US Passport Renewal Update Information

[tkramer]

12 days ago I did a mail-in Passport Renewal to the US Embassy in Bangkok.

 

I just spent some time on their web site to see if I could check my 'status', but could not find anything.

 

• As in...did they actually receive my passport and documents...?
• Was everything acceptable/okay, etc.

 

I feel like I just mailed my info into a big 'black hole'.

Is there a 'link' to check up on this type of information...?

[metisdead]

Moving to the US & Canada Topics and Events forum. 

[tkramer]

Oops, Thanks!

[bamnutsak]

Did you use Thai Post EMS or DHL to mail in your renewal package?

 

You should be able to track successful delivery to the USEMBBKK at Thai Post EMS or DHL's pages

 

You can track your passport status here https://passportstatus.state.gov/

 

And you purchased a Thai Post Courier Pass back, you should have a Thai Post EMS tracking number (in the receipt). Once your NEW passport has been received at the USEMBBKK, they will EMS it to you. You can track that here  https://track.thailandpost.co.th/

 

 

[connda]

1 hour ago, tkramer said:

12 days ago I did a mail-in Passport Renewal to the US Embassy in Bangkok.

 

I just spent some time on their web site to see if I could check my 'status', but could not find anything.

 

• As in...did they actually receive my passport and documents...?
• Was everything acceptable/okay, etc.

 

I feel like I just mailed my info into a big 'black hole'.

Is there a 'link' to check up on this type of information...?

Give it three weeks to a month before you start to worry.  Your passport might show up on your doorstep before you find an update on the web. There was very little feedback but mine showed up wayyyyy before I expected it to.

I wrote a detailed account last year.  Check it out:  

And this is where you need to go for passport status.  If there is nothing there, don't worry about it too much.  There is a lot of lag time. 
https://passportstatus.state.gov/

[unblocktheplanet]

10 days for me, door to door.

[tkramer]

Okay, Thanks.

 

I used registered mail Thai Post. Which tells me something. But I was hoping for a:

 

"Hey, we got your Passport, and are processing the new one as we speak. Should be x days".

 

Your Friends at the US Embassy 

 

I have been in Thailand too long...to know that

 

"if there is a way to 'fritz' something up...it will happen here".

 

I don't trust nobody...!  (how's that for a double negative)

 

Thanks...!

[Jingthing]

12 minutes ago, tkramer said:

Okay, Thanks.

 

I used registered mail Thai Post. Which tells me something. But I was hoping for a:

 

"Hey, we got your Passport, and are processing the new one as we speak. Should be x days".

 

Your Friends at the US Embassy 

 

I have been in Thailand too long...to know that

 

"if there is a way to 'fritz' something up...it will happen here".

 

I don't trust nobody...!  (how's that for a double negative)

 

Thanks...!

I'm in the process now too.

I got the tracking from DHL that I was delivered to the embassy.

I'm assuming (hoping) that they have staff to look over the application at least superficially to detect any errors and if found that they would contact applicants early in the process. But I have no proof of that.

Only reports by people who had that happen could say whether errors were detected early or late in the process. 

So best case, if package received, and no early contact, they have looked at it and found no errors.

Years ago I did a renew at a Pattaya consular visit and there was a problem which I had time to fix right away and I think the officer did at least eyeball the entire application.

So that's a hint that they would do the same thing when received by mail.

(The problem was missing photocopy of current passport ID page.)

Photos could possibly be a more subjective determination.

Obviously they can easily measure the photo size and reject any obvious issues like if you're wearing a Bozo the clown costume.

But the required specs for photos are very specific and I suppose it would be possible for an officer to miss something that might later be rejected by the state department.

[NickyLouie]

1 minute ago, Jingthing said:

wearing a Bozo the clown costume.

 

Here is their email : [email protected]

 

You can send them annoying messages, also tell them you H8T Trump  .....

 

 

 

 

[tkramer]

Hi Jingthing,

 

Yeah...thanks for that.

I guess 'no news is good news'.

I guess I was expecting 'American proficiency'.

 

All my previous applications since 1969, have been 'in person'. 

This is a first for me.

 

Kind regards

[Jingthing]

18 minutes ago, NickyLouie said:

 

Here is their email : acsbkk(at)state.gov

 

You can send them annoying messages, also tell them you H8T Trump  .....

 

 

 

 

I'll ignore your joke, but what would be to point of emailing them unless they're contacted you with a problem OR the passport is very late, etc.?

I'm assuming the passport tracking link would work for internationally obtained passports, correct?

(Remove space)

https: //passportstatus.state.gov

 

[tkramer]

"Here is their email : acsbkky(at)state.gov

 

You can send them annoying messages, also tell them you H8T Trump"  

 

Thanks Nick. 

[Jingthing]

8 minutes ago, tkramer said:

Hi Jingthing,

 

Yeah...thanks for that.

I guess 'no news is good news'.

I guess I was expecting 'American proficiency'.

 

All my previous applications since 1969, have been 'in person'. 

This is a first for me.

 

Kind regards

I'm freaked out about it too.

I'm also concerned about an unknown X factor.

