In Thailand, the legal identity system is maintained by the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA).[1] This includes birth registration and household registration. The Civil Registration Act B.E. 2534 (1991, amended in 2008 and 2019) ensures universal birth registration for all births in the country, irrespective of nationality or immigration status.[2] In addition, a specific individual 13-digit personal identification number is assigned to each person residing in the country at the time of birth or first registration (this includes late birth registration or initial population registration for persons not registered at birth).[3]
The primary form of legal identification for Thai nationals is the National ID Card.[4] According to the Identity Card Act B.E. 2526 (1983), Thai nationals who have reached seven years of age and whose names appear in the household registration are required to obtain a National Identification Card.[5] For Thai nationals under the age of seven, identity can be issued using a birth certificate, a household registration book, or a Thai passport.[6]
The Thai National ID Card is divided into two categories.[7] The first type, a white card with a blue background, is issued to Thai nationals above the age of seven. This serves as proof of Thai citizenship.[8] In order to obtain this Thai National ID Card, first-time applicants must provide their birth certificate and the household registration book.[9] The relevant household registration book, known as the Blue Book (Thor Ror 14), confirms the applicant’s name and address in the civil registration system.[10] While there is no comprehensive list of services requiring a National ID Card, it remains indispensable for key functions such as voting and accessing government programs.[11]
The second category is a pink ID card for individuals without Thai nationality, including stateless persons, individuals born in Thailand but not granted Thai nationality, and children under state care or in shelters operated by private welfare organizations.[12] Pink ID card holders are also assigned a 13-digit personal identification number; however, the number is coded to indicate non-citizen legal status and does not provide access to citizenship rights.[13] There are two types of pink ID cards: (1) a fully pink card for non-Thai nationals whose names appear in a household registration, and (2) a pink and white card for non-Thai nationals whose names do not appear in a household registration but who have registered their personal records.[14] It follows that a pink ID card does not constitute proof of Thai citizenship because it is specifically designated for non-citizens.[15] Although not mandatory, it can expedite access to healthcare services and simplify processes such as obtaining SIM cards, driver’s licenses and public services in the country.[16]
Non-Thai nationals must meet certain requirements before they can obtain a pink ID card. Applicants are required to provide a civil registration record (e.g., a household registration), proof of identity, (e.g., birth certificate), that has been certified by the Thai authorities.[17]
