The postman only rings once????

[reispr01]

Hi, all. You'd think having lived in Thailand off-and-on for years that I would have seen and heard pretty much all...but noooooo.

I have had an O-A "Retirement" visa and extensions for 5 years. Rent a condo in Pattaya. They have 350 mailboxes here, and each day someone from the post offices comes and delivers mail.

Today, I wanted to mail a postcard. I had stamps on it. The condo manager told me I would need to go to the central post office, take a number, wait in line, present my passport, and then hand over the postcard for mailing.

She insisted there is no such thing as what we would call "a mailbox" for outgoing mail anywhere in Thailand - and not just for farang, but for everyone.

This is so freakish that I actually believe it. But in 69+ countries I've been to, and 9 I've lived in...it's a first.

Anybody know anything more about this seemingly unprecedented policy? Hard to believe it was to save money - the postman still comes to deliver, you'd think he/she could pick up at the same time?

Is it the same with millions of tourists in hotels? To send postcards back to family they have to go with passports and wait in line at the post office?

[Neverna]

She insisted there is no such thing as what we would call "a mailbox" for outgoing mail anywhere in Thailand - and not just for farang, but for everyone.

This is so freakish that I actually believe it. But in 69+ countries I've been to, and 9 I've lived in...it's a first.

Anybody know anything more about this seemingly unprecedented policy?

It is not true. There are plenty of mailboxes in Thailand.

They look like this. There are various shapes and sizes but are all red with a white stripe.

[Pragmatic]

She insisted there is no such thing as what we would call "a mailbox" for outgoing mail anywhere in Thailand

A total bollix. I live in a village and outside of the Amphur postman/lady house you will find a postbox. I'd go and get photo but the car's in for cleaning.
Mailboxes in Ting Tong Land https://www.google.com.sg/search?rlz....0.Ahi7olh2uT8

[reispr01]

OK. Relieved to hear that. Thought maybe the humidity had finally wilted too many neurons. Thanks.

[Norton]

I'd go and get photo but the car's in for cleaning.

No need.

[Maanaam]

Yeah, total bollix, and you only need your passport or drivers license for EMS, not a postcard.

[jabir]

Of course there are mailboxes in Thailand, but the ID requirement is a smart national security move so if you post something at a post office and it happens to explode they know who to visit.

[Maanaam]

How would they know which package exploded?

[happynz]

How would they know which package exploded?

Forensics and consultation with TD CSI.

[jabir]

How would they know which package exploded?

Don't know, wasn't my idea.

[david44]

It's the female boxes you need be careful, some can catch you in the slot.

Delivery, that's erratic but always comes eventually tho depsite having a large lockable red postbox the postman often leaves things on top , in the gate to be wetted or chewed by dog , he's such a tosser I call him Il Tosstino

[HuangLao]

No need.

Yet, very far and few between throughout all provincial situations.

The the reasoning for locale limitations is quite obvious.

[Dragonfly94]

Yeah, total bollix, and you only need your passport or drivers license for EMS, not a postcard.

I have been asked for ID to post a local letter!

[Pragmatic]

I have been asked for ID to post a local letter!

You must look shady.

[Dragonfly94]

You must look shady.

Of course - foreigner the last seat taken on the bus is always next to one

[jabir]

I have been asked for ID to post a local letter!

Ditto, and also letter to UK by snailmail.

[BoganInParasite]

Everytime we've been to the post office either I'm handing over my passport or the wife her Thai ID. Not much of an inconvenience especially when compared to not a single item addressed to our home has ever been delivered. Includes Thai and English language addressed items.

[Maanaam]

I have been asked for ID to post a local letter!

So, can you buy a stamp without ID? If so, as you walk out the door after buying your stamp, there will be a post box, unmanned, no ID required, to slip your letter through the slot.