A Quick Guide to Renewing Your British Passport in Bangkok

I had to renew my British passport in Bangkok this week. As it was different from my last time, I thought I would share with you the steps that I took to do this. It was all very straightforward to do and I had my new passport back within three weeks. To renew your British passport, you need to first book an appointment by sending an email to [email protected]. In your email, include your first name and last name and three alternative dates and times from 8:30am to 4pm, Monday to Friday except for public holidays. You will receive an email confirming your appointment.

In the same email, they will caution you about following advice in blogs about how to renew your passport! They suggest you check this link if applying from abroad for a new passport: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/overseas-passport-supporting-documents-group-2 By the way, if something does change, please post in the comments at the bottom of the page.

Not everyone will be the same but my checklist was as follows:

✅ Two recent passport photos. They are fussy about this and so make sure you follow their guidelines. There’s a shop on the ground floor of Trendy that does this for 200 Baht. More expensive than elsewhere but as they ask you for your nationality, you will know for sure it will be correct for a British passport. As it was a renewal, and my face hasn’t changed much, I didn’t get anyone to sign on the back of my photo.
✅ Your old passport.
✅ A color photocopy of every page in your passport. Yes, every page. Best to get this done locally as it will be more expensive at the Trendy building. Or you can get it done at work like I did for free on a color printer.
✅ Evidence of identity and address. For myself, I showed my passport as the photo identity and I gave them a color photocopy of my Non-B visa as proof of address. Yes, I know, weird. In the link above they list other ways but this was the easiest way for me. Whichever method you choose, the address has to be in English. My Thai driver’s license has my address in English on the reverse and so I could have used that.

You can download the passport application form in advance from their website (see here) or just fill one in when you get there. There is also a form for payment details. You have to decide how many pages you want in your new passport. The choice is a 32-page or 48-page passport. I don’t travel abroad much, but Thai Immigration is a bit stamp crazy and my 32-page passport filled up within eight years. For the payment, I used my Bangkok Bank credit card details rather than one issued in the UK.

The Trendy Office Building is a short walk down Sukhumwit Soi 13 on your right (see map). If going by Skytrain, you can either get off at BTS Nana (5-minute walk) or BTS Asok (7-minute walk). I prefer the latter. The VFS office is on the 8th floor. Go in, turn right and walk towards the back. If there’s a long queue for the express lift (like below), just take the lift on the right by the Dental Clinic. There’s usually no-one there but it stops at more floors.

Queue for express lift to 8th floor.

At the VFS office, you will see many Thais here. As they are applying for visas for various countries, you can usually ignore any queues outside and inside. Go through security and turn left ignoring the main counter. There’s a small desk by a door for HM Passport Office. There will be a list of people with appointments. Sign your name and they will let you in. As a foreigner, they will know why you are there. So, don’t worry.

If you have all your documents in order, you will probably be in and out within ten minutes or so. About three weeks later, you will get an email to say that your passport is ready to collect. You don’t need to book an appointment for this but you have to go within 30 days and during office hours. This is Monday to Friday and from 9am to 3pm. If you cannot go in person, just sign a power of attorney form stating the name of the person who will be collecting the passport on your behalf. Take with you your old passport (which they will cancel by cutting the corner off) and your receipt. Make sure you check the details in your new passport before they cancel the old one. They will also give you a letter to give to Immigration. You must have this to transfer your visa stamps.

Once I had my new passport in hand, I next headed to Immigration to have my valid stamps transferred over. You don’t need to rush there as I did, but I wanted to finish everything within one day. The procedure here is very simple. You will need to photocopy and sign the photo page of both passports. Then photocopy every page in the old passport that has a stamp. These photocopies need to be signed too. You also need to fill out a form with details about your old and new passports. Then, present all of this and the letter that you got from the British embassy to the Immigration officer. I was finished within about 15 minutes. The best thing of all, it was free to transfer the stamps.

The only thing I need to do now is to register my new passport at my local bank. If you didn’t know already, when you get a new passport, you get a new passport number. So, basically, any place that you used your passport to register for something, you need to go back and tell them. Again, there isn’t a rush and in fact, I didn’t do it for a few years last time. It is only a problem when you need to do something and your passport numbers don’t match. You will then need to take your old and new passports with you.

If you have any tips of your own or something has changed since I wrote this on 8th June 2019, please post in the comments below. Thanks.

198 thoughts on “A Quick Guide to Renewing Your British Passport in Bangkok

  • September 8, 2020 at 11:58 am
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    Hi Brian, thanks but no such info on my receipt. It seems VFS don’t have a number to call (unless you want a blast all about Covid!). The UK Embassy has told me to email VFS to get the actual collection times. I am guessing 1-3pm Mon, Wed or Fri……possibly.
    Thanks

    Reply
    • September 8, 2020 at 3:14 pm
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      Hi,
      Those times sound right.
      I got an email from DHL telling me it had arrived followed up by a phone call from VFS telling me I could come in to collect

      Reply
  • August 28, 2020 at 4:19 pm
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    The passport office is now located on the 28th Floor of the Trendy Building and not the 8th as stated in the instructions.

    Reply
  • August 20, 2020 at 7:02 pm
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    Visited Trendy Building today (Thursday) at 1.30pm to find it closed. Highly annoying…found out later that the place is only open on Mon, Wed and Fri but I am still uncertain about the time for collection of passports and how long you have for collection after you are emailed to say it is ready.

    Reply
    • August 20, 2020 at 8:02 pm
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      I expect they are underworked even just working 3 days a week. I was the only person there at 10:15 on 23 June and when I went to collect my new passport 4 weeks
      later there 2 other people there. I think you have 30 days to collect the passport. I
      didn’t hang about though because I had to do the 90 days reportIng thing and got my stamps transferred over at the same time.

