translation of anything? I travel all over Thailand regularly on Non O retirement visa on my driver's licence when they ask for a passport I give them my Thai DL and have not been knock back, questioned only at hotels. My Thai wife simply says I needed my passport to get the DL so it is sufficient not even needed to hire a car, Thai DL and Aust Amex. I don't know why you are being so forceful with your comments?? Although I do carry my passport as does my wife on for emergency needs, accident, hospital or emwrgency travel outside of Thailand etc.Enjoy mate.
Reply to
Richard ********
Reply
เด่ ******
David Broadfoot the question he asks is wheather someone need id or not. There is only one form of ID (passport OR Identity card). Driving licence or other similar card is not an ID. If you are farang than you need your passport because your national ID isn't valid in other country. Maybe they accept it but they can and have the right to refuse it if they want ! Passport is an international ID and national ID is by law only valid in your original country. Is that simple. Read the last page in your passport and you will find the international accepted statement. It says " for all countries".
Niclas ***********
@Tae ******
I normally fly on my Thai driving license domestically. Most places accept it also for example hotel etc. Do you have any references stating it has to be passport? Anyways photos of passport and stamp/visa is recommended at minimum.Reply to
Niclas ***********
Reply
Daniel **********
Yes
Daniel **********
Thai drivers license is good enough if you have one but call and make sure first.
William *******
Interesting that many adults don’t trust their own abilities to carry their passport.
Robert **********
@William ******
It’s not that, we are afraid of losing it or getting it mutilated such by as I getting moisture from rain or sweat. I carry a copy and thai drivers license. People have been taken to the police station until their girlfriend could go get their passport and bring it. But I figured that would be less hassle than losing a Passport with visas, etc. in it.Bobby ********
Robert Gerchalk. Perhaps you should rethink your abilities and competence to travel, if you don't have the maturity to take care of your passport
Reply to
Bobby ********
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Mike *********
I thought that you were required to carry your passport to prove that you have a valid visa if challenged. Or am I missing something? I wouldn’t travel within Thailand without it available at all times. Remember, Thais with uniforms have no sense of reason or logic. Only their own interpretation of the rules. Easy way to get caught out not having it available if you ask me. Don’t chance it. Cheers
Ray *****
@Mike ********
definitely not the law, 2 decades here and the passport stays in the safeBobby ********
Ray Mac. Actually it is the law, but generally some other form of ID will suffice. But if a police officer wants to, you can be arrested until your passport is produced
Mike *********
@Ray ****
Yes but you’re not traveling around when it’s in the safe I presume. Cheers Ray *****
@Mike ********
if i was going on a plane internally then yes of course i would have itReply to
Ray *****
Reply
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
A Thailand drivers license will suffice
Bobby ********
Edward Nathan. Wrong
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
@Bobby *******
I have been using just myThai drivers license for air and bus travel starting 2 years agonand as recently as 1 week ago. So if it is ok with the Thai government authorities, your argument is with them.Bobby ********
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
Reply to
Bobby ********
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Pensom ******
For domestic travel in Thailand if you need to board an airplane then you will need to bring your passport for ID check. If you have a driver's license, they should accept that too. For Thais, they will accept national ID cards or driver's license.
Jim ******
As a Farang you should always carry your passport when you venture further than your Province, IMHO,
Garrett ***********
@Jim *****
See, this is something I can agree with. When I'm planing on staying in a hotel (even if I travel by motorbike) I taken my passport with me. And it's an opinion. A good idea to follow, but not a law. Bobby ********
Garrett Greenwald. Actually it is the law, but generally not enforced if you have copies and/or some other form of identification
Garrett ***********
@Bo***
No it's notBobby ********
Garrett Greenwald. Actually it is
Garrett ***********
@Bo***
Ok, what's the law?Bobby ********
@Garrett **********
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3/passports-better-safe-than-sorryGarrett ***********
@Bobby *******
"Better safe than sorry" I asked what the law is. Take your time looking for it. Bobby ********
Garrett Greenwald. Don't need to. It's law. 🤣
Garrett ***********
@Bo***
No it's not, and you can't find the law because it doesn't exist. Garrett ***********
@Bobby *******
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Bobby ********
Garrett Greenwald. 🤣🤣🤣
Bobby ********
@Garrett **********
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*******
/keep-you-passport-with-you-at-all-times-in-thailand/Garrett ***********
@Bo***
"by law" Last time, show me the law not some bullshit article telling me it's the law. Bobby ********
@Garrett **********
IMMIGRATION ACT, B.E. 2522 (1979)Reply to
Bobby ********
Reply
Nico *********
Yes,all the time you need passport
Garrett ***********
@Nico ********
wrong Reply to
Garrett ***********
Reply
Terary **********
You will need some sort of ID
Jasmin *******
Yes
Alexander **********
Of course, you must be with your passport at all times.
