If I have 2 passports, and I present a brand new passport to the customs officer, does the system see my entire previous travel history, or just my last departure from Thailand?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
When presenting a new passport to Thai customs, the system is likely connected to a database that tracks a traveler's history, which may include past entries and exits from Thailand, regardless of the passport used. Comments indicate that modern passport technology, such as biometrics and microchips, are designed to link travelers' historical data across different passports. Therefore, even with a new passport, prior travel history is likely retrievable. It is suggested that having supporting documents, such as hotel bookings and proof of departure, can aid entry, especially if there are concerns about previous travel records.
In principle, if they can decide to see everything, it's always better to have a new passport without stamps so as not to make an unnecessary impression.
I come in and out of Thailand on two different passports reasonably frequently and it's no problem but as far as they are concerned it is like only having one when it comes to visas. The Immigration officer is more concerned with where you are coming from so I find it is better to use the one with some kind of record of your last exit port otherwise they think you're trying to hide something.
If you worry about your previous travel history. Just make sure you have hotel reservations for few nights, 20,000baht in cash or in other currencies cash and a ticket booked out of Thailand.
Have seen people got denied entry for not having a ticket out of Thailand recently.
This will increase your chances for getting in Thailand but not a guarantee.
Thailand will only know about your travel to Thailand. The passport itself only contains information about your identity. Thailand will have no idea about other travel history. That's not the case for other countries, where there is a lot more sharing of passport data. Thailand I think is part of an ASEAN agreement to share data about ASEAN passport holders. The Migration 5 or 5 Eyes do more intrusive data sharing.
You probably show it to the immigration officer. Later maybe to a customs officer if you have goods to declare or they pick you out for customs checks. Customs is about goods. Immigration is about persons.
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