      Reply
    • August 21, 2020 at 1:08 pm
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      Hi Jeremy,
      Look on the receipt they gave you when they your your docs, they staple a paper to it showing days and times for collection

      Reply
  • August 16, 2020 at 11:08 am
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    By way of a footnote, I got the stamps transferred over in Udon Thani. The lady officer Dealing noticed that a mistake had been made in the original grant of my Non-O. It had been granted until a date 10 days after my passport expired. That’s not possible so when she transferred over the stamps she corrected the mistake and wrote a note to that effect in the passport. Incidentally I was charged Bt500 to transfer the stamps over. I thought it was going to be free – never mind. The immigration office was deserted. It would normally be full not only with farangs but also with Lao citizens. That’s the Covid-19 effect again.

    Reply
  • August 3, 2020 at 1:52 pm
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    Hi Richard,
    I applied for a passport renewal this morning, 3/8/2020, and found that the procedure has changed somewhat. The requirements in your post are the same but the location has changed.
    When you enter Trendy House you have to report to the desk on the left just inside the main door where your temperature will be taken and you will be given a sticker.
    The VFS office has moved from 8th to 28th floor. The old office is closed and empty.
    On the 28th floor you will be checked in by security and again have your temperature taken.
    Then you report to the main reception desk inside on the right where they will check your name against their appointment list and give yo a number card.
    Next you take the first door on the right just past the reception desk and take a seat and await your number being called.
    I took a tax return from HMRC as proof of ID, but as it was an original they asked for a copy. I said they could keep it but they insisted on a copy, which they did for me and charged B6,
    The office was pretty quiet when I was there, presumably because of the travel bans, and I was in and out in less than 30 minutes.
    I asked the lady how long it would take to come back and she told me that they are looking at 4 weeks turn around at the moment.

    Reply
  • July 23, 2020 at 9:15 am
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    Since the Covid-19 crisis the number of people visiting the Trendy Office Building is much fewer. Indeed when I went to apply to renew my passport on 23 June 2020 my appointment was at 10:15 and I was the only person in the great big room outnumbered 10:1 by the staff. The process was exactly as described above. Just a day short of 3 weeks later I got a text to say the passport had been signed for in Bangkok and a few days later received an email saying I could come and collect the new passport. No appointment was necessary and the email said the office hours are 8.30 to 16.00. When I arrived at 9.40 I was told the section dealing did not open until 9.50 but was then immediately sent through. There were about 3 other “customers’. I was dealt with by the very same lady who had seen me 4 weeks before but she didn’t recognise me (we probably all look the same) and she asked me where my checklist was. I said “What checklist?”. She said everyone gets one and waved a form at me but didn’t give it to me. Then she asked for a photocopy of the photo page of the old passport. Luckily I had one (it was a little dog-eared but it was Ok). The lady did some form filling herself and then flicked through the large envelopes leaning against the wall behind her. At first she couldn’t find the envelope with my name on it. I expect they were looking under Mr Mark as opposed to my surname. When I got the passport I checked it and found that the validity was for 10 years from 6 July 2020. I wanted to renew the passport because I foresaw problems trying to renew my retirement visa if I only had a few months left on the old passport. So in effect I lost nearly 7 months of passport validity! I remonstrated and was given a slip of paper so that I could take it up with the Passport Office in Hayes. I’m off to Immigration to get the stamps transferred over in a few minutes. Incidentally the new British Passport has two photo pages now.

    Reply
  • July 2, 2020 at 9:24 pm
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    Hi Jason

    VFS are up and running up on the 28th floor of the Trendy Building, Nana.

    On submitting my application, they said it would take 4-6 weeks. The good news is that it took 3 weeks.

    You can track the progress of your docs outbound to the UK via the DHL reference number on your VFS receipt, and DHL send you a text message with a tracking number when it’s on it’s way back to VFS.

    Good luck!

    Reply
    • July 3, 2020 at 9:23 am
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      28th floor? They built that up quick.

      Reply
      • July 3, 2020 at 1:10 pm
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        Haha! I thought that too when I received the email, but the lift takes you straight up there without having to press a button.

        Reply
  • July 2, 2020 at 10:17 am
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    Can anyone confirm that the VFS service is now up and running and how long will it take to get a new passport from the UK?

    Reply
    • August 16, 2020 at 2:31 pm
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      Hi Jason,
      I handed my PP in at Trendy House noon on Monday 3rd August and it arrived in HMPO Liverpool 7:30am, UK time on Wednesday 5th. The lady behind the counter advised about 4 weeks for return, but on 11th I got an email from UK stating that I would get the new PP “within 8 weeks”

      Reply
      • August 25, 2020 at 7:11 pm
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        I picked up my new passport om Monday 24 August – so it was a 3 week turnaround. I did put in a letter with my application asking if it could be dealt with quickly as my visa is up for renewal soon.

        Reply
  • July 1, 2020 at 5:57 pm
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    Hi has anyone renewed recently since VFS reopened in June.
    And any idea how long it took to me the new passport?

    Regards
    Jason.

    Reply
  • May 10, 2020 at 3:22 pm
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    Any further news on: A) will the VFS be opening soon. B) Thai immigration adopting a lenient stance against passport expires C) The British Embassy actually doing something to alleviate this mess that I and many others are now finding ourselves in.

