Batty

Sorry I am late updating this, but just to let everyone know my application was eventually approved. I complained through the government website explaining that it is impossible to only submit copies through VFS global, politely suggesting that the examiner is talking out of his arse. The next day I got an email to say it had been approved. I collected my passport last Thursday. In total it was 4 weeks. I guess without the examiner causing a delay it would have been more like 3. As another poster said, the passport office has recently relocated to Corby and many of the examiners are unfamiliar with the VFS process and paperwork. In my case it was the document checklist that has a checkbox saying 'copies submitted' that obviously caused the examiner to think I only submitted copies and not originals. So if you are using VFS global there is a chance that may be some cock up like this until they become accustomed to VFS ways. And the grand scheme of things my cock up was only small and comparison to one or two others on here. Cheers

That would explain a lot. I my case, I was under the impression that Corby examiner looked at the document checklist and saw the box that says 'copies sent' before wrongly assuming that means a copy had been submitted at the point of application and not original ID. I remember saying to my wife "it's almost like they have never dealt with a Thai application before". Do you think it is safe to assume, given that I received an email a few days ago saying my application is now successful and my passport is being printed, that I should be good?

Bloody hell... Sorry to hear that. Did you at least get an email saying the application is successfull and your passport is being printed?

Well fingers crossed then mate. Glad it all worked out for us both in the end. It sounds like I dodged a bit of a bullet compared to the hassle you went through.

Tha Ka Andrew, appreciate it. I did actually try that number already but it relates to the Indians applying for a UK visa. In total I found three different numbers for VFS Global in BKK but none of them were related to the UK passport renewal process. I also emailed them a couple of times marked as urgent and have had no reply. I think I am sorted now though. I complained through .gov and was told my complaint would be revealed by a different examiner. Later that afternoon I got confirmation on email that my passport renewal had been approved.

I only hope that email wasnt sent in error and they are actually still waiting for me to send my ID to the UK...

Well, good news, I think. I sent a couple of complaints through .gov website. I explained that it is IMPOSSIBLE to apply for a passport renewal at VFS Global without submitting hard original ID. HMPOs claim that I submitted only copies is incorrect - they would not let me apply without handing over originals for inspection". I also said that "the examiner is clearly wrong and obviously does not understand the process fully. You are not allowed to apply for a renewal unless you present the hard copies so please can somebody explain to me why the examiner is delaying my application based on an error he or she is now unwilling to admit" I also said "essentialy, this is like an air stewardess hoofing you out of the emergency door as the plane is taxing down the runway, because she believes you do not have a valid ticket - despite the fact they would not let you board without a valid ticket." I got a reply saying "thank you for your complaint we will look into it and submit to a different examiner for a separate review". (Paraphrasing) Four hours later I get an email saying: "We have approved your passport application. What happens next We are now printing your new passport. Our local service partners will be in touch with you about how you can collect it."

Sausage

Whichever way you look at it, the the root of the issue lies with me - I left it too late. In my defense, I thought I was going back to England for some work related stuff that was constantly delayed and hanging in the balance. I was worried that if I applied for a new passport and then received word to travel back to the UK I wouldn't be able to. Eventually, 3 days after submitting my application, I did get confirmation that I need to go to the UK. Typical isn't it 😄 So now, as soon as my passport arrives I need to pretty much immediately fly back to the UK anyway...

Yes that literally must have changed right after I applied. I remember the .gov website saying (I am paraphrasing) "you will keep your passport while the applications going through, although you will not be able to travel on it" Also, if I was supposed to submit my passport, they wouldn't have let me leave with it, I suppose.

Does anyone happen to have a working phone number for these idiots? I have googled it but the number listed for UK passport renewals relate to Indians applying for a UK visa. I have an issue with my passport renewal - a mistake that was made on their side - but I can't find any way to contact them. I did find an email address but I'm getting auto replies about appointment booking. I am unable to find a general customer support email address.

On a side note, does anyone have a confirmed number for VFS Global Bangkok? The numbers I have tried seem relevant only to India, Malta, Austria citizens for some reason. I can't find a number for UK passport/visa queries.

Part of the problem with this is the lines of communication. The hotline is essentially just a call center with a bunch of Liverpudlians answering queries based on a scripted prompt sheet. They have no involvement with the passport application process - it's just bums on seats designed to take pressure away from HMPO. They seem like nice enough people - scousers usually are - but they are clueless, really, through no fault of their own. I mentioned VFS global to one of them last night and they said "who are they, like a courier company?". I explained who they are and they replied "well, I hate to say it, but I suppose that's the risk you take when you apply through a private agency - you might have been better applying at the Bangkok Consulate". Long and short is this: the examiner is refusing to accept that I supplied original ID at point of application. As far as he/she is concerned, I supplied copies of ID. He needs to see the originals. I made an official complaint and explained that VFS will not accept only copies, so even if I wanted to apply with copies of my ID - and not the originals to back them up - I wouldn't be able to. They are accusing me of doing something that simply can't be done. Now, I must send my original ID to Corby. God knows how long this will take now. It's probably 2 weeks just to arrive in the UK, then it has to find it's way to the examiner, then the process starts. My visa expires May 9th. I'm seriously doubting if my new passport will be back by then. Of course, all of this is my own doing. I had plenty of time to apply and shouldn't have left it so late. In my defence, for a few months it was looking like I might be returning to the UK for a month or two for some work related stuff, so I held back from applying, thinking I would just renew at HMPO directly. That fell through - so I applied from Thailand instead. I didn't forsee some jobs worth throwing a spanner in the works.

Yes, they are a private enterprise. In all fairness, they seem quite switched in and organized at VFS. That said, when you outsource stuff like this it leaves room for error, miscommunication etc.

Hi Andrew I read your post - it was indeed a nightmare! I am glad you got it sorted. I may be facing a similar fate. After speaking to them, I received a follow-up email that said they no longer needed my original passport but now needed to see identification. Apparently, they believe I submitted copies and not originals of the ID. That is not true. I took originals and copies to VFS Global, as instructed. For some reason, they believe I submitted only copies and not originals. As a result, they now want me to send hard copies to the HMPO in Corby. I called again and explained that I had taken the originals to VFS Global. They have passed this information on to the 'examiner' and I must now await an email. I am just looking at the receipt that VFS Global gave me. There is a document receipt checklist that confirms the type of ID submitted. I have two rows ticked for driving licence and house registration book (which was actually a letter, signed and date by Amphur, confirming I live at that address). Next to each of these are two columns: one that says 'tick if copy' and one that says 'tick if translation'. VFS global have ticked the copy column. Now, this obviously means that they have submitted a copy of the original - and not a translation. I suspect that HMPO are assuming this means I provided only copies. It's a case of incompetence. The fact is, VFS Global will not accept mere copies - they need to see originals PLUS a copy. For some reason, HMPO is assuming this means ONLY A COPY. What a joke. This is going to take weeks, and my passport expires in May.... Plus, I need to apply for my extension end of April. I didn't imagine it would take longer than 6 weeks and I assumed that a renewal would be simple and easy with no dramas.