Need for passport on ship's excursion in Phuket,Thailand

[lorri111]

Am reading conflicting info on whether you need to carry passport on you in Thailand - some sites speak of copy, some of other ID. We are doing Princess cruise around Malaysian peninsular and for our port stop at Phuket will be doing a ship's tour. I really don't want to carry passport unless we really need to, but on other hand, don't want to fall foul of Thai authorities.

[iancal]

We have spent four winters in Thailand.  The only time we have needed or been asked for our passports was when we were checking into accommodation.

[p0240]

We just got off the Diamond Princess cruise, and in the port of Phuket they issued us with a photocopy of our passport which we had to carry with us when ashore along with our cruise card.  The ship said that spot checks were being completed in Phuket, but saying that, we were not asked,and didn't meet anyone who was.  But the ship will do the photocopies for you.

Pat.

 

[iancal]

Spot checks?

 

News to us.  We spent 2 seperate one week periods in Phuket over the past few winters plus passed though en route from airport to ferry numerous times.  Never once were we asked for our passports, let alone any ID.  The first of those trips was five years ago, during a period of minor civil unrest when the army was on the street and the red scarves were protesting.

Edited January 11, 2019 by iancal