    Reply
    • June 2, 2020 at 2:45 pm
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      Can only answer A and C; yes it has. Rather strange though after enquiring with them they informed me that after the new passport has arrived at their office they cannot courier it to me in Phuket and that I would need to pick up in person.
      I could have someone else pick it up with a letter of authorisation who then can send it to me, or I can just get a visa service to submit, pick up and send to me.
      Not sure why they don’t courier themselves?? Not to mention they offer courier on their own website. I suspect the guy who sent the email from the office is an intern who does not really know.

      Got an email back from the British Embassy – ‘blah blah blah GOV website blah blah blah vfs global blah blah blah useless’

      Reply
      • June 3, 2020 at 10:49 am
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        You can get an agent to pick it up for you.

        Reply
  • March 25, 2020 at 11:01 am
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    Excellent post, thanks Richard. Now, I have a question. I have just renewed my Non-imm O visa (my spouse is Thai). The new 1 year (11 month) visa will be issued on 28th April. However, my passport expires 26th May.
    I have been told by 2 imm officers that I have to start the process again and pay the 1,900 THB. Do you know if this is correct? Based on your post, it seems that they can simply transfer the visa. Any ideas/thoughts?
    Thank you.

    Reply
    • March 25, 2020 at 1:30 pm
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      My husband copied and pasted your section about how to transfer your visa from 1 passport to another & forwarded to a friend who works in immigration. Her response remained the same. ‘You HAVE to reapply for a new visa as the passport numbers are different.’ Given I live in Krabi (Phuket officer also asked), does anyone have any current info if this in fact correct or possibly just can’t be bothered? Alternatively, I can follow your lead Richard and go to an immigration office in Bangkok?
      Suggestions welcome as I do NOT fancy having to re-pay and re-apply for a visa!

      Reply
    • March 27, 2020 at 7:28 am
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      Yes, they are correct. I’m afraid you should have renewed your passport before you extended your stay. They cannot give you a full year if your passport is about to expire.

      Reply
      • March 27, 2020 at 12:43 pm
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        Oh shoot. Thanks for clarifying this. Learn this for the next time (in 10 years time!) – how great is my timing for my passport to expire!
        Now, I will throw another question to you, as you have been super helpful. Given the sanctions in place post the state of the emergency announcement, do you happen to have any idea IF I can assign a power of attorney to a Bangkokonian to apply on my behalf?
        Thanks for the useful posts Richard and stay safe!

        Reply
        • April 13, 2020 at 10:35 am
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          Hi Sarah

          You have to apply in person, but you can send someone else to collect the new one for you, provided you give them the email that VFS send you.

          The issue now is that VFS are now closed until further notice.

          David

          Reply
          • April 15, 2020 at 1:41 pm
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            Thanks David. Hitting brick walls wherever I turn at the moment. Hey ho. 🙂

          • April 16, 2020 at 11:40 am
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            I’m in the same boat as you Sarah. I contacted HMPO who replied by stating that UK passport renewals for people who live in Thailand, must go through VFS Global.

            We are now at the mercy of Thai immigration to be lenient on expiry dates of passports & visas, or keep fingers crossed that VFS reopen soon.

            Keep safe.
            David

  • March 19, 2020 at 9:21 am
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    I went yesterday, the process was very quick but they still haven’t charge my card that I gave the details for, is this normal?

    Reply
  • March 13, 2020 at 10:32 am
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    Can I renew my passport in Thailand on a 2 month tourist visa staying at an Airbnb?

    Reply
  • February 1, 2020 at 8:42 am
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    I read a few comments about using your Non Imm B visa as proof of address, but the address isn’t written on my visa … can this still be used?

    Reply
  • January 31, 2020 at 2:00 pm
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    Just wanted to say how helpful this was. Followed your instructions and was finished in 10 minutes! Many thanks.

    Reply
  • January 31, 2020 at 1:04 pm
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    Thanks Richard – it was useful info and I saw the bit about Chiang Mai Immigration wanting a copy of every page of the old passport when transferring info. I was prepared when I wen to Prachuapkhirikhan Immigration!
    I made the mistake of applying for a new extension in September as my visa expired in October and got one to March (when my passport finished); I now have to re-apply to get a full year from March, So obviously renew your passport BEFORE!!!

    Reply
  • January 30, 2020 at 8:41 pm
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    There seems to be a new rule suddenly conjured up by Immigration regarding getting one’s visa stamp transferred from one’s old passport into the new passport: today I went to Chaeng Wattana Immigration with all the documents which Richard Barrow usefully told us to take – but the Immigration officer there said I must also present my work permit. I had not brought that with me, as I did not think it was required. She told me that this is ‘a new rule because of tricks by foreigners’. She would not transfer the visa stamp for me. So now I must go back again tomorrow – with the work permit (plus all the other documents, which I already had prepared – as Richard Barrow has advised us).

    These sudden and unannounced changes of rules are really tedious and time-consuming. Anyway, I thought that I should let everyone know that this seems to be the case (i.e. having also to show one’s work permit, if one is employed in Thailand), at least as of today (30 January 2020).

    Reply
    • February 1, 2020 at 8:00 am
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      Thanks John. The only advice these days is to take everything even things not on the list.

      Reply
    • February 1, 2020 at 8:37 am
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      I had to show my WP to get my stamps transferred in 2018, and needed to show it again when transferring my wife’s stamps to her new passport in 2019 (she’s my dependant).

      Reply
  • January 23, 2020 at 5:59 am
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    I sent my passport from Bangkok trendy 0ffice the service was good i had all the right documents it took me a couple of emails to get the appointment but i got it two days later .The problem i have now is ive been waiting 6 weeks for my passport to be processed in the uk still waiting i sent them an email but no reply yet ,it could end up costing me a lot of money and travel if it dosnt show up in the next few days.

