Answered10 months ago
Should I carry my passport with me while living in Thailand?
Not so much a DTV question but do you carry your passport with you? I never leave our home without it but fiance thinks its not necessary. I’ve been asked for my passport several times on days I didn’t think id need it and continue to carry it daily
Answer summary
The question of whether to carry a passport when living in Thailand prompts a variety of opinions among expats. Some, prioritizing safety, suggest carrying a passport daily due to potential police checkpoints and ID verification, while others recommend having only a copy or a digital version on a mobile device, arguing that a local ID (like a Thai driver's license) suffices for most everyday situations. Legally, expats are required to have their passports on them at all times, but many have reported not facing issues when not carrying it. The consensus is that it depends on individual comfort levels, specific activities planned for the day, and local conditions.
72 repliesnewest first
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Optimistic***********
Been through 4 police check points in the last 6 days. Never asked. Legally youre required but ive never had an issue without it.
John **********
If you own a Thai driver license of motorbike or car, it is already enough to travel within Thailand also via airplane you don’t need passport
Tha****
Don't carry it, you could lose it. Thailand is not a police state.
Anonymous ******************
Never, and never needed it
Melissa ********
I’m confused. for those thing in hotels, you think it’s better to leave it there then keep it on your person?
John *****
I always bring with me passport, IDP, national driving license and national ID. Everything secured from rain.
Pontus ****
19 years in Thailand and never once been asked about passport.
Ilion ********
NEVER once in 16 years in Thailand has my passport left the safe on a casual outing.
Ossie *********
I have my main page and visa on my mobile my PP I keep at home in my safe
Phil ******
Definitely not. Take a pic of the biostatistics page and also your visa page and save under a label
Relevance *********
Never!
My Thai license has my passport number on it.
My Thai license has my passport number on it.
Anonymous ******************
I never bring it outside unless I have to go to immigration or something. A picture of it on your phone is good enough. Keep it safe.
Esra ***********
I've been living in Thailand for 6 years and I only carry it when I really need to use it. Other times, I have a picture on my phone and a copy on my bad.
Unlock ****************************************
I’ve seen this play out both ways. Law says one thing, street reality says another.
My move: original passport stays locked and dry.
I carry a clear scan + entry stamp in a digital wallet that works offline—not just my camera roll.
If asked, I can identify myself immediately and protect the one document I can’t easily replace.
This isn’t about being right on the internet. It’s about being prepared in real life.
My move: original passport stays locked and dry.
I carry a clear scan + entry stamp in a digital wallet that works offline—not just my camera roll.
If asked, I can identify myself immediately and protect the one document I can’t easily replace.
This isn’t about being right on the internet. It’s about being prepared in real life.
James *******
I carry my Thai 5 year driving licence and Thai bank card only.
Paul *******
I carry a copy
FirstNam*********
Only carry it if driving though check points as they do ask to see it
Dom ********
I don’t think my passports ever left my accommodation other than for immigration reasons or travel.
Have a pic of it in ur phone and it’ll be sufficient for most situations.
The hassle, especially around coupling it with your visa, of getting a new passport isn’t worth it
Have a pic of it in ur phone and it’ll be sufficient for most situations.
The hassle, especially around coupling it with your visa, of getting a new passport isn’t worth it
Anonymous ******************
Never. No issues. Driving license is usually ok
Chris *********
Of course not. What a stupid question. For what reason you were asked for your passport? Ridiculous
David ********
I agree As many have already said, photocopy and picture of it on your phone should more than suffice 😊👌🏾
Ade ********
Photo card driving license. For ID. 👌🏻
Anonymous ******************
TRIPLE LAMINATED COPY
Nick *********
Just keep a photo of it on your phone as that's accepted by hotels and other things. Youl need to to get on a plane however or for immigration stuff. Photograph the page with stamps in also in case a policeman ever wants to check your not overstaying a visa. (However I just drove 1600 miles without a single police stop so that might not even be an issue depending on where your travelling and how)
Paul *******
@Nick ********
Miles? Sure it wasn't km, considering this is Thailand? You won't need to show your passport throughout most of Thailand except near the Burmese border in Tak province (occasionally Kanchanaburi as well) and at the moment, near the Cambodian border.
Anonymous ******************
I print my passport on white and grey t-shirts and wear them daily so I don’t have to carry it. Just go to a t-shirt shop at MBK mall and they will do it for you. Good luck 👍
Benjamin *********
Never. Just keep a picture in phone.
Jef ********
I just have a photo on my phone traveling around the city.
But if you are traveling between provinces/ city’s I would take it with you
But if you are traveling between provinces/ city’s I would take it with you
Dragiša *******
I never carry it with me, I leave it in the hotel safe, I have a picture of my passport on my phone.
Mike **********
In 40 years i have never carried my passport. When i first came to thailand i carried a photo copy. Now i have a copy on my phone.
Elky *****************
Don’t carry it with you, make a photocopy of it, and take a picture of it.. that’s enough. UNLESS you’re running an errand that will require your passport
Jeff *******
Never. Thai driver's license is accepted everywhere.
