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What is the process for verifying an online app account in Thailand using a passport?
Cash paymentsCashless paymentsThailandLotus appDigital paymentsQR codesExpat adviceVisa and immigrationLocal payment methods
Jun 14, 2025
a year ago
Colin **********
ORIGINAL POSTERIn the "more" category, I'm drifting towards a cashless world, which for me is cool, I noticed that Lotus had an online app, so I added it, setup was going well until it said "You need to verify your account by taking your passport to the local store". Which i did and to my surprise they knew what to do. Looks like trying to make sure scammers dont eat lol.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around the preference between cash and cashless payments in Thailand. Many users mention the growing trend of cashless transactions, particularly through the use of QR codes and mobile apps such as the Lotus app. Some participants express concerns about reliance on digital payments, highlighting issues like internet outages and the anonymity cash provides. There is a debate on convenience versus privacy, with some advocating for cash as a way to avoid government tracking and control. Overall, the sentiment reflects a mix of adaptation to cashless methods while still valuing the security and control offered by cash.
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Michael *********
Today. Went to my usual coffee shop. A guy was talking about how materialistic some people are. He pointed out how the Thai owner had asked me twice for payment; this had been slightly confused because this guy had offered to pay for my coffee. Then went by a lunch place I've been to many times and asked to pick up a pad thai at noon so I wouldn't have to wait and would be able to make it to my Thai class in time at 1:00. Got back there at 12:05, ate my pad thai, finished around 12:35. Went to pay, discovered didn't have wallet. Oops! No problem, I'll use KBank app, which I only recently started using. Then, hm... system seems to be down, rats! Please try again.... Hm.... tried again, still no luck. Proprietor agreed I could pay next time. Now in a bit of a hurry, went back to cafe quickly to look for the wallet. The owner brandished it as I walked in. Handing it to me he said, "didn't open!" Sure enough, the two thousand-baht notes were still there, and a 20. I gave him the 20. He beamed, so did I. So, yeah. Not sure what to think about all that. Anyway I must be in Thailand or something 😁
Mike ******
Food cost 50bt...not change
Mike ******
I did ask my mother in law ..who sells chicken..what is a qr code......
Colin **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mike *****
the locals here know is "scan", QR code sometimes draws a blank face.Mike ******
@Colin *********
and do you think it will be popular with thai people??....Colin **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mike *****
well maybe the younger generation. For sure the older folk won't have a clue.Mike ******
Go back home...With your ideas...You have no idea...most thais live day to day..
Mike ******
Most market stalls have a pq code in thailand....???..stupid. Tourist
Colin **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mike *****
not that its any of business, but I've been travelling to Thailand for 35 years, lived here for 14, worked for 3 and spent the rest of the time in the countryside, I see how Thais live on a day to basis, but also I see changes many kids have smart phones some of my sons friends (10 year olds) have TrueWallets for paying for lunch, and every year a new tech savvy generation are released into the job market. If you don't like other people's ideas your in the wrong place.Mike ******
@Colin *********
and who pays for all off this....pushing parents into further debtMike ******
Join the real world
Mike ******
Who cares about q code
Mike ******
I put it to you...you no funk all about thailand..
Colin **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mike *****
what jungle juice you drinking? Im not sure if want to avoid it or drink it 🤔 😅 😕 🤷Mike ******
@Colin *********
cheersMike ******
Average salary for a thai...
*****
bt a month...if you over 35 years old...for get itReply to
Mike ******
Reply
Mike ******
Never seen a market stall with a qr code...and I am in phuket...
Brandon ************
@Mike *****
I've never seen a market stall without one. If you're not looking for something you'll never see it.Mike ******
@Brandon ***********
kids...and there new toysMike ******
@Brandon ***********
I am getting oldMike ******
@Brandon ***********
you could well be right Brandon...Reply to
Mike ******
Reply
Mike ******
Come to Thailand.....
Cash always..
Cash always..
Colin **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mike *****
it's changing in my view 90% of the market stalls and stall on the road have QR codes. I rarely use cash.Mike ******
I only pay cash.....beware
Mike ******
I have lived in Thailand 20 years now...You surprise me...?
Colin **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mike *****
20 years ago, QR codes were only twinkle in a developers eye and it's only in the last few years its taken off in Thailand. I can see a time when only bar girls, drug dealers and the like will use cash.Reply to
Colin **********
Reply
Jim ***********
As soon as you go cashless you are owned f*** that that's what's great about Thailand you need cash or gold f*** that cashless nobody's owns me
Baran ********
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Peter ********
But they don't
Bill **********
It's a bit scary when all your purchases can be monitored .
