What identification can I use for domestic air travel in Thailand if my passport is with immigration for visa processing?

Mar 2, 2022
3 years ago
Johannes *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
If my passport is in the visa process at the immigrations, which document can I use to travel by air domestic in Thailand? German citizen, I have German national identity card, German driving license and of course passport copies.

Edit: to avoid misunderstanding:

I dont have thai id card or thai driving license.

I came on visa exemption and now need to change the visa. Apparently the process will take a few weeks, i was being told
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A German citizen is inquiring about identification options for domestic air travel within Thailand, as their passport is currently held by immigration during a visa processing situation. They mention having a German national identity card, a German driving license, and passport copies but lack a Thai ID or driving license. The discussion among commenters reveals some concerns about immigration practices and the general requirements for domestic travel, emphasizing the importance of contacting the airline for specific policy clarification.
Mark **********
You should be careful as the Immigration Bureau does not hold passports for a visa renewal process. They will keep copies, but not original passports. Of late, we unfortunately had to help more clients than we’d like to see undo the work of visa agents where passports are held for long periods of time. I know this doesn’t answer your question directly (I would call your airline to understand the carrier’s requirements), but wanted you to be aware that you may not be getting fully and fairly informed about the process. Best of luck to you.
Philip **********
@Mark *********
Actually they do hold passports. When I did my renewal for extension based on retirement in December. I submitted my application, all relevant documents, money, passport. I had to go back a few days later to pick up my passport. Chonburi Immigration.
Mark **********
@Philip *********
That’s not typical and certainly not weeks. If you are out of possession of our passport for weeks I think you would agree that’s a red flag.
Johannes *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mark *********
thanks i appreciate it
Niclas ***********
Thai driving license other than passport is the only thing I been able to fly on.
Johannes *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Niclas **********
i dont have thai driving license
Dave ********
@Jo ******
I use my pink Thai id card
Johannes *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dave *******
i dont have😂 i came on visa exemption and now need to change the visa
Dave ********
@Jo ******
And you're using an agent ?
Johannes *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dave *******
yeah. I dont speak thai
Dave ********
@J*
, I don't know if you're aware, but immigration staff are well educated and can speak English, plus other languages
Johannes *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dave *******
yes but i heard so many stories about people getting denied the covid visa extension, so i am worrying. Maybe unjustified. You think when i arrived on visa exempt it is 100% sure i get the covid extension before march 25?
Оливер *********
I have the same issue. I had to travel (by bus) to Bangkok and had no problems checking into a hotel with only the passport copy!

Air travel I'm not sure but I would think it's not possible.
Dave ********
Immigration never hold your passport.
Philip **********
@Dave *******
Immigration does hold passports. When I did my renewal for extension based on retirement in December. I submitted my application, all relevant documents, money, passport. I had to go back a few days later to pick up my passport. Chonburi Immigration.
Оливер *********
@Dave *******
yes they do if you getting a visa via an agency. Can take up to four weeks! Been there, done it, got the t-shirt!
Dave ********
@Оливер ********
it would be the agent who is holding it, not immigration.

Though it baffles me why anyone would use an agent to perform one of the simplest things in the world, unless of course, it's a dodgy visa
Оливер *********
@Dave *******
the agent hands the passport over to immigration. Immigration takes a long time to process it!
Dave ********
@Оливер ********
if you say so 🤣🤣🤣
Johannes *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dave *******
i read so many stories that covid extension is denied without an agent, i dont wanna risk anything
Bobby ********
Jo Moser. So you'd risk handing over your passport to an unlicensed agent who's going to sit on it for months, perhaps not even get the extension and send you onto overstay? Wow! That's lunacy
Bobby ********
Why is immigration holding your passport? That seems very irregular
Keith *******
@Bobby *******
- why you been so patronizing, the guy is only asking for advice?
Bobby ********
Keith Scurr. And I'm giving him advice. If he'd asked me earlier I'd have advised him to stay away from agents, and that he can do the extension himself for 1900 baht. I'd have further advised not handing over his passport to an unlicensed and unregulated individual, without at least getting a copy of that person's identification. I'd further advise that there are other options to remain long-term in the country without having to pay lowlife agents stacks of money for potentially non-legitimate visas. If you think that giving advice is patronising, you own that problem. By the way, I haven't noticed you giving any advice except to stick your nose in where's it's not wanted.
Johannes *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bobby *******
i havent given the passport to agent yet - just wanted to ask in advance because i am planning to travel domestic
Bobby ********
Jo Moser. Just go to immigration and get the extension yourself. But you do realise the covid extensions are finishing, you need to look at a long-term solution if you wish to stay in the country beyond the next extension
Johannes *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
as you know thailand visa is always a big struggle if you dont work here or are retired here
Bobby ********
Jo Moser. So what exactly are you doing here? If you've enough dosh you don't need to work, why don't you get the Elite Visa? Works out at $10 a day over five years
Johannes *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bobby *******
well afaik you have to pay it all at once in the beginning, i am not having like 20k USD in cash liquidity
Johannes *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bobby *******
because the visa is in the application process
Bobby ********
Jo Moser. Are you changing visas?
Johannes *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Bobby ********
Jo Moser. I've lived in Thailand for over 12 years and never had to leave my passport with immigration. I assume they gave you a receipt for it, so carrying the receipt with a copy of passport data page and current visa/extension will suffice
Duncan *******
@Bobby *******
you are right but read his other comment above - it's not actually with immigration, it's with an agent.
Johannes *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bobby *******
i was told otherwise!
Bobby ********
Jo Moser. Ok. I just can't believe you'd hand your passport over to an agent
Johannes *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bobby *******
i dont want to, but i dont think i have another option except do the covid extension by myself and risk to be denied
Bobby ********
Jo Moser. Your call man. Your passport. There's no way I'd ever risk it. Too many stories of passports being withheld for months, and when returned never got the visa and got fined for overstay and banned for a year or two. But each to their own. Even if an agent is doing a covid extension he should only need your passport for a few hours, unless it's being sent by post to another province.
Johannes *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bobby *******
actually it is sent by post to another region
Bobby ********
Jo Moser. Your call man. I guess I'm just a stickler for staying legal.
Johannes *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bobby *******
i appreciate it man. I just wanna find the best solution
Lyndon ************
@Jo ******
best solution, only involve an agent as last resort. You only arrived recently visa exempt, have you had the normal 30 day extension yet?

Then the covid one is easy first time, just apply before
****
after your 30 day extension. That will take you to end of May for 3800 THB.

How much is the visa agent charging? What are you getting for that?
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