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

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.

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".

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.

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

That old chestnut has reared it's head again.

Looking for a donation to the tea fund.

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

Get a Thai ID card

It is the law but rarely enforced especially if you you carry other form of ID such as Thai Driving license