Frequency of Australian Embassy outreach visit to Chiang Mai

[scorecard]

I need to renew my passport. Expiry date of current passport is 21 Feb 2026.

 

I've found a lot of info on line and from calling the Embassy in Bkk.

 

Next planned outreach to CM (Marriot Hotel) is 19 June and I will make an appointment tomorrow.

 

I asked the consular man at the embassy in Bkk if the outreach in CM is 3 every months. His response:

 

- The next outreach date is not yet planned.

- There is no policy of every 3 months.

 

Same officer mentioned 'after attending the outreach appointment and at same time paying the fee the wait time if 6 weeks to receive the replacement passport. 

 

Also mentioned 'don't allow your current passport to expire before you receive the renewal passport'.

 

any comments, especially re whether the outreach is 'every 3 months' much appreciated.

 

Thanks.

 

 

 

 

[Will27]

10 hours ago, scorecard said:

I need to renew my passport. Expiry date of current passport is 21 Feb 2026.

 

I've found a lot of info on line and from calling the Embassy in Bkk.

 

Next planned outreach to CM (Marriot Hotel) is 19 June and I will make an appointment tomorrow.

 

I asked the consular man at the embassy in Bkk if the outreach in CM is 3 every months. His response:

 

- The next outreach date is not yet planned.

- There is no policy of every 3 months.

 

Same officer mentioned 'after attending the outreach appointment and at same time paying the fee the wait time if 6 weeks to receive the replacement passport. 

 

Also mentioned 'don't allow your current passport to expire before you receive the renewal passport'.

 

any comments, especially re whether the outreach is 'every 3 months' much appreciated.

 

Thanks.

 

 

 

 

My understanding is they try to visit CM quarterly but as you've been told, it's not set in stone.

I take it you want to see if they come again later this yearto give you more time.

 

Wouldn't it just be easier to apply online at a time when it suits you?

[JimHuaHin]

It would be nice if the Oz Embassy did more outreaches to more locations where many Ozzies live.

 

It is not always easy for us elderly unhealthy Oz expats to get into a van and spend long hours travelling to and from BKK.

[scorecard]

3 hours ago, Will27 said:

My understanding is they try to visit CM quarterly but as you've been told, it's not set in stone.

I take it you want to see if they come again later this yearto give you more time.

 

Wouldn't it just be easier to apply online at a time when it suits you?

 

Yes you are correct, I was hoping there would be another CM outreach every 3 months, i.e. in September and December.

 

You mention 'apply online', to be honest I've been searching for such a facility without success.

 

Would you please share the website address. Much appreciated, thanks.

[Will27]

1 hour ago, scorecard said:

 

Yes you are correct, I was hoping there would be another CM outreach every 3 months, i.e. in September and December.

 

You mention 'apply online', to be honest I've been searching for such a facility without success.

 

Would you please share the website address. Much appreciated, thanks.

https://thailand.embassy.gov.au/bkok/Mailed_in_passport_applications.html

 

https://thailand.embassy.gov.au/bkok/Australian_Passports_Page.html

[scorecard]

1 hour ago, Will27 said:

https://thailand.embassy.gov.au/bkok/Mailed_in_passport_applications.html

 

https://thailand.embassy.gov.au/bkok/Australian_Passports_Page.html

 

Thank you.

 

I bit the bullet and made a booking to visit the Outreach team at Marriot hotel in CM on 19 June.

 

Photos all organized: need to give outreach officer at Marriot 3 photos. Not expensive - as required by the Oz Gov't passport rules. Photo shop can do the required photo format very close to Marriot hotel.

 

No need to get 'endorsed by lawyer, teacher, bank manager, old friend etc. ( guess this is because the applicant hands the new photos direct to the Oz Embassy officer.

 

Have to take a completed application form (from this website:  auth.passports.gov.au).

 

Aiming for 5 year passport (I'm over 80 years old) all up cost 8,300Baht (includes the charge for overseas customers), must be paid to the outreach team 19 June by debit or credit card or scan of bank app (e.g. K+), cannot accept cash.

 

No need to hand in expiring passport - keep it forever. New passport by mail, about 6 weeks after my 19 June visit to the outreach team. But I've read that new / renewal passports have arrived much faster e.g. 2 weeks -  wait and see.