The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has introduced new requirements where foreign visitors have to present an identification document during domestic flights to prevent overstays.
Since January 16, foreign visitors have been required to present their original passports to board domestic flights. Alternatively, they could also use a laissez-passer or a UN diplomatic travel document, as long as the name on the document matches the boarding pass.
In the event a passport is lost, documents such as emergency passports, non-Thai ID cards, or a driving licence can be used.
The new regulation is intended to prevent foreign visitors from overstaying their visas illegally, following multiple incidents of visitors overstaying for over 90 days, often in peak season, resulting in deportation and a ban upon re-entry.
