12 replies to this topic

[Twoshots]

Ok, so now if you need a new UK passport whilst in Thailand the Bangkok Embassy is not involved and it is handled by the office in Hong Kong, although printed in UK. Well treats the way I read it. They make Thailand an exception in terms of returning your original passport in post to Hong Kong but want a photocopy of photo page. Apparently allow 4 weeks for delivery.
Anyone had to play this game yet ? and what do you do about the Thai immigration stamp in old passport in reference to it not now being in the new one ??

[Beerlao]

have friends who update passports no problem - just use dhl on second road near soi 10 - they are very quick and
efficient - think you might need to take old passport with you first time out of country - the embassy will tell you what to
do about this - they guys in dhl probably know too !!

[Terry Tibbs]

You will have to keep both passports together until you leave Thailand.

[paultain]

We have the same problem Europe..for the past couple of years all passports are now sent directly to France, irrespective where in Europe you are living, Germany, Holland, Spain ETC. Hong Kong is for Asia.

Eventually in a few years, you will have to send your passport directly to London, no matter where you are...... embassies will only cater for emergency passports.

This goes for the Irish passports also, except the Irish embassy will forward it by diplomatic pouch to Dublin.

This is to stop fraud, and saving money by cut-backs (less staff employed in the Embassies)

Although I don't know if its done now, but things like important stamps or residence visa's on the old passport, was usually bonded and sealed to the new passport.

[Twoshots]

Thanks for input chaps, I'm ok at moment but friend in Bangkok was convinced under new rules he had to fly to Hong Kong !! I said no, no, no and started doing a bit of research, as to be honest had not heard about the changes.
Heres the link for the application process I was reading:

http://ukinhongkong....ailand/renewals


Being a conspiracy Theory type of guy I just wondered if it was anything to do with stopping Mosat assassination squads running around blatting people whilst holding UK passports. Sounds bit more interesting than cost cutting.

Edited by Twoshots, 08 January 2012 - 02:19 AM.

[snick]

Use DHL to send it, they have some kind of special arrangement. Don't know the details

[Streetwalker]

I renewed my passport very easily.

I complted the application form and gave as my reason for NOT returning my existing passport as "Required for presentation to Thai authorities"

I photocopied the old passport and include with my application and photos of the correct required size.
I paid via my credit card = about 130 GBP. It is actually charged for in HK Dollars.

I used the 'special' DHL service. I paid for delivery to HK Passport office and the return fee. DHL even checked my application for me.
I had my new passport back within 1 week.

I then visited Immigration in Jomtien Soi 5. They transferred my existing Thai Retirement Visa from the old passport to the new one free of charge.

[SLBT]

And that's how Blue Peter did it... lol

Edited by SLBT, 27 January 2012 - 10:31 AM.

[Beerlao]

very surprised they did this without sighting the original and cancelling it (cutting the corners off)

[Twoshots]

They make Thailand a special case in terms of returning the "old passport' due to their appreciation of how important it is to have a passport in Thailand.

[Albert Steptoe]

For the sake of a cheap flight you might as well fly up to Hong Kong on Air Asia and get it there and then , kills 2 birds with one stone as well if you are someone who has to do regular visa runs.

[Ivor]

Albert Steptoe, on 26 February 2012 - 08:21 AM, said:

For the sake of a cheap flight you might as well fly up to Hong Kong on Air Asia and get it there and then , kills 2 birds with one stone as well if you are someone who has to do regular visa runs.

Not much point- all passports are now produced in the UK. HK is just the conduit.

[Twoshots]

Does make you wonder why can't just cut out the middle man and DHL direct to Uk? Maybe you can. Might be quicker, but not heard any complaints yet on the service, but then haven't been looking for them.