Whether state department staff cuts will make this take longer or even cause complications.

That's a reason I've been asking for VERY CURRENT timing reports.

It seems clear that the 6 to 8 week stated estimates have in reality been (happily) closer to one month.

HOWEVER, I don't think there have been many (or any) timing reports since the State Department staff cuts have occurred. 

Don't call me paranoid about this. We already know for a fact that staff cuts at Social Security has negatively impacted on wait times. The concern is well founded (unfortunately). 

[tkramer]

I heard that they fired almost everybody, and hired some late arrival Canadians at half the price. Musk is a 'penny-pincher', and Donald likes it.

[Jingthing]

Just now, tkramer said:

I heard that they fired almost everybody, and hired some late arrival Algerians at half the price. Musk is a 'penny-pincher', and Donald likes it.

Let's try to keep this more neutral.

Americans of all kinds rely on State Department services.

[tkramer]

I remain neutral, Amigo.

[Jingthing]

Just now, tkramer said:

I remain neutral, Amigo.

I'm not neutral but there is no logical reason for practical topics about vital services like passport renewals should be politicized.

I bring up State Department staff cuts because they are a fact and as yet it is unknown if that will impact the timing and service about overseas passport renewals.

[connda]

1 hour ago, unblocktheplanet said:

10 days for me, door to door.

Wow! Smoking fast!

[connda]

53 minutes ago, tkramer said:

Okay, Thanks.

 

I used registered mail Thai Post. Which tells me something. But I was hoping for a:

 

"Hey, we got your Passport, and are processing the new one as we speak. Should be x days".

 

Your Friends at the US Embassy 

 

I have been in Thailand too long...to know that

 

"if there is a way to 'fritz' something up...it will happen here".

 

I don't trust nobody...!  (how's that for a double negative)

 

Thanks...!

 

43 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

I'm in the process now too.

I got the tracking from DHL that I was delivered to the embassy.

I'm assuming (hoping) that they have staff to look over the application at least superficially to detect any errors and if found that they would contact applicants early in the process. But I have no proof of that.

Only reports by people who had that happen could say whether errors were detected early or late in the process. 

So best case, if package received, and no early contact, they have looked at it and found no errors.

Years ago I did a renew at a Pattaya consular visit and there was a problem which I had time to fix right away and I think the officer did at least eyeball the entire application.

So that's a hint that they would do the same thing when received by mail.

(The problem was missing photocopy of current passport ID page.)

Photos could possibly be a more subjective determination.

Obviously they can easily measure the photo size and reject any obvious issues like if you're wearing a Bozo the clown costume.

But the required specs for photos are very specific and I suppose it would be possible for an officer to miss something that might later be rejected by the state department.

 

35 minutes ago, tkramer said:

Hi Jingthing,

 

Yeah...thanks for that.

I guess 'no news is good news'.

I guess I was expecting 'American proficiency'.

 

All my previous applications since 1969, have been 'in person'. 

This is a first for me.

 

Kind regards

I was worried about it too, but it turned out to be pretty efficient with the exception that they simply don't give you much in the way of feedback. I sent mine via EMS and got something to the effect that "The Door Guard Signed For Your Mailer" which didn't give me much in the way of confidence.  I think I got the new passport back in about 3 weeks much to my surprise and delight.
Just hang in there and trust the system will work.  It was difficult for me too, but it did work beyond my expectations.  I gave the State Department kudos on that.  Quiet but efficient. 

[Jingthing]

5 minutes ago, connda said:

Wow! Smoking fast!

Is it really true though?

I've never heard about much shorter than one month for in Thailand renewals.

There is no way to pay for expedited service abroad as there is for US renewals.

More likely if this is true, he had TRAVEL PLANS or a VISA EXPIRATION coming up shortly which is something they ask about on the application.

In that case they would have the power to expedite but again you can't pay and order for faster service for abroad passports.

[Jingthing]

2 minutes ago, connda said:

 

 

I was worried about it too, but it turned out to be pretty efficient with the exception that they simply don't give you much in the way of feedback. I sent mine via EMS and got something to the effect that "The Door Guard Signed For Your Mailer" which didn't give me much in the way of confidence.  I think I got the new passport back in about 3 weeks much to my surprise and delight.
Just hang in there and trust the system will work.  It was difficult for me too, but it did work beyond my expectations.  I gave the State Department kudos on that.  Quiet but efficient. 

When was your renewal?

I'm fairly OK with the DHL proof of receipt that they received it.

[Jingthing]

To add there is also a SEASONAL factor in renewals, certainly domestically anyway.

Reportedly for domestic renewals, if you apply during very slow travel months, it will generally be faster, and vice versa.

[Quentin Zen]

only have like 5 pages left......well, make that 4.   so two pages, back to back.....4.    that's passport number 2 filled.  visa is one year, so I'll renew mine at the start of 2026 maybe.  

 

I'm reading can only pay online in USD.   What if I only have a Thai bank account?  Maybe I have to go to the bank, convert to USD, then send the USD?   hmmmmm... plus 100 baht for return envelope, which will be in Thai baht since using a Thai service.   Is there a better way?  I think in person I paid like 7000 baht last time......in baht.  hmmmm.  