    Reply
    • January 27, 2020 at 6:08 pm
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      Hopefully people still read this. I need to renew my passport and live in Phuket. My question is, do you retain your old passport, for flight home? Can you have your new passport delivered to your home address?

      Reply
      • January 28, 2020 at 5:57 pm
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        If by “home” you mean “Phuket”, yes. It’s just a form of ID. It doesn’t get stamped when flying within Thailand. That’s what I did.
        I also used the “old” passport to pick up the new one, and used the old one to get back to Phuket before going to Immigration to get the stamps transferred from old to new.

        I don’t think they will send it to you Phuket address. Some companies offer that service, but I didn’t use them.

        Reply
        • January 28, 2020 at 6:12 pm
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          Thanks for taking the time to answer my question. Appreciated

          Reply
  • January 20, 2020 at 10:48 am
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    How come I receive this when trying to book an appointment:

    Thank you for your email.

    This is an automated response.

    This email address is ONLY for booking an appointment to submit a passport application. You’ll need to schedule an appointment by email. Include your first name and last name and 3 alternative dates and times from 8:30 to 16:00, Monday to Friday except public holidays (Bangkok time). You will receive an email confirming your appointment.

    Her Majesty’s Passport Office have advised that some customers applying for their passport from outside of the UK have been provided with incorrect guidance relating to the supporting documents required in support of their passport application.

    This only affects customers born in the UK.

    Prior to your passport application appointment, please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/overseas-passport-supporting-documents-group-2 for the correct information. HM Passport Office apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused.

    Please note that the Visa Application Centre will not be able to respond to any passport enquiries, please use the GOV.UK website or passport advice line.

    Getting help with my passport application?

    All details on how to apply for a passport and how long it will take can be found at:

    http://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports

    How do I get further help?

    Advice on how to apply for a passport and what supporting documents you need to provide can be found by country at:

    http://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports

    If after reading that advice carefully you have further questions you should contact the Passport Advice Line on 0044 300 222 0000 rather than your local Embassy or High Commission.

    The Passport Advice Line is open at the following times:

    Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm (UK time)
    Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, 9am to 5:30pm (UK time)

    Best regards

    UK Visa Application Centre

    HM Passport Office Local Service Provider, Thailand

    Reply
  • January 20, 2020 at 10:46 am
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    How come I get the following when trying to book an appointment at [email protected]>

    Thank you for your email.

    This is an automated response.

    This email address is ONLY for booking an appointment to submit a passport application. You’ll need to schedule an appointment by email. Include your first name and last name and 3 alternative dates and times from 8:30 to 16:00, Monday to Friday except public holidays (Bangkok time). You will receive an email confirming your appointment.

    Her Majesty’s Passport Office have advised that some customers applying for their passport from outside of the UK have been provided with incorrect guidance relating to the supporting documents required in support of their passport application.

    This only affects customers born in the UK.

    Prior to your passport application appointment, please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/overseas-passport-supporting-documents-group-2 for the correct information. HM Passport Office apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused.

    Please note that the Visa Application Centre will not be able to respond to any passport enquiries, please use the GOV.UK website or passport advice line.

    Getting help with my passport application?

    All details on how to apply for a passport and how long it will take can be found at:

    http://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports

    How do I get further help?

    Advice on how to apply for a passport and what supporting documents you need to provide can be found by country at:

    http://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports

    If after reading that advice carefully you have further questions you should contact the Passport Advice Line on 0044 300 222 0000 rather than your local Embassy or High Commission.

    The Passport Advice Line is open at the following times:

    Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm (UK time)
    Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, 9am to 5:30pm (UK time)

    Best regards

    UK Visa Application Centre

    HM Passport Office Local Service Provider, Thailand

    Reply
  • January 20, 2020 at 9:25 am
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    Will Trendy in Bangkok post out my new passport to me – or do i have to go and pick it up myself?
    Thanks

    Reply
  • January 10, 2020 at 10:08 am
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    Can you apply whilst on the 30 day tourist visa or is it too risky do you think?

    Reply
  • December 29, 2019 at 7:40 am
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    Any ideas what my 16 year old daughter can use as proof of address which I think must be in English? She has a Bangkok Bank account so can a letter for the bank be used, although I am not sure that proves anything?

    Reply
  • December 7, 2019 at 8:34 am
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    My partner and I presented our passport renewal documents at the Trendy office building a couple of days ago. I wish to thank you for your guidance and information as everything was exactly as you said.
    Our appointment on Thursday was at 1125 and we arrived around 25 minutes early after not having encountered any queues inside the building and were, in fact, the only two people in the lift taking us up to the 8th floor. After signing the appointment book we were ushered directly into the office and attended to by a young Thai lady who was both polite and courteous. All our paperwork was in order and we were on our way again within about 20 minutes.
    All in all a most comfortable and pleasant experience and thank you once again for your help.

    Reply
  • November 25, 2019 at 6:17 pm
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    It has now been two weeks since I sent my first e-mail request for an appointment and one week since I sent a follow-up and, although I received automatic replies for both of them (indicating both messages had been received), I never received subsequent confirmation of appointment for either of them.

    So, today, I tried one more time with a new e-mail request (my 3rd) in which I had to indicate new desirable dates because the ones previously requested have now passed and, like before, I immediately received the automatic reply but this time, rather than wait for a confirmation message that might never come, I did something different……

    This time I clicked on REPLY (TO SENDER) and then pasted the same message that I had sent earlier today into the body of the e-mail.

    I didn’t bother changing the subject line, which now read: “RE: Thank you for your email” and I simply dispatched it as a normal reply message but the difference is that within an hour I finally received the actual appointment confirmation that I had been hoping (for one of my new dates) along with an attached PDF document confirming same and some other information.

