Thailand forum

interesting question, since you will be without your passport whether you stay in bangkok or move around the country. i'd be interested in other people's response to this question too, but in the mean time, if i were to travel around while waiting for a burma visa, i'd definitely want to have a copy of my passport (the title page and the thai visa or visa exemption entry page) and a receipt for the passport from the burmese embassy.

of course, anyone travelling should keep a copy of the title page of their passport somewhere with them but separate from where they keep their passport and also leave a copy at home, so you've already got this, right?

if you plan to cash any travellers checks, be sure to do this before you surrender your passport to the burmese embassy, as you won't be able to cash a TC without your passport.

it used to be that you needed to show your passport to rent a hotel room, but it doesn't seem too many places do that anymore. it is unlikely you'd need the passport to buy a bus or train ticket either.

have you contacted the thai embassy or consulate nearest you and asked for their opinion? if you do, will you post their response here? good luck.

Several months back the Bangkok Post had an interview with the new head of immigration here. He has a big push going on to bust the criminal element that comes to Thailand to hide out. According to him all hotels and guest houses are to report your stay to immigration within 24 hours. He was hoping for 100% compliance within a short time period. (Smile here) He also stated that all foreigners should carry their passport at all times. Copies would not do. Myself I wouldn't worry to much about it. I haven't heard of anyone being hassled about it. Do what exacto said above and you should be alright. Expecially getting a receipt from the Burmese embassy.

@Neosho "all hotels and guest houses are to report your stay to immigration within 24 hours"

But you can just write any old passport number and name in those guesthouse books!

I've signed in as "The Grimace" with passport number 24601* for chrissake.

They (almost) NEVER check passport docs.

"Yes, this is Phoney Smile Guesthouse. We'd like to report that the Grimace has just checked in with Birdie for short time..."

*Any other Les Miserables fans out there?

Fame in Chumphon took all my details. They did not believe I was the Grimace, no matter how long I held my breath.

I stand corrected.

I could have been a fan - if I knew who he was?! Based on your last comment I'm guessing he's the purple fellow in McD's character lineup??