Andy ************
@Bill *********
What are you frightened of? What are you hiding?Colin **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andy ***********
me hiding something? Im in favour of a cashless world, to me i put going to a ATM alongside having your teeth taken out or going to immigration the day before a Songkran, so any chance to "scan" i do, I even bought a coke at 7 for 14thb this morning, the only winners with cash is my son, he nicks all my change 😆 🤣 😂 😹 😆Bill **********
@Colin *********
You sound like a scan junkie .I guess it's addictive . I notice that customers in 711 ,like yourself,use their phones even for few baht purchases .🤔Colin **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bill *********
it become my mission to scan for everything 😆 🤣 😂 😹 😆Andy ************
@Colin *********
I guess it was your agreement with the tinfoil hat "It's a bit scary when all your purchases can be monitored". If the purchase of (for example) toilet paper being "monitored" is "scary", I'd say that person has much deeper psychological issuesColin **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andy ***********
I wasn't agreeing just saying its going to happenAndy ************
@Colin *********
Ok. You said "unfortunately" - me personally I couldn't give a sh*t. If the Government, WEF, WHO, WWF are really interested in my grocery shopping list - go for it! 😂😂Colin **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andy ***********
yes indeedReply to
Colin **********
Reply
Colin **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bill *********
unfortunately most countries are moving this way.Reply to
Colin **********
Reply
Paul **********
Cash is king especially when the computer says NO.
Andy ************
@Paul *********
I have trouble paying with cash on my computer. Where do you feed the notes in?Paul **********
@Andy ***********
Oh very funny. Jeesus christ use your brain. The governent bank or internet company can say NO ! Electricity is down 'computer' will say NO !!!! MY CASH is anonymous and cannot be turned off.
Andy ************
@Paul *********
So the ATM will never say NO? 😂Paul **********
@Andy ***********
What atm ? I never said to use atm I SAID USE CASH fgsPaul **********
I keep all my cash under the floorboards !!!!!!!
Andy ************
@Paul *********
Yes it sounds like you're somewhat paranoidPaul **********
@Andy ***********
I don't care. I will have ability to spend and buy food even when the machines will not allow. Cash is King for me. CheersAndy ************
@Paul *********
Good for you! But be warned, "they" are watching what you buy anyway. Facial recognition is the future!Paul **********
@Andy ***********
Oh nice deflection there. So you know EXACTLY what we are up against ! And still you defend it and them.Disgraceful
Andy ************
@Paul *********
Not defending anything. Just reassuring youPaul **********
@Andy ***********
reassuring me of what ? The evil control system that is coming that you SUPPORT ! F THAT, NO I REBEL against it until I die.Andy ************
@Paul *********
Reassuring you that "they" are watching you, no matter how much you try to hide. They have your facial biometrics and your fingerprints. You are being watchedPaul **********
@Andy ***********
Proving I am correct that Cash is King.Andy ************
@Paul *********
Method of payment makes no difference. "They" know everything about you. Where do you get cash? Oh that's right, from an ATM, which photographs you withdrawing the cash.Paul **********
@Andy ***********
BUT they do not know where or what I spend it on. I do not even use big stores. I do not go out with my smartphone I do not have any 'other' smart device either. Cash is KING !!!!!!!I for one do not agree or go along with their controlling bull as much as is reasonably possible. Unlike most sheep who blindly follow every order and willingly 'lap up' their 'convenience' systems
Andy ************
@Paul *********
Oh dear you have got it bad. Obviously so much to hide. The worse sheep are those that follow the conspiracy theorists!Paul **********
@Andy ***********
Got f all to hide !!!!!! Except it is MY life and I choose to want to live privately without others dictating or controlling or watching every bloody thing I do or where I f king go.Andy ************
@Paul *********
And I'm the same. No-one dictates or controls me. I only buy what I want, and I don't buy what I don't want. Simple huh?Paul **********
@Andy ***********
But you defend and go along with all the Bs. I use cash only.Andy ************
@Paul *********
I'm defending my right to freedom of choice. Cashless is just so convenient for me. You're the one stuck with all the paranoid BS!Paul **********
@Andy ***********
But it is NOT paranoid bullshit and YOU know it !!!!!Andy ************
@Paul *********
Actually I don't know it! I've been cashless for years and I'm loving it! And I have total control over what I buy and what I don't buy!Paul **********
Andy ************
@Paul *********
Yeah yeah yeah. Of course. Are you on medication?Paul **********
@Andy ***********
No I need no big pharma poison thank you.Andy ************
@Paul *********
I think you need somethingPaul **********
@Andy ***********
Got what bad ? My desire to be free ? And not want people poking their noses into and controlling me or my life ? Yes maybe I have. No you are wrong NONE of this is conspiracy ffs. You know it to be factual ALL of their 'convenience' methods are for CONTROLAndy ************
@Paul *********
I haven't used cash for many years, but I make all my own choices what I buy and what I don't buy. No-one controls me either, so I guess there's no difference except you live with fearPaul **********
GO TO THE BANK GET CASH !!!!!!!