    Perhaps it was just one of those unfortunate things that my earlier messages had gone astray and perhaps my REPLY message today was just a coincidence but I thought I would share my experience with this forum in case anyone else experiences unusually long periods of non-response.

    Now I am just hoping that all goes well with the appointment (really don’t like the idea of driving up to Bangkok but these things are unavoidable) and that I will have all the required documents.

    Reply
  • November 21, 2019 at 6:47 pm
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    As proof of address in Thailand could you use your online TM30 reciept? That has your address in English.

    Reply
    • November 21, 2019 at 7:43 pm
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      In my case, if I ever actually get an appointment (still no confirmation) I intend using my Thai Driver’s Licence which has my address in both English and Thai but I thought I would also bring along an old credit card statement from the days before I went paperless (about 3 years ago).

      Reply
      • November 22, 2019 at 3:52 am
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        Hi guys, my 5 year old daughter is half Thai half British. She has a British passport already but it is due for renewal soon. She lives here in Krabi with my wife. Does anyone have any experience with regards to renewing a child passport at Trendy?
        TIA
        Tom

        Reply
    • November 21, 2019 at 10:50 pm
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      I thought about using the TM30 slip in my passport but noticed that, although the address was in English, the month was typed in Thai.

      So I took no chances and got a “free” Address Certificate from Phuket Town immigration (300 baht) and then got it translated for 450 baht.

      Reply
  • November 18, 2019 at 6:59 pm
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    I was wondering if anyone might be able to comment on how long it typically takes to receive confirmation of the appointment after sending the e-mail containing the required three dates/times options?

    A week ago I sent an e-mail to the address that Richard has referenced in this blog and I mentioned all the relevant details name/requested dates etc. and within a few minutes I received the automated reply, which quite honestly isn’t much use in itself but at least it confirms that my initial message has been received.

    So, here I am, a week later and I have still not received a specific reply to confirm that my requested appointment dates have been approved (my dates are in the last week of November, which is getting shorter since today is already the 18th Nov) so this morning I sent another e-mail in the form of a follow-up for which, a few minutes later, I once again received the automated reply.

    Not wanting to get into a panic but I have looked at alternative means of contacting them and it really is quite grim.

    Anyone had a similar experience?

    Reply
    • November 18, 2019 at 10:23 pm
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      Near the end of September I sent an email very late on a Friday evening. I received an almost instantaneous automated email response stating:

      “Thank you for your email.
      This is an automated response
      This email address is ONLY for booking an appointment to submit a passport application. etc, etc.”

      My email requested an appointment for the following Tues, Wed or Thurs. I meant to send it days earlier but forgot. I’m not sure if the office is open on a Saturday to process the appointment request emails, but I received an appointment email early on the following Monday morning, and which informed me that my appointment was for Tuesday – the next day!

      As I am in Phuket, it was a bit of a rush to get a flight booked, but it all worked out OK in the end.

      So my experience was that:

      1. the automated response email was virtually instantaneous,
      2. my appointment request email was probably processed the next working day, and
      3. the appointment email arrived the day before the appointment.

      Reply
      • November 18, 2019 at 10:34 pm
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        Many thanks, Roger!
        Your experience makes me wonder all the more if something has gone wrong in my case because after a week (since my first message) I should have heard something, other than the automated replies which arrived immediately, but I’ll wait and see if the follow-up message that I sent this morning prompts a reply before getting too concerned.

        Thanks again for taking the time to post your comment!

        Reply
  • October 28, 2019 at 10:11 am
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    If I am in Thailand on visa exempt with a 30-day extension, will there be anything I need to transfer to the new passport when I receive it? Or can I just go to the airport when I leave with my old and new passport and have them just stamp me out in my old one?

    Reply
  • October 23, 2019 at 7:47 am
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    In addition to $200,000 in savings, you may have other sources of income during retirement, particularly Social Security. Nine out of 10 Americans 65 and older receive Social Security benefits, representing about 38% of the income of the elderly. The average retired worker’s Social Security benefit is $1,341 per month for 2016, which would come close to covering a shoestring $1,500-a-month retirement budget in Thailand, or at least account for a big chunk of the more comfortable $2,000-a-month budget. If you add $500 a month from your savings to that benefit, calculating by the same formula, your cash would last just over 33 years. (And, of course, you could have two benefit checks coming in if you re a couple.)

    Reply
  • October 9, 2019 at 8:34 pm
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    I am going to England for two weeks holiday. I need to renew my passport, but I think it will take too long in England and I won’t receive before my flight back to Thailand. I have emailed about an appointment in Bangkok and downloaded the application form. The information here is useful, but I need to know how much does it cost in total for the Passport ? Can I use my Krung Thai Bank account? My apartment address contract is in Thai.Will that be a problem? I have a work permit stamp in my old passport and re-entry stamp. Surely that is enough evidence of my Identity and proof that I live in Thailand?

    Reply
    • December 29, 2019 at 7:35 am
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      You can renew it in 3 hours if you go to one of the passport offices, I use Liverpool. I did it last year, deliver the docs and come back 3 hours later..

      Reply
  • October 2, 2019 at 3:32 pm
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    Please ignore the 2 questions above.
    I have now received an email from Trendy to collect the new passport.
    I should be more patient
    Thanks for excellent advice in this process!

    Reply
    • October 18, 2019 at 4:59 pm
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      I just received an SMS message from DHL.

      I clicked on “Shipment details” and it says:

      Receiver: UKVAC
      Delivery address: Trendy Office, etc
      Delivery is in 3 days – just on the 4 week limit.

