Answered3 months ago
What are the benefits of having a pink ID card in Thailand if I already possess a Thai driver's license?
Is there any reason to have a pink ID card if I already have a Thai driver’s license?
Answer summary
The pink ID card in Thailand offers several benefits even for those who already possess a Thai driver's license. Key advantages include ease of identification without carrying a passport, better access to local prices in hospitals and attractions, and fulfilling certain legal requirements for residents. It's particularly useful for accessing social security benefits and potentially avoiding complicating TM30 registration. Despite some opinions suggesting the license suffices, many expats find the pink ID valuable for everyday administrative and healthcare interactions, and it also serves as a tax identification number.
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Ossie *********
I have flown internal flights on my pink card purchased a new vehicle on my pink card, showed it a police checkpoint and used to get charged Thai price at my dentist before having all my teeth removed : )
Andrew ********
No
Gilbert ********
I don't have or even know what a yellow book, pink ID card even is, or how to get one
Gilbert ********
No
Adrian *********
The ID number on the Pink Card is also your Tax ID number. Gains you access to mist places without the need for your passport. Including hospitals
Determined***********
The same 13 numbers are also used when you apply for a tax (TIN) number, bills or gifts to charities related to tax settlement must be registered with this number, to obtain a tax number you need a pink ID, I also use it at check-in hotels, Thai I praise the local hospital and access to tourist attractions (not always possible)
David **********
tax number
Jørgen ********
your id number never change. Make it elsker for simcard, bank account and probably more.
Raymond *********
I use mine for hotel check in, sending parcels etc definitely useful
Kent *************
I use my pink ID rather than my passport when checking into hotels because it eliminates the need to do a TM30 when you get back home. I don't even take my passport with me when traveling in Thailand (unless I'm flying somewhere).
Gaz ********
They dont accept none.of it now waste of time
Duncan **********
I've used mine many times for internal flights without taking passport which I prefer not to carry, ID for hotels and discounted entry to zoos also (Thai price). Even used with banks and Government buildings and hospitals as my ID and even with the police when I had to report something recently so for me I find it very useful as I usually only carry my wallet and never my passport. The number on it is also your national ID number and used for tax too if needed
Adrian ******
I got my own hospital card they gave me never even asked for it but useful
Jean-yves **********
La carte rose me permet de visiter les parcs au prix des Thailandais, je précise que je parle bien le thai ,ça aide.
John ********
Yes, foreigners holding a pink ID card and yellow book still need to comply with the TM30 registration requirement, which involves notifying the immigration office about their residence every time they change their address or stay with a different landlord. The responsibility for the TM30 registration is primarily on the landlord, but if the foreigner is registered as the owner of the property (with a yellow book), they can also complete it themselves. The TM47 form is related to the 90-day reporting requirement, which also applies.
Don *******
John Robert I do my own online TM30 for my own condo using my own immigration online account. I do not have a yellow book and it is not required. The blue book is required (though mine is empty).
Jim *******
John Robert No. Once you have the Yellow Book and Thai Pink ID card, no more new TM30, it is forever as alon as you remain at the address. No hotel nor anyone would submit their TM30 to clobber your existing one.
John ********
Jim Davis Show us where you got the information for doing this.
Does Pink ID show your Passport number and expiration date?
Just provide where you got this information, as easy as that, mate.
“Thai ID will not generate hotel submitted TM30 to overrun my TM30”
What does that even? Hotels are not reporting you staying with them? Doubt that’s legal.
Does Pink ID show your Passport number and expiration date?
Just provide where you got this information, as easy as that, mate.
“Thai ID will not generate hotel submitted TM30 to overrun my TM30”
What does that even? Hotels are not reporting you staying with them? Doubt that’s legal.
John ********
Jim Davis DON’T BELIEVE THIS!!!
WRONG!!
WRONG!!
Jim *******
John Robert Yellow Book in my name, my property, Pink ID, does require TM30 - once, the first time. Afterwards, hotels, check in with Thai ID will not generate hotel submitted TM30 to overrun my TM30.
I will never change my address, no more TM30 for me, will stay in my condo until I die.
I will never change my address, no more TM30 for me, will stay in my condo until I die.
Anthony ******************
if you have a Thai licence you can get Thai entry prices in most venues/theme parks/museums.
Pranesh ********
half price in some National Parks, some parks no cost with pink ID .... any documentation can be one day helpful that you are legitimate in this country ....
