@Christian ******

you can find furnished apartments everywhere

I would always buy a new mattress…you never know what the person before you was doing on that mattress

@Suzene ****

A pink ID card in Thailand, officially called an "Alien Identification Card," is a form of identification for non-Thai nationals living in the country.

It's issued to foreigners who meet specific criteria, such as having a valid long-term visa, being registered in a yellow house book (Tabien Baan), or having a work permit. While it doesn't grant full citizenship rights, it serves as a recognized form of identification for various transactions and interactions with Thai authorities and organizations.

Thai Pink ID Card - A Guide for Foreign Nationals

Key Features and Benefits:

Identification:

It acts as a valid form of identification for foreigners, especially in situations where a passport might be inconvenient to carry.

Access to Services:

It can facilitate access to certain government services, healthcare, and national parks, often at Thai prices.

Hotel Bookings and Domestic Travel:

It can be used for checking into hotels and for domestic travel purposes.

Banking:

While some banks may still require a passport for opening accounts, the pink ID card can simplify the process and is sometimes accepted.

Proof of Residence:

When combined with a yellow house book, it can be helpful in obtaining residency certificates or registering vehicles.

Eligibility and Application:

Valid Long-Term Visa:

Applicants generally need a valid non-immigrant visa (e.g., O visa for retirement or marriage) or a work permit.

Yellow House Book:

Having a yellow house book (Tabien Baan) is often a prerequisite, as it indicates the foreigner's registered address in Thailand.

Application Process:

The application process typically involves submitting required documents (passport, visa, work permit, yellow house book), undergoing fingerprinting, and having a photo taken.

Important Considerations:

Not a Residence Permit:

The pink ID card does not grant permanent residency or full citizenship rights

Utility Varies:

The usefulness of the pink ID card can vary depending on individual needs and circumstances.

Not a Mandatory Requirement:

While it can be beneficial, it's not mandatory for all foreigners living in Thailand.

@Suzene ****

you can live in a Thai household and the house master can add you to the blue book which allows you to get a yellow book and a pink id card at the amphur office

You can also own a house (Pattaya gives expats blue books no idea why) and get a yellow book as well

The pink card some will say is useless but I know how to use it so it’s not useless it gives you a thai 13 digit ID number so use it to get a SIM card and DL plus add it to a bank acct

With the pink id and yellow house book get your DL with the 13 digit number, it helps out because if you use your passport every-time you get a new passport you have to update the DL…

the pink id number is for life

Also you can open a bank acct and get a SIM card with the 13 digit number on the pink id

And the best part is the fast track at the airport…no more long lines

Blue book make sure she’s the blue book house master if not a TM30 will need to be filled out by the blue book house master to say yes he’s staying here along with a scan/photo of the house masters ID card

If he gets passport checked by the BiB he’s in for a world of hurt, also by overstaying he’s hurting his chances of receiving a visa in the future

I would suggest a flight to his home country asap get a new passport and return

Plan B…Cambodia sells a year visa $300 no questions asked but you need passport pages to get it

You can buy the fast track pass

Or you can buy a business class or first class ticket

Or you can buy the Thai privilege visa and use fast track for the duration of your visa

So you’re telling me a person who has had no visa at all since let’s say Nov to present (9 months), been in country on visa free stamps and extensions

Can pay the ฿2,000-฿4,000 for perpetuity and never get denied entry….

That’s amazing

Personally I would act as if it doesn’t exist and never look at it again.

T i T is the only correct answer here