      Maybe Trendy ought to let people know that this SMS is part of the procedure.

      Reply
      • October 18, 2019 at 5:07 pm
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        Actually, “Receiver:” was “My Name UKVAC”

        but “My Name” got deleted by the web site because I enclosed it in “less than <” and “greater than >” symbols.

        Reply
  • October 2, 2019 at 2:25 pm
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    I have been notified by DHL of a shipment from Hayes Middx UK to Bangkok having been delivered today. There is no delivery address or description and I have no DHL deliveries due.
    Could this be my new passport?
    If so, will Trendy email me or should I assume DHL notification is the email they refer to and go to collect it?
    Any experiences?

    Reply
  • October 2, 2019 at 9:33 am
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    I am getting DHL information tracking a shipment from Hayes Middx to Bangkok.
    I assume its my new passport returning as it is 4 weeks since I applied at Trendy and I have no other DHL shipments.
    I cannot find any way to identify the delivery address. DHL just says Bangkok.

    Do Trendy send emails to me when they receive the new passport telling me to collect or do I rely on the DHL notification?

    Reply
  • September 30, 2019 at 5:45 pm
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    This may help some people. If you need an update about your application, VFS can’t help you as it’s out of their hands. However I found an awesome resource: go to this web site and click WEBCHAT – Speak to an advisor –
    https://www.gov.uk/passport-advice-line
    They told me in 3 mins that “my new passport had been printed on 26 Sep and is on it’s way” I just gave them name and date of birth.
    I need to travel for work and book flights so this was very useful. Hope it helps someone in the dark.

    Reply
    • October 31, 2019 at 8:12 am
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      Yes agree with Scott, this is a great service, highly recommended if you’re waiting on the progress of your passport

      Reply
  • September 25, 2019 at 3:01 pm
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    Just went to Trendy today to get my UK passport renewed, it was very easy,
    On arrival on the 8th floor, I was met by a security guard asking what service I required, once I mentioned renewal they checked my bag, asked me to put my phone on silent, went through the scanner and turned left, ticked my name that was already on the list and was shown through the nearest door. Showed my passport, a correctly filled out renewal form, payment form ( via a debit card from a Thai bank), 2 recent photos of myself and confirmation of my local address which was a letter signed and stamped again by my Thai bank. In and out in 15 mins, it was a very friendly and efficient service. Now awaiting my new passport which I’m told will be delivered to Trendy in 3/4 weeks. FYI they didn’t keep my passport, once Im summoned back to Trendy I surrender it to be null and void with a corner cut off., then go to immigration blah blah.

    Reply
    • September 25, 2019 at 7:42 pm
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      Many thanks for the update, especially the confirmation of address from a Thai bank. I’ll do the same in 3 weeks. Cheers

      Reply
    • December 31, 2019 at 7:17 pm
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      Hi…. I just read your post with interest…. I am somewhat confused about proof of address. Most of my documents I have are in Thai apart from my lease agreement which is in Thai and English. On the supporting document list it says visa which is stamped in my passport. Have you any recommendations??

      Reply
  • September 19, 2019 at 8:38 pm
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    I’m going to apply for my passport renewal next week. I have a question: Once I apply for a new passport, can I still extend my visa at Immigration on my current passport? I am due to extend early next month.

    Reply
    • September 19, 2019 at 9:25 pm
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      I would say yes. And when you get your new passport, get your stamps transferred to your new passport.

      Reply
      • January 6, 2020 at 8:46 pm
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        Hi roger,

        Just read your comment above about travelling within Thailand using your old passport while your application for a new passport is underway. Can you confirm that this is okay? I need to travel to Phuket via thai smile and will not have time to get a new passport before then. The passport is still in date. Thanks.

        Reply
        • January 7, 2020 at 3:07 pm
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          On domestic flights, they only check to see if your photo ID has expired or not.

          Reply
        • January 7, 2020 at 5:09 pm
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          Yes, I flew from Bangkok back to Phuket on my old passport after submitting my documents at Trendy. I then flew to Bangkok to pick up my new passport. I also used the old passport to get back to Phuket.

          Richard’s earlier statement “Once you apply for the new passport you are not allowed to use your old one. Meaning you cannot travel.” is talking about travelling OUTSIDE Thailand. As I had made it quite clear that I wanted to fly back to Phuket from Bangkok, I disagreed with his statement.

          So, having flown to and from Bangkok using my old passport as a photo-ID (yes, Richard, there are no borders between Phuket and Bangkok), I then went to Immigration in Phuket and they transferred my stamps to the new passport.

          Reply
          • July 22, 2020 at 11:40 am
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            In my experience [been here since 2005] you can use any official document to fly … as long as it has your photo such as Thai Drivers Licence. A friend of mine travels regularly using his … he even uses it to check-in at hotels!

  • September 16, 2019 at 4:59 pm
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    Is the proof of address for the UK, or for Thailand?

    What if you are on a tourist visa?

    Regards,
    Peter

    Reply
  • September 13, 2019 at 10:08 am
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    Hi, do you get to keep your old passport while you wait the three weeks for the new one?

    Reply
    • September 13, 2019 at 12:00 pm
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      Yes, it’s the law in Thailand. In other countries you might need to surrender it.

      Reply
      • September 13, 2019 at 3:26 pm
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        At what time do they cut the corner off your current passport?

        If they cut it off when you present your documents for renewal (i.e. before you receive your new passport), will there be any problems using it to fly back to your home within Thailand?

        Reply
        • September 13, 2019 at 3:27 pm
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          Once you apply for the new passport you are not allowed to use your old one. Meaning you cannot travel.