Yuie **********
You have to hold 1 year visa first then stay in same address for 6 months then you can apply for
John ********
In short .... no ! 👍
John *******
How do you go about getting a pink ID card? 🤔
Ron *****
The home owner, with Blue book and you (foreigner), goes to Registery Office.
They request a Yellow book to add you as a resident at the home. Also a Pink card for you.
Need this done first:
You need Passport, Embassy certified copy at embassy (mail in service)
Certified Passport-get it translated to Thai.
-goto immigration they certify (stamp)the Thai doc.
They request a Yellow book to add you as a resident at the home. Also a Pink card for you.
Need this done first:
You need Passport, Embassy certified copy at embassy (mail in service)
Certified Passport-get it translated to Thai.
-goto immigration they certify (stamp)the Thai doc.
John *******
Ron Pad Great, thanks for that Ron 😁👍🏼
Jon *****
Better to have 1 if you can get one .
Skips having to show your passport for everything
Skips having to show your passport for everything
Gary *******
How do you get a pink ID
Duncan *******
Gary Lewis With the support/permission of the home owner, you first apply for the tabien baan (yellow house book) then you can get the pink card. You get both from your local Amphur (district) office and they all have their own requirements. Depending on where you are it can be easy or a complete pain.
Christian ********
Drivin license is the same. you have your living adress on it and the pink Id only say that you live at a specied adress.
Strength *********
Actually not too much use. Maybe to avoid carrying your passport around, but I wouldn't go through the hassle since I been in Thailand for 16 years now and never need it one.
Denis ***********
I got mine automatically with my yellow house book. Only used it for hotel check ins
Ken *******
You never know what will happen next in Thailand laws so while it is easy to get one I would do the business..I'm sure it will get harder if they make it compulsory for long term visa holders one day.
Kim *********
Ken Hulme easy? That depends on your local amphur! For me I would have to go from Phibun Rak Isaan to Bangkok to the Thai Foreign Ministry and Danish embassy. Not worth the expenses so I'll have to do without it.
Ken *******
Kim Nielsen they said that I had to go to the Thai Foreign Ministry, Bangkok but I asked could I go to get the documents translated and authorised with a local lawyer they said ok.. so I got them done and seal signed for 2,500 baht.
Albert *****
Ken Hulme fully agreed. One example, I did a lifetime lease on my current house with a private contract with the landlord (it is actually a retirement village) and I registered at the local land office and got my name registered on the land title deeds (โฉนด). 2 years later, upon hearing this from me, my Thai neighbour went to land office to apply too but was told that it is not allow now.. they don’t really know why…maybe because a new boss now or maybe the law changed. So, yes, if can do it for free, get it first because you don’t know when things will be changed
Ossie *********
Albert Han why would your Thai neighbour want one he has a Thai issued ID card
Alastair *******
Ken Hulme Agree with this. Local gov is not willing to give these out to anyone as they will be held accountable. I got mine last year and it was not that easy tbh because they want to make sure you are genuine.
Ken *******
Alastair Munro I got mine a few years ago getting things translated and then authorised took a bit of time and money.
A friend of mine just got his handed to him with no documents only his passport. Which shows it all depends where you live and who stands behind the counter at the local goverment office.
A friend of mine just got his handed to him with no documents only his passport. Which shows it all depends where you live and who stands behind the counter at the local goverment office.
Pui *****
Many people answering talk about how you can use it for checking into hotels but under Section 38 of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 via the official Immigration Bureau, hotels and house masters must report any temporary foreign guests within 24 hours. The official Thai government regulation does not provide a TM30 exemption for pink ID card (alien registration) holders. It is true some hotels don't know this and allow it, but actually the hotel still needs your passport info to report your TM30 if they wish to comply with the regulations.
Allan *******
Why do paper work just for the sake of doing paperwork. 23y here and counting don't need one.
Ron *****
It’s a registry ID card which means you have a permanent residence.
You are no longer a transient person.
You are no longer a transient person.
Michael ********
Ron Pad All of us are 'transient persons' here all the visas here are nothing more than a temporary permission to stay
Peter ********
Ron Pad Rubbish!
It doesn't mean you have permanent residence. I have had a pink ID card for a few years and I still have to extend my visa every year.
It doesn't mean you have permanent residence. I have had a pink ID card for a few years and I still have to extend my visa every year.