Paul *******
@Jeff ******
Well, nearly everywhere. Depends on the circumstances, but for the most part you are correct.Waqar ********
I know they ask for passport all the time but believe me, you are not REQUIRED to carry it. A police officer, random checkpoint, traffic officer, sudden raids, whoever asks you; just reply the passport is in hotel/ room. You must have your local ID/ license to prove identity and a picture of passport in mobile is enough.
Dan *******
Uh , you’re wrong. Feel free to argue with strangers in the internet.
The correct answer is :
Legally, yes, you must carry your original passport in Thailand as proof of identity
It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt
The correct answer is :
Legally, yes, you must carry your original passport in Thailand as proof of identity
It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt
Waqar ********
@Dan ******
please follow your own advice Sir.I have been stopped numerous times by LEAs. I simply show my home country ID or DL, that's enough. Only once they further asked for passport and I replied, "it's in my room".
Dan *******
Dumb
As
A
Rock 🪨
As
A
Rock 🪨
Paul *******
@Waqar *******
Depends where you are and the reason why your passport is being requested. In most cases, you are correct. In some cases, you must be able to produce your passport, especially near the Burmese and Cambodian borders, if asked by the military.
Elías ********
My country has no embassy, nor consulate whatsoever in Thailand, so if I lose or damaged my passport, I'll be cooked. Said so, it never ever leaves my place unless I'm traveling abroad.
Waqar ********
@Elías *******
I thank you in my personal capacity for you always reply positively to community questions. Thanks for helping all of us with your experiences.
Dany ********
i allways carry a copy + thai driving license.
Victor **********
Not really, I keep the passport in the safebox and if someone asks I show them a photo
Andrew ********
I take a picture of my ID part and current stamp and save it in drop box so I can access it anywhere - phone - computer anywhere
Steve *******
I have pictures of my passport info page and my latest stamp. That's all I've ever needed, outside of immigration offices, in 8 years here.
Christopher ***********
I carry mine always. It's the only original proof of photo ID I possess except for my pink foreigners Thai ID card.
Mercy *********
Just keep a copy or have it on your phone unless you're going somewhere you know you'll need it. Less chance of it getting lost or damaged.
Greg ********
Get a CC card size copy.
Anonymous ******************
I don't but have my thai driving license always with me in case of emergency or police checkpoint.
John **********
I usually take mine if I'm going a long distance and have been asked for it at a couple of checkpoints but not normally
Paul *******
@John *********
Yep, especially near the Cambodian and Burmese borders, passports are definitely required. Normally, prior to the current conflict with Cambodia, you generally didn't get asked for your passport at checkpoints near the border but that has changed. Whereas near the Burmese border, it's been common for years but has become standard practice since early this year due to scam center crackdowns.Dan *******
Yep. They do ask at checkpoints.
Marianne ********
Technically legally required to keep it with you on your person.
Most people have a copy.
Most people have a copy.
Phil ******
@Marianne *******
no the Thai govt amended the law to allow for a cop u of the bio page and visa stamp
Andrew ********
@Marianne *******
my government says the exact opposite... as they own the Passport, I can use it as a citizen... Only carry when necessary is what they say...Photocopy of ID page sufficient or if you are paranoid take a photo of the ID and your Visa ...
Shane *****
youre not getting cash at an exchange booth or banking services in person without one
Anonymous ******************
@Shane ****
I exchanged money without a passport numerous times 🤷🏻
Robin *********
@Andrew *******
Thai law technically requires you to carry it, allthough it's not enforced
Dave ****
@Robin ********
That is not correct. Immigration have officially confirmed that a photocopy is acceptable for the exact reason being the risk of loss or damage if your carrying it daily.Robin *********
@Andrew *******
Yeah, practiclly it's not enforcedAndrew ********
@Robin ********
Have Thai ID with my passport number... Only time I have been asked to show my passport was in Bangladesh... showed the photocopy.. no problem... 35 years in and out of Thailand never been asked to showy passport
Robin ****
@Marianne *******
it's more dangerous to lose the passport instead paying 5$ penalty 😂
Paul *******
I just carry a copy and a copy of my visa.
I have a thai driving license.
I travel a lot and just don’t want the risk of losing my passport.
Always a personal choice.
Best of luck.
I have a thai driving license.
I travel a lot and just don’t want the risk of losing my passport.
Always a personal choice.
Best of luck.
James ********
Carry a copy of it... with a copy of the current entry stamp or Thai Visa/Extension stamp
Optimistic***********
OPI’m thanks! Just put a scan on my phone and locked original in office
Todd *********
OptimisticSeahorse231 that’s the move :)
Cliff *********
Certainly not.
Have a photo on your phone.
Passport is your MOST precious possession when you are abroad.
Keep it clean dry and safe.
Have a photo on your phone.
Passport is your MOST precious possession when you are abroad.
Keep it clean dry and safe.
Anonymous ******************
@Cliff ********
technically, your passport is kept "on the person" but who does that ? Saying that its better to err on the side of caution ⚠️Cliff *********
Anonymous participant 957 read my post please.
Waqar ********
@Cliff ********
your selection of words for this answer are superb. ✅Cliff *********
@Waqar *******
Kap Khun KapRobin ****
Take a scan with you and id card.
Kaspars ********
12 years abroad. 55 countries. Long periods in Thailand. Never with a passport with me
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