          Reply
          • September 14, 2019 at 12:46 am
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            So how do I fly back to Phuket?

          • September 25, 2019 at 7:56 pm
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            Richard, this is wrong. I just flew back to Phuket after submitting my documents.
            I will be submitting more information after I get my new passport in a few weeks.

          • September 25, 2019 at 8:04 pm
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            Quick question, did you use your passport at a border checkpoint (as a travel document) or did you just flash it to airline staff as a form of photo ID? If the latter then I stand by my comment which comes from the British government that you cannot travel with the passport once you start renewal process.

      • October 30, 2019 at 4:38 pm
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        So it’s possible to travel outside Thailand once you have applied but haven’t received your new passport?

        Reply
        • October 30, 2019 at 10:58 pm
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          According to the UK government website, you are not allowed to travel,on it once you’ve applied for a new one.

          Reply
          • October 31, 2019 at 11:50 am
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            Ah that’s unfortunate, thanks for the reply

    • September 29, 2020 at 2:17 pm
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      Thanks ,really useful info.

      Reply
  • September 8, 2019 at 12:14 pm
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    As proof of address will they accept a Bangkok Bank statement/letter with my address (in English) on it? Thank you

    Reply
    • September 13, 2019 at 3:22 pm
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      I got a “Proof of Address” certificate from Phuket Immigration. I had to provide a photograph which is affixed to the certificate, which is all in Thai. Then I got it translated by “First Choice Translation”.

      I haven’t been to Trendy yet so don’t know if it’ll be accepted.

      Reply
    • September 13, 2019 at 5:32 pm
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      I intend to present my bank statements and a signed , stamped letter from my local bank, they send me statements every month and the address is already in English, hope that’s sufficient.

      Reply
    • February 18, 2020 at 4:28 am
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      I used my voting card the UK government sent me for adderss surprise me no one else has instead of visits to bank and paying for letters

      Reply
    • February 18, 2020 at 4:52 am
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      Cant
      understand why people
      take the trouble going to banks
      or immigration paying for letters and time in there
      .People
      must of had letters from the UK I used my uk voting card sent to me by the UK government

      Reply
      • February 18, 2020 at 8:50 am
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        Does that show your address in Thailand?

        Reply
        • February 18, 2020 at 10:20 pm
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          yes my uk voting card has my thai address on it

          Reply
        • February 18, 2020 at 10:34 pm
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          yes it has my thai address on it I registered to vote in the last election and the uk hmrc sent to my thai address a voting card with my thai address on it a pack to vote plus in future elections they automaticly will send out the paperwork to my thai home

          Reply
      • February 18, 2020 at 7:55 pm
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        You obviously haven’t been here long. I lost my right to vote years ago.

        Reply
        • February 18, 2020 at 10:38 pm
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          you never lose your right to vote even if you have been here 30year

          Reply
          • February 20, 2020 at 11:43 am
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            Maybe so, but we cannot register to vote here and we’ve been away too long. And so cannot vote from here. But if I go back, after a certain period, I will regain all my rights and can then start voting again.

          • August 18, 2020 at 9:24 am
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            The Tories changed that years ago – they were worried that those overseas have more objectivity……so they removed my right to vote whilst living in HK having been non-resi in the UK for over 20 years

  • August 17, 2019 at 4:08 pm
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    Also thank you very much this was extremely detailed and helpful

    Reply
  • August 17, 2019 at 4:07 pm
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    Hi. Do you pick the new passport up from the passport office you had appointment at or do you pick new passport up from British embassy ?

    Just confused where I get this letter from to get the new stamp and explain why I may have overstayed visa. (Depending how Long it takes )

    Also do you have to go back to Bangkok or can the passport be picked up from another place in Thailand. Further south for example ?

    Reply
    • August 17, 2019 at 5:30 pm
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      You don’t pick up from the embassy. You go to the same place you filed your application

      Reply
  • August 15, 2019 at 8:47 pm
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    Regarding the “Evidence of address” requirement, my Thai driving license has my address in Thai only (on the back), and not in English.

    However, the TM30 slip in my passport, titled: “Receipt of Notification”, has my address in English, but the month is in Thai, and the year is Buddhist Era. The slip has a big red Immigration stamp on it.

    Has anyone used this TM30 slip as proof of address?

    Reply
    • December 31, 2019 at 7:25 pm
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      Hi.. I have the same dilemma as you. Did you find out if TM30 was acceptable? Mine is in Thai so I would need to get it translated. Look forward to hearing from you.

      Reply
  • August 14, 2019 at 4:41 pm
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    Hi.
    I don’t have an address in Thailand. I travel constantly and am staying with a friend at the moment. Will this be a problem?

    Reply
    • August 15, 2019 at 7:30 am
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      Are you on a tourist visa? If so, and leave the country without extending your stay, you won’t come to their attention. However, if you need to go to an Immigration office they will ask about your TM30 if no-one has ever filed one for you, including your friend.

      Reply
      • August 16, 2019 at 9:10 pm
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        I am on a tourist visa and plan to extend it. I have already registered with immigration at my friend’s address. What impact might this have regarding the application form?

        Reply
  • August 1, 2019 at 1:02 pm
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    I was apprehensive about using this VFS service but everything was as described in your article. Very helpful and exact (even as to which lift button to press). I found the VFS service for UK passports friendly and efficient. In the UK July is a very busy month for passport renewals and it can take six weeks. But I applied on July 9 and received my new passport ten days later. Based upon my experience I highly recommend a visit to VFS inTrendy Building.