Ron *****
Instead your disrespectful comment, tell me why you got the pink ID?
It has nothing to do with your Visa process. Resident = Home location.
It has nothing to do with your Visa process. Resident = Home location.
Peter ********
Ron Pad i wasn't being disrespectful, but the pink Id card has nothing to do with visa status. I was forced to get mine when I retired as I wanted to continue to use the free medical service that came with social security. I tried to use my passport at the hospital, but they insisted on the pink id card. It has been useful a few times at hotels and other places where I didn't have my passport
Julian *******
i think it’s worthwhile. some attractions etc give you thai price. it acts as your hospital number and tin number and dispenses with the necessity of carrying your passport. it also differentiates you to authorities from being just a tourist.
Paul *******
Julian Lewis It's not necessary to carry your passport.
Julian *******
Paul Jones it’s the law. although a photo of the bio page and visa entry stamp normally suffices , if a policeman wants to be difficult you can be fined. and people have been.
Duncan *******
Paul Jones Not that any of us do nor is it a great worry, but it's a legal requirement in Thailand to do so as a foreigner at all times.
************************************************************************************
*****
3/passports-better-safe-than-sorry
John ********
Theyre free so why not
Can be useful on ocassion
Can be useful on ocassion
Taki****
I use my Pink ID frequently, saves having to carry my Passport around for such things as using EMS service at Post Office.
Tom ********
I use mine a lot for ID at hotels. Also gets you local rate occasionally at some attractions.
Christian ********
Tom Powney works also with the driving license.
Ronnie ********
I have a light blue ID, you're rocking the pink ID, go for it!
Jim *******
Ronnie Norman There is only one ID for foreigners. Pink ID, I have it.
Ronnie ********
Jim Davis I have a light blue ID !
Michael ********
Phone registration, vehicles. In Bangkok most attractions are free. Hotel check ins
Peter ********
If you retire here and continue with social security, you absolutely need a pink ID card.
Peter ********
I agree with you. I have never received any discounts.
I still pay to social security and use the free hospital treatment. They do not accept passport for this. Only the pink ID card
I still pay to social security and use the free hospital treatment. They do not accept passport for this. Only the pink ID card
Ray ********
Peter Fayers I've had a Pink 🆔 card for over 8 years now and it has NEVER ever been accepted as a proof of 🆔.
Nor has it got ANY discounts at any national parks and the likes
Nor has it got ANY discounts at any national parks and the likes
Steve **********
OPI’ve been retired here for 5 years and never needed a pink card
Peter ********
Steve Doucette I said if you use Thai social stand the free hospital treatment you need a pink ID card. If you use private hospitals and pay yourself the there is no need for pink ID card.
Ive had one for several years and the free hospital treatment is the only place where I absolutely needed it. Other than that it is a handy, but not necessary form of ID when traveling around Thailand
Ive had one for several years and the free hospital treatment is the only place where I absolutely needed it. Other than that it is a handy, but not necessary form of ID when traveling around Thailand
Karl *****
Steve Doucette right there's no requirement for that
Kool *******
No
Kat ******
It depends. Some hotels will not accept pink ID, tried some and they will ask for the passport. For train stations, some stations won't accept pink ID, if you're a foreigner they wanted to see your passport. I was told about it.
Strength *********
Kat Tags my Thai driver licence works fine everywhere, I only take my passport if I'm going to the bank.
Steve **********
OPI’ve checked into dozens of hotels with just my drivers license
GiftedPass***********
Steve Doucette I fly with drivers license. As long as it's thai issued
Odd **********
Steve Doucette sure you can, but NOT all hotels accept it.
Steve **********
OPYa sometimes I worry about that when I don’t have my passport with me but no issues yet
Duncan *******
You can use it in place of a passport in hospitals and banks.
Jim *******
I can think of one reason to have Pink Card that is handy when you change (get issued with) a new passport.
Once you have the Yellow Book you have to ask for Thai Pink ID card, it is not issued without being asked for. Takes 10 minutes but is not automatic.
With Pink ID and 13 digits Thai national number, your driving license will not have your passport number on it, it will have those 13 digits. Passport number does not follow you when you have Pink ID (for over 60, it is for lifetime).
Once you have the Yellow Book you have to ask for Thai Pink ID card, it is not issued without being asked for. Takes 10 minutes but is not automatic.