Reply to
Paul **********
Reply
Peter ********
Cashless will kill Thailand
Scot *******
@Peter *******
- it sure will. Cash is king.Andy ************
@Scot ******
That's why most Thais use cashless?Scot *******
@Andy ***********
- not from what I've seen. Just for fun, I will say 'that's why most Thais use cash?'Andy ************
@Scot ******
Enjoy your fun! I'm simply stating facts, not opinions!Scot *******
@Andy ***********
- it seems other sources say different, and you still didn't address the comment. 😉Andy ************
Scot *******
@Andy ***********
- just stating facts, not opinion. You can't dispute it. Stay on topic. 😉Peter ********
@Andy ***********
U dont have to use the QR codes & cardsScot *******
@Andy ***********
- the fact still remains. It seems you try, but you can't argue with the facts. 😉Andy ************
@Scot ******
I don't have to argue. Facts and stats support what I'm saying ****************************************************************
Scot *******
@Andy ***********
- 'cash is still the most widely used payment method.' Can't argue with the facts. 😉Colin **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andy ***********
not surprisedAndy ************
@Colin *********
QR code is really king in Thailand. No need to carry large sums of cash, accepted universally - almost impossible to find anyone NOT accepting QR code. It's brilliantColin **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andy ***********
yes agreedScot *******
@Andy ***********
- it will kill Thailand. Cash is king. Just stating facts. Your chart doesn't address this, neither did you. Enjoy! 😉Reply to
Scot *******
Reply
Jay ********
Cash is King has been my moto
Must admit other than 711 I use the scan payment method everywhere
Resisted for years but now I prefer cashless
Scan dai?
555
Must admit other than 711 I use the scan payment method everywhere
Resisted for years but now I prefer cashless
Scan dai?
555
Thomas *******
@Jay *******
I use my Capital one credit card whenever I can. I scan for food stalls and use cash in the village when we get work done around the house. I've always liked cashless to a point, it's just moving numbers around. When you use cash, you can see the stack go down and I don't like that. 😞 Great name by the way.Reply to
Thomas *******
Reply
Willy *******
You can use Lotus app without verification with passport details.
Colin **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Willy ******
maybe if you have a old account, but it's part of the sign up process now.Willy *******
@Colin *********
I opened new account when get new phone and number 2 weeks ago and started to use ignoring that verification message. And it has worked OK I just cannot collect and use loyalty pointsColin **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Willy ******
were you able to make payments ok?Willy *******
@Colin *********
I always pay on delivery (prompt pay, Bangkok Bank). So no problem with that. I never have used cardColin **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Willy ******
so the payment is from you bank account to lotus, your bank details are not on the app?Willy *******
Yes. I use prompt pay (scan) if I pay in Lotus store or delivery. I haven't save my card details in app
Reply to
Willy *******
Reply
Mike *******
When you go to scan at stores and find out the internet is down or the QR code doesn't work or some other digital problem arrives. Cash will always be King. No one can shut your cash down, but they can shut down digital currencies. No one will track and trace all your movements as well.
Lynnette *******
@Mike ******
I use cash. I prefer that.Jeremy ********
@Mike ******
you’re assuming you took out enough money from the ATM beforehand Life and thai entertainment happens
Tony *********
@Mike ******
well the solution is simple. Always have some cash in your wallet for the very rare occasion when the power is out. Come on Mike. Get with the program. Who wants to carry around a bag of coins for heaven's sake.Mike *******
I don't any coins with me. Only cash. Coins l use for, laundry or water fill up at condo.