    Reply
    • August 21, 2019 at 6:03 pm
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      Hey! What is vfs? Is that the name of the place in bkk? I live in Phuket and wondered if I could send off my passport instead of having to go to bkk. I have only 1 page left and I need to get my non b at the end of next month!

      Reply
      • August 23, 2019 at 7:43 pm
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        You have to go to Bangkok – after making an appointment by email as mentioned in the first paragraph of this article: [email protected]

        It’s no good asking for any help in this email – it is literally for making an appointment only, which I find ridiculous. They must know exactly what documentation you need, so why can’t they answer a simple question such as “Is the TM30 slip in my passport acceptable as the evidence of address?”

        In their automated email reply, all they do is refer you to the web site(s) which I’ve read several times already. Good grief, this is 2019 not 1920. So if I fly there from Phuket, get told that my evidence of address is not acceptable, I have to fly back to Phuket, get something else, and make another appointment?

        And the http://www.gov.uk site is useless as well for asking for help.

        Reply
      • August 16, 2020 at 9:27 am
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        How do you pay for new passport? Is it at the office or before hand?
        Can you use GBP at the office or must it be via card.
        Thanks

        Reply
  • July 30, 2019 at 11:10 am
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    Does anyone know if the new passport can be mailed EMS or delivered by courier? I am in Hua Hin so I would rather pay to receive the new one at home rather than travel ti BKK.

    Reply
    • January 20, 2020 at 2:33 pm
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      I was told that a visa shop about 4 shops from trendy building does a collect and mail on service for a fee didn’t use as I am in Bangkok.

      Reply
  • July 16, 2019 at 4:49 pm
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    Hope not a daft question!
    Due to working resourses, my 49 page passport is hammered with bkk stamps and various full page work visas for another country. It doesnt expire until 2025. Only 5 blank pages left and planning to go Lao and Cambodia next month and then return bkk. Can i get a new passport from trendy bangkok even though i still have five blank pages. I would rather renew now then when i only got 1 page left.
    Thank you

    Reply
  • June 28, 2019 at 3:04 pm
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    ” I used my Bangkok Bank credit card details rather than one issued in the UK.” Does this mean you can pay from a Thai Bank SCB in Baht?

    Reply
    • August 15, 2019 at 8:31 am
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      Richard, is my assumption correct?

      Reply
      • August 15, 2019 at 12:21 pm
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        That’s what I did, though I used my Bangkok Bank credit card. I believe you can use a debit card too.

        Reply
  • June 10, 2019 at 9:33 am
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    Great information as always. Thanks very much.
    I’m going back to the UK for a few weeks and was planning on renewing my British Passport while I’m there. Does anyone know if there is a Thai office in the UK that can transfer my Thai retirement visa and multiple re-entry permit to the new passport or should I wait till I get back to Bangkok? Thanks again.

    Reply
    • June 10, 2019 at 10:03 am
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      Please note, once you submit your application for a new passport, you cannot travel on the old one. Secondly, I believe only Immigration can transfer the visas to the new passport. I presume they can do at the airport so present both. Or you might need to go to your local Immigration. Either way, please post here to help others once you’ve done it.

      Reply
      • June 10, 2019 at 1:32 pm
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        You’ll need to present both passports at the airport. They will stamp your new passport with a new “permitted to stay” date, but they won’t transfer your Extension of Stay. You’ll need to do this at your Immigration Office. Once it’s been transferred you’ll need to get the Re-Entry Permit transferred too (no charge for either service).

        Reply
        • June 10, 2019 at 3:55 pm
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          Thanks very much for the information Richard and Henry. I wonder if I can leave the transferring till my next visa renewal date, a couple of weeks after I re-enter Thailand. It’s a long trip to Chaeng Wattana!

          Reply
          • January 27, 2020 at 6:05 pm
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            Hopefully people still read this. I need to renew my passport and live in Phuket. My question is, do you retain your old passport, for flight home? Can you have your new passport delivered to your home address?

          • January 27, 2020 at 6:07 pm
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            They make it clear on their website that you are no allowed to fly abroad on your old passport once you apply for a new one.

      • February 3, 2020 at 7:52 am
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        I have just tried to have my visa renewed and found that my passport has only 5 months left on it so imigration have said that I have a week to change my flight and go home ( I still have two months of my holiday left ) what is the best and quickest way for me solve this problem.

        Reply
  • June 8, 2019 at 5:35 pm
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    Excellent timing! Mine runs out in January 2021, so I was just thinking about this last night.
    I’m sure the last time I did this, I sent everything (old passport, forms, photographs, etc) to an office and got the passport back via DHL – extra cost of course.
    Do you know if this is still an option?
    I’m down in darkest Phuket, so getting to Bangkok is quite a trip.

    (The first time I did this, I drove to Bangkok, stayed there for about 12 days, picked up the passport and drove back to Phuket. Not something I really fancy doing these days!)

    Regards,

    Roger

    Reply
    • September 11, 2020 at 12:52 pm
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      Hi Roger
      I’m in Phuket and also a Jan 2021 expiry. How did you get on? I’m thinking of flying up next week

      Reply
  • June 8, 2019 at 4:49 pm
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    Exactly how it was for me, except I needed to transfer my Multiple Entry Re-entry permit to my new passport which could only be done after my Extension stamp had been transferred. This involved another 2 hours of waiting at Section C.

    Reply
      • December 17, 2019 at 10:58 am
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        How did you manage to transfer your stamps in 20 minutes?
        I arrived at 9:30 and have a 3 hour wait to see the I. O.

        Reply
        • December 19, 2019 at 9:53 pm
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          I guess I was lucky with the timing. My local office is not always so busy if you know when to go.

          Reply

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