For anyone in Bangkok, this will be of interest - there are reports of police hassling and detaining foreigners in the Asoke area for not having their passports on them. This guy was detained for two hours and had a copy of his passport details and stamp https://www.reddit.com/r/Thailand/comments/1bvm006/physical_passport_required/ This one was just asked by police to show theirs, presumably in the same area. https://www.reddit.com/r/ThailandTourism/comments/1bvsvtm/do_police_usually_ask_for_passport_at_night_when/

Why are police in Bangkok detaining foreigners for not carrying passports?

Passport Requirement Police Enforcement Foreigners in Thailand Visa Regulations Bangkok Immigration Travel Safety

Apr 5, 2024

9 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

For anyone in Bangkok, this will be of interest - there are reports of police hassling and detaining foreigners in the Asoke area for not having their passports on them.

This guy was detained for two hours and had a copy of his passport details and stamp

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This one was just asked by police to show theirs, presumably in the same area. 

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TLDR : Answer Summary

In Bangkok, particularly in the Asoke area, there are reports of police detaining foreigners for not carrying their physical passports. Although carrying a passport is legally mandated, enforcement has been inconsistent, with some instances of police cracking down on foreigners, especially in tourist-heavy areas. This has raised concerns among the expatriate community, particularly as police seem to be stepping up their scrutiny amidst broader investigations into illegal visas and activities.

Rob **********

It is the law, but it is rarely enforced, but in this current climate they are clamping down on Farang’s, especially around the tourist areas, so be careful.

8 months ago

Jiji ***********

Probably some overzealous officer trying to impress someone and failing.

A few years back, here in Chiang Mai, a load of officers turned up to Zoes at like 11pm and took into custody a load of foreigners who didn't have their passports on them (because of course; who *doesn't* have their passport with them while they're out partying?).

After all that malarkey, questioning, and even blood testing, looking for visa overstayers and people who'd taken or smoked anything illegal, they found a grand total of.... ZERO such cases.

Zilch. Nowt. Nada. To use the Thai word: Soon.

From what I hear, a few very sheepish individual officers got summoned for "clarification on what happened" (Thai cultural translation: Getting a massive bollocking), and there were a few "transfers to inactive posts".

9 months ago

Frank **********

I read an article in Bangkok Post that they are investigating some 400 foreigners with illegal visas, and shady business ownerships in Phuket. The police are cracking down in tourist areas.

9 months ago

Fred ******

Thailand retirement visa? Is it 800,000 thai baht per person or per couple?

9 months ago

Paul ********

That old chestnut has reared it's head again.

9 months ago

Jeffrey ************

Looking for a donation to the tea fund.

9 months ago

Marcin *******

I wonder, do Thais need to carry Thai ID card on them at all times ?