Colin **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mike ******
laundry what's that, I have people to do that type of stuffReply to
Colin **********
Reply
Christopher ********
@Mike ******
actually I never carry cash anymore. At least not in BKK. Maybe in other cities there can be outages. For me it’s 90% mobile (prompt pay and apps) and 10% or less card. No more piles of unused coins, grimy notes, etc….Mike *******
Was it really all that inconvenient all those years caring cash. No government knew what the heck you spent your money on. None of there business. Digital now makes it there business. I do both. 90% cash, the rest digital if I'm buying on line. That 10% is all anyone needs to know. They don't sell my transaction info when l use cash.
Tony *********
@Mike ******
you're just paranoid.Stephen ********
@Tony ********
🤣🤣🤣 tell that to the truckers in canada that got their bank accounts frozen. It gives governments total controlTony *********
@Stephen *******
where do you think you get cash from? A bank. So if your account is frozen it doesn't matter whether you're using cash or a card does it? Duh!Stephen ********
@Tony ********
you're assuming everyone uses a bank 🤣Tony *********
@Stephen *******
you have your own money printing press? 😄Stephen ********
@Tony ********
if money is simply circulated without involving banks, then we wouldn't be relying on banks. Its not rocket science 🤷♂️Tony *********
@Stephen *******
that would never work because the nature of any economy is that it expands and along with it the banks have to keep printing more money. And those banknotes in your pocket that you keep circulating would start to get extremely grubby 😀Stephen ********
@Tony ********
good for free immune system 😀 and ofcourse it would work. Put in the bank what is necessary, circulate the rest. That way we keep control.Tony *********
@Stephen *******
forget about money. I'll give you a goat for three chickens.Stephen ********
@Tony ********
what do you want in return? 🤣🤣🤣Tony *********
@Stephen *******
three chickens?Tony *********
@Stephen *******
I'm in Thailand not in Canada.Mike *******
@Tony ********
Yes. I have a big tinfoil hat on all the time.Tony *********
@Mike ******
that doesn't surprise me.Reply to
Tony *********
Reply
Jesper *******
Lotus have a members app that earns royalty points when u make purchases but u still need to use other payment methods like bank apps, true money or cash
Jeremy ********
Thailand loves the QR Scan code now
I even met a girl in Pattaya that her QR code tatted on her…I was amazed
I even met a girl in Pattaya that her QR code tatted on her…I was amazed
Andrew ********
@Jeremy *******
now that shit is funnyJeremy ********
@Andrew *******
it’s the new 2025 tattooColin **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeremy *******
knowing Thailand the tattoo artist probably put his QR code on them 😳 🤣 😂 😆 😄Reply to
Colin **********
Reply
Colin **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeremy *******
did the QR code work?Jonnie *******
@Colin *********
more to the point, was the QR code strategically placed, at least that way you could more closely inspect the merchandise before payingJeremy ********
@Colin *********
no idea I didn’t want her to know my name 🤣Reply to
Jeremy ********
Reply
Jesper *******
@Jeremy *******
what if she needs to change bank acct and that qr doesn't work anymore?🤔Jeremy ********
@Jesper ******
Do you really think she thinks that far aheadMelanie **********
@Jeremy *******
she sounds like an absolute winner 😂Jeremy ********
@Melanie *********
she was highly flexible with great oral communicationsReply to
Jeremy ********
Reply
Gary **********
Thailand loves cash
Tony *********
@Gary *********
not anymore. It's QR codes everywhere.Jeremy ********
@Tony ********
it’s so convenientTony *********
@Jeremy *******
Yeah I love it. I can't remember the last time I used cash. It's very rare to find someone who doesn't accept payment by QR code now.Jeremy ********
@Tony ********
now I kind of dislike ****
because they don’t do QR code payments…only CC, Ali and TrueTony *********
@Jeremy *******
7-Eleven is starting to accept QR payments now. It seems to be a progressive roll out so you won't see it in all stores.Jeremy ********
@Tony ********
I’ll keep looking…I’ve been using Lawson 108 regularly since they accept the QR ScanTony *********
@Jeremy *******
what's Lawson 108?Jeremy ********
@Tony ********
it’s a store like ****
Reply to
Jeremy ********
Reply
Jeremy ********
@Gary *********
they love the QR Scan codeReply to
Jeremy ********
Reply
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