The Thai pink ID for foreigners in Thailand is something we saw more and more after 2016. Thai citizens have a Thai ID that is blue and it is a very important document for them. Actually, the two more important IDs for Thai people are:
- A Thai Identification Card that includes their name, photograph, residential address, and a 13-digit identification number. The card is predominantly blue in color. (Refer to the example below)
- A Ta bian ban, or a blue household registration book, which validates their official residential address.
Thai Identification Card
This card is an essential document for Thai nationals. It is required for various purposes like land transfer, election voting, applying for a government job, opening a bank account, etc.
Non-Thai residents, mainly foreign nationals, use their passports as identification in Thailand. A variant of the Ta bian ban, known as the “Yellow Ta bian baan,” can be used by foreigners. This document is typically issued by the local Amphur and/or Tessaban, providing an official address for the foreign resident. Another document provided by Immigration, known as the “Certificate of Residency,” can also validate a foreigner’s address.
What does the first number of a Thai ID means:
The Thai Identification Card was introduced based on a law adopted in the Buddhist year 2526. The first digit of the identification number on this card represents different meanings:
- ‘1’ represents a Thai national born from January 1, 1984, onwards, and whose birth was registered within 15 days.
- ‘2’ represents a Thai national born from January 1, 1984, onwards, whose birth registration was delayed.
- ‘3’ represents a Thai national and aliens with identification cards registered in the census before May 31, 1984.
- ‘4’ is for the same group as ‘3’ but who previously did not have an ID number.
- ‘5’ signifies Thai nationals who were added to the census later due to an error.
- ‘6’ is used for individuals who entered the country unlawfully or legally but with the intent of temporary residence. Hence, if you own a yellow Ta bian ban, your Thai ID number likely starts with a 6.
- ‘7’ is used for children of individuals falling under the ‘6’ category.
- ‘8’ is for former aliens whose original nationality was converted to Thai after May 1, 1984, including permanent residents.
As per the law, Thai people above seven years of age must have a Thai ID Card.
Pink Thai ID for foreigners
The pink ID card for foreigners is a unique identification card. It does not offer the same rights as those held by a Thai national and on the back, it is even written that this is not an ID card! Yes, but still, it can be very useful if you live in Thailand or even when you are abroad.
The Ministerial Regulation of Section 5 of the Civil Registration Act, BE 2534 (1991), as amended by the Civil Registration Act (No.2), BE 2551 (2008), provides several definitions for non-Thai nationality individuals:
- Aliens who have obtained permission to reside in the Kingdom under the Immigration Act and have a permanent residence or certificate under the Immigration Act or the Alien Registration Act. This category also includes children born in the Kingdom who have not been granted Thai nationality by birth.
- Aliens who have been granted special cases of residence in the Kingdom by the Minister of Interior under the Immigration Act and children born in the Kingdom who have not been granted Thai nationality by birth.
- Aliens temporarily admitted to the Kingdom under the Immigration Act and children born in the Kingdom who have not been granted Thai nationality by birth.
- Aliens who entered the Kingdom without permission under the Immigration Act, and children born in the Kingdom who have not been granted Thai nationality by birth.
Application and Consideration Terms and Conditions for non-Thai nationals:
These are detailed in terms of various categories and regulations, including the process and deadlines for obtaining valid identification cards. The conditions depend on several factors, including age, permanent residency status, birthplace, and changes in personal details.
My personal Pink ID Card. You can see I was the first (number 000001) in Nakhon Ratchasima, Amphur Mueang
Following the 2014 military coup, the Thai government aimed to register the influx of migrant workers from neighboring countries such as Cambodia, Burma, and Laos. Consequently, a new “pink card”, the government decided to introduce a new regulation. On 7 February 2016, the Amphur and Tessaban were notified about a new two-page regulation explaining the procedure for obtaining this new “pink Thai ID card.”
Documents needed for pink Thai ID for foreigners
For obtaining this card, one must have a Thai ID number. It is recommended to go to the Amphur and/or Tessaban with all original documents and copies of the following, as needed:
- Your passport
- Your work permit (if applicable)
- Your Ta bian ban
- Your marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Your two books for permanent residency (if applicable)
- Birth certificate of Thai children (if applicable)
You should bring more documents as the Amphur may request additional papers. Once all documents are submitted, the process for obtaining the card should be relatively quick. Migrant workers from Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar receive a similar card but in white color.
You must be in a ta bian baan before applying for Thai pink ID for foreigners
This pink ID card is valid for 10 years as per clause 8 of the regulation in 2551. However, if you are over 60, it will not have an expiry date. The issuing process can be free or may cost up to 60 baht as per the law. Remember that if you are a foreigner, you must apply to get a yellow ta bian baan first. Unless you have permanent residency, which you would be in a blue ta bian baan.
The benefits of the card are subject to discussion. Perhaps you might receive Thai prices in national parks or might not need to carry your passport all the time (however, the visa information is not listed on the card). The pink ID card is an official Thai ID, featuring your name in Thai and your Thai ID number. It confirms the spelling of your Thai name that should be used the same everywhere. Be careful, spelling is important for driving licenses in Thailand, marriage registration, work permits, etc.
How and when you can use your Thai pink ID
I use it very often, at the bank instead of my passport. Hotels too. Hospital can accept it. So it avoids you to have your passport in all time but it is not magical. Recently, I was in Nepal and they needed an ID for renting a motorcycle. Do you think I prefer to give my passport or my Thai pink ID? The answer is quite obvious.
If you lose your Thai pink ID, just return at the same office and you will get a new one, take a new picture, they will take your fingerprints and it cost 60 baht.
