Answered8 years ago

Should expats carry their passports and TM6 Departure Card at all times in Bangkok?

Thai Visa Regulations TM6 Departure Card Expatriate Advice Carrying Passport in Thailand Immigration Checks ID Requirements in Thailand

Melanie *********

asked Sep 26, 2018

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Thanks for the answers on the TM6 Departure Card. Please advise if we should be carrying it and our passports on us at all times while here? Thanks all, enjoying BKK so far

Answer summary

In Thailand, particularly in Bangkok, it is generally recommended to carry your passport at all times due to the possibility of immigration checks and police encounters. While some expats opt to carry a copy of their passport instead, it is widely agreed that having the original passport is safer and may prevent complications during unexpected situations, such as traffic accidents. Various experiences shared by community members highlight the importance of being prepared, which includes keeping your passport accessible when you are out.

14 repliesnewest first

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Robert *******

And reading different opinions and carrying a passport is not Visa related the OP can now make her choice. Thanks for the input. Sorry for others but I close this topic for commenting.

8 years ago

Ron *******

I would certainly never be too far away from my passport. Particularly in Bangkok, immigration checks are not a rare occurrence. If your involved in a serious traffic accident, the police will want your passport.If they want your passport, that's what they want. Myself, I have only been asked once on an immigration check.

If i drive to Bangkok from Pattaya, it go's with me. If I'm local, it stays at home.

If they do want it, it's going to cause all sorts of problems if its miles away.

8 years ago

Darren ********

It's absurd to carry your passport with you at all times. A copy is fine. I've never been asked for mine in 10 years here, but you never know, I guess.

8 years ago

Mikkel *******

I too just carry the thai DL, and in my phone i keep my wife and close family listed as ICE (should be internationally recognized as "in case of emergency) before their name.

8 years ago

Mikkel *******

@Gregor *********

should not matter if its an old passport number, if you wound up in an accident they could ID you through it anyway and contact embassy or what not.

8 years ago

Gregor **********

i carry my Thai driver's license, too, but it has the wrong passport number on it, from an expired passport. The Thai DL is a widely accepted Identification document. I must highlight the word "accepted" as it to SOME policemen it is not the case

8 years ago

Robert *******

I carry my Thai Driving license with me, can be used as ID in Thailand.

8 years ago

Gregor **********

I always carry a COPY of the photo page of my passport plus the blood type written on its back, in a waterproof zip lock bag. Just to be on the safe side of the Hades river!

8 years ago

Darren ********

So you carry yours with you at all times,

@Robert ******

8 years ago

Robert *******

You can find it absurd, it will save time in case of emergency. We have an unknown toursist in a hospital or other news items take the headlines once in a while.

8 years ago

Robert *******

Official you should always carry an ID with you. Thai Police enforce rules sometimes harsh sometimes not. Some people carry a copy, others make a picture from ID page, Visa page and Admitted untill date stamp with their mobile phone.

8 years ago