With Pink ID and 13 digits Thai national number, your driving license will not have your passport number on it, it will have those 13 digits. Passport number does not follow you when you have Pink ID (for over 60, it is for lifetime).
Galenus ******
Yes! Your tax number is on it
Sandra ***********
Galenus Gold A pink ID card includes a 13-digit personal identification number, but that is not automatically proof that you have a separate tax identification number (TIN)
Galenus ******
@Sandra **********
It is your tax number ❗
Marty *********
I have a pink card. It’s in a drawer somewhere . . .
David *******
Great for ID.
Passport not needed.
50b when I got one.
Recommended.
Passport not needed.
50b when I got one.
Recommended.
Raymond *******
David Smith
Thorsten ***********
David Smith Good morning.Where did you got the pink ID? Never heard about it
David *******
@Thorsten **********
Local Amphur.David *******
Thorsten ***********
David Smith ???
Odd **********
David Smith not always true. I have both pink ID card and driverlicence, but still needed my passport only to buy a bus ticket from Hua Hin to Bkk.
Simon *********
If you have a yellow book, you are already on the ID system and should've been given an ID card
Steve **********
OPI don’t have a yellow book
Duncan *******
Simon Roberts Not automatic - you have to ask for the pink card. I've got one, but I know others who only bothered getting the yellow book and didn't take the next step.
Simon *********
@Duncan ******
the id is actually the first step. If you look at the yellow book, it's registered to the ID. My neighbors both got their cards automatically. I had to ask for mine. It's just a photo and 30baht
Tim **********
@Duncan ******
Same with me alsoJim *******
Simon Roberts Yes, you have to ask for it. 10 minutes, they take your picture, produce the card. I think it was 50 baht, maybe 30, can not remember, insignificant money anyway.
Unkempt*******
@Duncan ******
same with me. Wife registered me with yellow book. Then went to another office for ID next.Duncan *******
Simon Roberts It may be different where you are in Thailand, but when I got mine last year, they were different sections within the local Amphur office. Yellow book came first then I went with the book to a different section to get the pink card. The only way for me to get the pink card was to have the yellow book first.
Simon *********
If you buy a car or motorbike, registered to your passport, you can't sell it without a long term visa, so if for some reason your visa was refused, how do you sell them? Registered with pink ID, you don't need a visa to transfer ownership...
For me the main advantage is if I stay out of province, I can give the ID at a hotel, instead of my passport, so my tm30 doesn't get interupted and I don't have to file one every time
For me the main advantage is if I stay out of province, I can give the ID at a hotel, instead of my passport, so my tm30 doesn't get interupted and I don't have to file one every time
Angelo ***********
Simon Roberts Very good point. I guy I know ran a pub in Pattaya, "owns" a house and owns two cars. He made big mistake with overstay, and ended up in IDP. He is from Australia. As he had no valid visa, but was so pissed off about the situation, that he wanted to return to Australia: he tried to let his lawyer sell his cars. No way ... he basically has to go back to Australia, wait a year or two till the ban is over and come back on a tourist visa to sell his cars ... or gift them away, somehow.
Paul *******
Simon Roberts To sell a car or motorcycle you need a residence certificate, that is not linked t you visa.
Joni****
Simon Roberts 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙙𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠. 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙡 𝙖𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙪𝙥𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙩𝙢30, 𝙞𝙛 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙝𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙡 𝙞𝙣 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙞 𝙬𝙞𝙛𝙚'𝙨 𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙚
Simon *********
Joni1828 driving licence has passport number...
Kjetil **********
Simon Roberts Must i own a condo to get the pink ID ?
Simon *********
Kjetil Dingstad provinces are different. Here, when I got mine, I needed a 10yr rental agreement, but I believe that's changed since
Wayne ********
When you recieve it you get to engage people in debate in Facebook groups as to why it's so necessary.
Graeme *******
Wayne George yep but nothing like a driver's license which is accepted everywhere
Mikkel *******
Depends. Working as a teacher, I needed one to get access to SSO (social security). Gets me free hospital and discounts at the dentist, plus 2 free teeth cleaning per year. Also gets me into most tourist attractions either for free or for Thai price.
Jim *********
You can use Pink id card for internal flights instead of passport
Wilfred ********
Jim Dowling I use driving licence
Doug ******
You can use a drivers license too for flights. Have been doing it for a few years. I use it to check into hotels too.
