What Is an Identity Card According to Thai Law?
An identity card according to Thai law is a government issued ID with a computer chip that all Thai people above the age of 7 must have. The Thai government has issued these ID cards since 1943 and the Identity Card Act B.E. 2526 (1983) made it mandatory for those with Thai nationality to own and carry these.
The chips on the cards digitally store the same information contained on the physical card itself and can be used as an information verification tool. Printed on the physical card itself is the following information:
- Date of issue and expiry (8 years after issue)
- Photo of the card holder
- Date of birth
- ID number
- Full name
- Religion
- Address
Should a Thai citizen 15 years of age or older fail to present their ID or a receipt for one when requested by a government authority such as a police officer, they may face a 200 baht fine.
What Are Thai Identification Cards Used For?
Thai identification cards are used when applying for or going through various private and government services or activities. Some examples of public actions that require a government ID include voting in an election, transferring or registering land ownership, and applying for jobs that require social security fund registration.
Actions involving private companies that may require a valid Thai ID include creating a phone contract, opening a bank account, applying for a mortgage, and more.
What Would I Do if I Lose My ID Card?
You should apply for a new ID card as soon as you can within 60 days of misplacing it if you lose it. There’s no need to file a report with the police unless you can’t apply for a new card within 60 days for some reason. In that case, it’s best to make a record at a police station to avoid identity theft issues.
To apply for a new ID, book an appointment ahead of time before visiting a district (amphoe) or municipal (theseban) office. This is because there are limited appointments available each day and they can fill up fast.
1. Book an Appointment Online via the BMAQ App for the District Office in Bangkok
Book an appointment online via the BMAQ app for the district office in Bangkok to make your ID creation process smoother. You can download the app on android devices or from the iOS app store.
Once you have the app installed, take the following 3 steps:
- Enter the application, tap on the ‘Choose appointment in advance’ option, and select the desired district office. Be careful to choose a district office and not a BMS service counter.
- Tap the ‘National Identification Card’ option and choose an open date and time for your appointment.
- Choose the option to receive a QR code and save the QR code screen for use on the day of your appointment.
How to Book Appointments Online for District Offices Located Outside of Bangkok?
To book appointments online for district offices located outside of Bangkok, you need to use the government webpage, not the BMAQ application. Take the following 3 steps after navigating to the government website:
- Enter your ID card number, date of birth, and telephone number and proceed to the next screen.
- Choose a province, district, registration office, and service type (ID Card) from the drop-down menus. Choose an appointment from the available date and times.
- On the next page, you’ll receive an appointment number, date, and time. Save the screen or print it for your reference.
2. Apply for a New ID Card
Applying for a new ID card at the nearest amphoe (district) or theseban (municipal) office is the next step after you’ve confirmed your appointment on the government webpage or through the BMAQ smartphone app. Be sure that you’re not late for the queue that you arranged as they won’t be able to give you a new time that day if you miss it.
3. Provide the Required Documents and Evidence for a New ID Card
The following documents and evidence are required when applying for a new ID card:
- Copy of the Tabien Baan (house registration book) that you’re registered in.
- Government-issued ID containing a photo of you such as a passport.
- In the absence of photo-ID, bring the homeowner or a reliable person over 20 years old who can vouch for you.
- Application fee of 100 baht.
4. Receive a New ID Card
After completing the Thai ID card application, you’ll normally receive a new one that same day, with wait times being as little as 15 minutes. The officer assisting you will also provide you with a B.P.7 form which serves as an official statement of the loss of your original card.
Keep this form as evidence in case issues with your previous card come up. The B.P.7 form may also be necessary when updating your information at financial institutions to reflect your newly issued Thai ID card or for accessing government services.
What Should I Do if My ID Card Is Expired or Damaged?
You should visit the nearest BMA express service counter if your ID card is expired or damaged and you’re in Bangkok. If you’re outside the capital, visit the local amphoe or theseban offices.
You’ll need to set up an appointment online as you normally would if you’d lost your card altogether via the BMAQ smartphone app or online. Once you have an appointment, bring your ID card or a copy of it, if possible, or another government-issued identification document like a Thai passport.
If you don’t have access to any identification documents, ask a reliable connection above 20 years of age who can vouch for you such as a landlord to accompany you to the office.
What Services Do BMA Express Counters in Bangkok Provide?
The main services that BMA express counters in Bangkok provide, other than ID card creation, include:
- Approval of documents for house registration
- Environmental impact occupation permits
- Local tax payments
- Building permits
- Health benefits
- Notary publics
Where Can I Find the Nearest BMA Express Service Point?
The nearest BMA express service points are as follows, with each numbered location corresponding with the operating hours listed under the same number:
| Region in Bangkok | BMA Express Locations | Operating Hours |
| Central Bangkok |
|
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| Riverside | BTS Wongwian Yai Station, Exit 1 | Monday-Friday 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Lumpini |
|
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| Others |
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Thai ID Card FAQs
Can I apply for a new ID card in every district in Thailand?
Yes, you can apply for a new ID card in every Thai district, regardless of what district your house registration book is associated with.
How Much Does It Cost to Apply for a New ID Card?
It costs 100 baht to apply for a new Thai ID card.
Can I Use the BMA Express Service if I Lose My ID Card?
No, you can’t use the BMA express service counters if you lose your ID card. You’ll need to visit the district office instead as the BMA express counters are for quicker procedures.
Thai identification cards make real estate ownership in the Land of Smiles much simpler. If you have more questions about getting started with a property purchase, contact PropertySights Real Estate today and get advice from our seasoned experts.
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