Batty

Sorry.. Auto correct must have included 'powder'.

Thats amazing, I will, thanks!

Appreciate this is going to sound a bit mad... But does anyone have any idea where I could buy a replica gun? A toy gun is fine, but it needs to be metal. The only thing I can find is BB guns ,which are too expensive at 8,000 THB upwards. I want to make a desk lamp out of it, which also sounds a bit crazy, I guess. Seriously, though! It's a gift for a friend who is opening a Peaky Blinders-style cafe. I wanted to have the gun powder coated in gold, thread a cord through it, and connect it to a black lamp shade. It's a long shot, and I am not expecting many (if any) replies, but figured there is no harm in asking 🙂

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.