 

 

U.S. Embassy Bangkok
95 Wireless Road
Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Tel: +66-2-205-4000

[Jingthing]

18 minutes ago, Quentin Zen said:

only have like 5 pages left......well, make that 4.   so two pages, back to back.....4.    that's passport number 2 filled.  visa is one year, so I'll renew mine at the start of 2026 maybe.  

 

I'm reading can only pay online in USD.   What if I only have a Thai bank account?  Maybe I have to go to the bank, convert to USD, then send the USD?   hmmmmm... plus 100 baht for return envelope, which will be in Thai baht since using a Thai service.   Is there a better way?  I think in person I paid like 7000 baht last time......in baht.  hmmmm.  

 

 

U.S. Embassy Bangkok
95 Wireless Road
Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Tel: +66-2-205-4000

These are good questions.

I paid the 130 renewal with a US credit card.

I don't know if a Thai credit card would work.

I think it probably would (I don't have one here).

I seriously doubt a Thai debit card would.

A US paypal account? Maybe. I don't recall. 

There was no option given for Thai bank transfers or US  ACH transfers when I paid.

If you can't pay online, you cannot do an online application!

You could do the application in person at the embassy and inquire about their payment options for that which I assume would be more flexible (like cash).

 

As far as Thai Post, I had a problem paying. I was able to pay with my True Money account though. Otherwise I wouldn't have been able to pay the 100 baht online. Online is the only option for that as well.

 

Another option is to use an agent if your locality has an agent that helps with US passports. In those cases, you can pay the agent however, and they handle the other technicalities.

[Quentin Zen]

1 minute ago, Jingthing said:

These are good questions.

I paid the 130 renewal with a US credit card.

I don't know if a Thai credit card would work.

I seriously doubt a Thai debit card would.

There was no option given for Thai bank transfers or US  ACH transfers when I paid.

If you can't pay online, you cannot do an online application!

You could do the application in person at the embassy and inquire about their payment options for that which I assume would be more flexible (like cash).

 

As far as Thai Post, I had a problem paying. I was able to pay with my True Money account though. Otherwise I wouldn't have been able to pay the 100 baht online. Online is the only option for that as well.

 

Another option is to use an agent if your locality has an agent that helps with US passports. In those cases, you can pay the agent however, and they handle the other techinicalities.

Thanks. I have a US bank account with USD in it; however, a few years back, they froze the account because I was in Thailand (yes, I told them, and yes, they knew...lol). When I called, it was just one big headache after another. Then the card expired. It's on my to-do list.  Next year I think I'll do the Schwabe international account....seems to have a good reputation.   

 

ChatGPT tells me this...maybe next year I'll visit CM and take care of it.  This has been on my to-do list for only two years...lol....TiT.  Yes, it is possible to pay for an American passport in Thailand using Thai baht (THB). You can pay for your passport in THB at the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok or the U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai. Payment methods accepted include credit cards, debit cards, or U.S. dollars. 

 

 

[Thailandbuckeye]

I know this doesn’t help for people that have already applied but using the Embassy Outreach is very easy and at least for me a little less stressful. For one, Pattaya Outreach will be in August this year. I gave up a year to do it last year which is more than worth it to me.

[Jingthing]

2 hours ago, Thailandbuckeye said:

I know this doesn’t help for people that have already applied but using the Embassy Outreach is very easy and at least for me a little less stressful. For one, Pattaya Outreach will be in August this year. I gave up a year to do it last year which is more than worth it to me.

Agreed.

The outreach timing wasn’t right for me this time.

 

[unblocktheplanet]

On 5/17/2025 at 2:38 PM, Jingthing said:

Is it really true though?

I've never heard about much shorter than one month for in Thailand renewals.

There is no way to pay for expedited service abroad as there is for US renewals.

More likely if this is true, he had TRAVEL PLANS or a VISA EXPIRATION coming up shortly which is something they ask about on the application.

In that case they would have the power to expedite but again you can't pay and order for faster service for abroad passports.

Nope. Did not. No travel plans. I was worried Leon was going to axe the diplomatic staff!

[Jingthing]

1 hour ago, unblocktheplanet said:

Nope. Did not. No travel plans. I was worried Leon was going to axe the diplomatic staff!

Great.

When was this?

 

[Jingthing]

On 5/17/2025 at 3:11 PM, Quentin Zen said:

Thanks. I have a US bank account with USD in it; however, a few years back, they froze the account because I was in Thailand (yes, I told them, and yes, they knew...lol). When I called, it was just one big headache after another. Then the card expired. It's on my to-do list.  Next year I think I'll do the Schwabe international account....seems to have a good reputation.   

 

ChatGPT tells me this...maybe next year I'll visit CM and take care of it.  This has been on my to-do list for only two years...lol....TiT.  Yes, it is possible to pay for an American passport in Thailand using Thai baht (THB). You can pay for your passport in THB at the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok or the U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai. Payment methods accepted include credit cards, debit cards, or U.S. dollars. 

 

 

That's of course for an in person application.

Renewal by mail requires online payment.