Jim *********
Doug Mann didn't know DL could be used for flight. Iv been in a few hotels where they insist on passport
Doug ******
Your passport number is in your drivers license too
Ian **********
My friend told me he gets Thai prices at his local public hospital using his pink ID card. All patients are checked in using the 13-digit ID number, so he gets checked in as a Thai. Farangs get checked in with their passports and follow a different charging route. I've not tried this, but it is worth looking at.
David **********
Ian Morrison correct
Charlie *********
Ian Morrison Interesting. Thai healthcare is already incredibly affordable
Graeme *******
Ian Morrison the difference is nothing I've unfortunately had about 10 visits to the local hospital last year and prices are ok , 3 days in private room only 6000 baht the other costs including medication miminal.
Iliyan ***********
Ian Morrison I'm not sure about this because those of us who work here have a 13 digit sso number and we get checked by it, not by passport. That was the case with me at least.
Wayne ********
Ian Morrison i get local prices at the nearest hospital. No card needed.
GreenPo********
Wayne George same same
Roel **************
Ian Morrison not true, I checked in with my passport and price same as Thai, ,50 baht nurse and 70 baht for doctor. When go premium line then pay more but is fast line after closed hospital and waiting time is nearly nothing.
Charlie ***********
Roel van Hameren if you are registered in Bangkok with pink id you get charged less
Ingvar *******
Roel van Hameren that's different in different hospitals. So to say not true is not right. My nearest hospital have told me to get a pink ID card to reduce the fees.
Steve **********
OPInteresting
Lee *************
You need ID to have drivers licence, for you dont use licence for ID.
Jim *******
Lee Pornsuwan To get Thai DL, you need passport, Certificate of Residence and International Driving Permit. If no IDL, your national DL, if in English. My national DL is in Japanese, translation to English or Thai.
I skipped most of that, with Thai Pink ID, IDL, passport and nothing else. Yes, certificate of you reflexes, like medical certificate, 3 tests, each takes about 10 seconds. Took about 15 minutes from zero to Thai DL that has no my passport number, it has 13 digits Thai Pink ID number.
Most of foreigners have no Pink ID and they get Thai DL. Even backpackers.
I skipped most of that, with Thai Pink ID, IDL, passport and nothing else. Yes, certificate of you reflexes, like medical certificate, 3 tests, each takes about 10 seconds. Took about 15 minutes from zero to Thai DL that has no my passport number, it has 13 digits Thai Pink ID number.
Most of foreigners have no Pink ID and they get Thai DL. Even backpackers.
Lincoln *******
Lee Pornsuwan thai Driver's license is a government issued ID, works pretty much everywhere in Thailand.
Jim *******
@Lincoln ******
True. It is always government issued, not "if".Lincoln *******
Jim Davis sorry typo
Nigel **********
Lee Pornsuwan for the last 4 years I’ve traveled round Thailand. Train. Coach, plane, hotels,resorts always use my Thai DL. Never ever been asked for Passport. What a lot of people don’t realise is the drivers license is linked to your passport. Your passport number is on the license.
Jim *******
Nigel Saunders My Thai DL has my 13 digits Thai ID from my Pink Card, no passport number on it.
Backpackers on 2 weeks Thai stunt can get that Thai DL with passport number on it.
Backpackers on 2 weeks Thai stunt can get that Thai DL with passport number on it.
J ****************
Lee Pornsuwan wanna bet? I use it everywhere in Thailand; hotels, admission, Sr discounts
Jim *******
Lee Pornsuwan Not true, Thai DL can and is issued mostly without Thai ID.
Many, if not most, foreigners with Thai DL do not know the Pink Card even exists.
Many, if not most, foreigners with Thai DL do not know the Pink Card even exists.
John **********
I can't think of one, driving license does everything I need
Grahame *********
@John *********
Certificate of Residence is one that comes to my mind.John **********
@Grahame ********
a number of places such as DLT offices can still want to see a residence certificate even if you have a yellow house book and pink ID cardGraeme *******
@John *********
correct.
Ray ******
None that I can see only thing you don't need a residence certificate if you buying a car or bike but how many times are you going to do that
Christian ********
Ray Mond the residence cert. is for free. why should I go to Bangkok, foreign Minister, embassy, 2 witnesses only to have the same as the driving license ?
Ray ******
Christian Vogler it cost me 500 baht in khon kaen
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