Bring Your Passport

[Snick]

For those visiting Thailand, I suggest you make a photocopy of your Passport's photo page and keep it with you when you go out.

I normally keep a copy in my pocket, but did not have it last night, and I was denied entry to a local Thai club. They would not accept my driver's license as ID only a Passport.

This is more and more common, especially in the Ratchada Area.

[Bit Beefy]

Cheers Snick... Will do.....Its weird, during my trips ive not once been asked for ID...But always better to be safe than sorry.......

[Snick]

Its a pretty recent development, just the last few moths. Strange thing is I've only been asked at places where tourists normally do not go.

[Blue Ballz]

If you REALLY wished to gain entrance and DO NOThave your ID, just flash a few pics of His Royal Highness-The King. That should suffice-nuff said! TIT

[Road Runner]

Gentlemen,

Beware! In many contries - Thailand included - it is an offence to go outside without valid ID.
For the girls that means their ID cards for us our passports. Photocopies are NOT a substitute.

The police can lock you up for not having ID. OK they are not normally going to bother and yes they will normally accept a photocopy of your passport - but they can lock you up!

The club owner is well within his rights to check ID. If any underage drinkers end up in the bar it will probably get a 30 day closure. One bar I like near to Khao San Rd checks everyones ID - even mine and I'm past my first flush of youth

RR.

[stogie bear]

Beware! In many contries - Thailand included - it is an offence to go outside without valid ID.
For the girls that means their ID cards for us our passports. Photocopies are NOT a substitute.

You are absolutely correct BUT usually a photocopy (if it is clear enough) will satisfy the old bill.

[stogie bear]

In my experience of the police in Thailand they are very friendly and they will almost see things your way if you are cool and apologetic (and sober of course!)

I have gotten out of a few jams by maintaining my composure and apologising.

[Snick]

First let me say that (unfortunately) I can no longer pass for under 21, and I understand that the law here says bring your passport with you (but its right up there with no prostitution and no jay-walking in enforcement).

The point I was trying to make was that this seems to be NEW policy in many local bars. If you are a frequent traveller and never needed an ID before, you may find it a little different now.

I usually keep a photocopy in my back pocket...just didn't have it that night. Its also a good habit in the daytime, I needed that photocopy today when I tried to use my credit card at one store for an expensive item.

[Road Runner]

One country where the police are hot on ID is France. If they are suspicious about you and you have no ID the French police WILL arrest you and take you to a police station to establish your identity. French citizens can face a stiff fine if they fail to carry their ID - though I believe it rarely happens.

Of course if they believe you are British they will give up. The 'Rost Biffs' don't carry ID and often forget their passports!

Snick,

I know what you mean about the enforcement. Maybe there is a new police chief in place and he's decided to apply the rules properly.

RR.