I've always been asked to show a real authentic passport for check in, so it's definitely weird on the hotel side for a person to use a passport copy to check in, yet to redeem points. I'd report the hotel.
but it's not the same. Thailand does have a visa on arrival for other countries not elegible for the visa exemption. It costs 1,900 baht and it's good to stay in the Kingdom for up to 15 days only, without the option to extend it.
I think we're taking about different things. Of course you need one (or several) IDs, including your passport, to open a bank account, so I don't know why you mention "any proof of who you are". I'm saying that tourists can open accounts in many countries: South Korea, USA, Canada, some EU member countries, etc.