Alexander **********
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Todd *********
@Alexander *********
lol. No you don'tAlexander **********
Todd *********
@Alex*****
lol. Ya, that’s it 😂 In the extremely unlikely event that EVER occurs, look in your pocket for 500 baht and carry on
Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
Matthew *******
@Todd ********
you need it to flyYou also should have it on you at all times however I don’t I carry a copy on a small business card that I had laminated
Todd *********
@Mat****
internally, you just need govt ID. Not sure if airlines would accept passport photo Matthew *******
@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
Todd *********
@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 Matthew *******
@Todd ********
I wouldn’t think too many westerners have Thai give IDThe odd drivers license I suppose
Todd *********
@Mat****
any official national ID with photo and valid, not Thai. Matthew *******
Alexander **********
@Todd ********
Foreigners are expected to be with their original passport to show proof of your valid stay and any transaction. Ie traveling, banking etc.Todd *********
@Alex*****
oh well. Foreigners are expected to wear helmets, not exceed the speed limit and be quiet after midnight. But nobody is perfect lol Alexander **********
@Todd ********
Sure, To be on the safe side.
Even during COVID 19.
Foreigners carry big blame for the spread of it.
Todd *********
@Alex*****
all ok 👍! Never been a better time to be here really. Amazing Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
Jyrki *********
Why not? Where should you keep it?
Steven ********************
Take photo and keep on phone to prove u legal
Sacha ****
If you are here in Thailand then why would you not use it to fly?
Phu***
ORIGINAL POSTER@Sacha ***
It is going for visa renewal during the time of my flight. To***
@Phu***
You may use Thailand DL , But you need Thailand ID ( DL or Other ) or Passport Reply to
To***
Reply
Oliver *******************
No you can use a drivers licence from Thailand but you should have a copy of your passport for checks
Janne ***********
remember also as a foreign citizen that you are suppose to have your passport with you at all time in case police or immigration stops you for any reason, and take it from there!
Ronald *********
Problem with photocopy, certain stores will not accept a copy as proof.
Garrett ***********
@Ronald ********
What? Where in the entire country of Thailand do you need your passport to make a purchase from a vendor? These arguments just get dumber and dumber. Reply to
Garrett ***********
Reply
Janne ***********
what would happen if you had an accident and not coherent, which consulate would you contact? and when the police comes to you and says, show me your passport?
Garrett ***********
@Janne **********
What happens when you're robbed or your loose your bag and your passport is in there? Sam **********
@Garrett **********
you carry a photocopy on you. Original stays secure at home. That's what i always doPensom ******
@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 💖Reply to
Pensom ******
Reply
Garrett ***********
@Janne **********
Wrong Reply to
Garrett ***********
Reply
David *********
Technically you should carry your passport at all times
Garrett ***********
@David ********
incorrectDavid *********
@Garrett **********
actually no your incorrect. Most will take a picture or photocopy of your passport and entry stamp. The rules state you need to prove your identity. Well most tourist don't have any kind of Thai government issued id.And last year during the start of the shutdown they did recommend that people carry thier real passport not a photocopy/picture to comply with the rules.
Garrett ***********
@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.
David *********
@Garrett **********
I didn’t say it was ‘law’ Garrett ***********
@David ********
What does "technically" mean? David *********
@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. Garrett ***********
@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. Reply to
Garrett ***********
Reply
Caty *****
If you are not a Thai citizen or have Thai ID of some sort then yes. Though even with Thai driver license etc its safer to have the passport regardless
Jyrki *********
Who is we?
Garrett ***********
@Jyrki ********
I'd assume expats Alan *******
@Garrett **********
never assume, makes an ass of u and me. Just saying.Garrett ***********
@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. Reply to
Garrett ***********
Reply
Garrett ***********
Historically if you have a Thai drivers license or some type of Thai government issued ID card you don't need your passport to travel domesticly. Early-middle 2020 some people reported not being allowed to bored without a passport from Chiang Mai.
If you have your passport take it. If you don't, I'd give it a shot.
If you have your passport take it. If you don't, I'd give it a shot.
Ladii *****
Sure !!!
Reply to
Ladii *****
Reply
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