Did they give you a paper requesting Thai Immigration to transfer your stamps over to the new passport?

Thanks for the detailed report also...very helpful.

6 minutes ago, petermik said:

Did they give you a paper requesting Thai Immigration to transfer your stamps over to the new passport?

Thanks for the detailed report also...very helpful.

They stopped issuing those letters some time ago (2023)

1 hour ago, petermik said:

Did they give you a paper requesting Thai Immigration to transfer your stamps over to the new passport?

Thanks for the detailed report also...very helpful.

No, all that I was handed was my new passport and my old one; they did however, ask me to sign page 3 of the new passport in their presence, for which they provided a black biro / ballpoint pen

5 hours ago, Eloquent pilgrim said:

Final update. I drove to the VFS facility yesterday to collect my new passport; not much traffic again, less than 3 hours from Hua Hin.

I arrived at 13.50 and stood behind 5 others in a queue for the window to open at 14.00. Each person was dealt with in a couple of minutes. I presented my collection paperwork and old passport, and was handed my new passport and asked to check the details before signing it on page 3.

I also had to print my name and sign another paper confirming having received my new one; the corner was duly cut off of my old one which was handed back to me with the new one and I was driving out of the car park at 14.20; all very straightforward.

I must say I am impressed with the new passport compared to my old one. Firstly, it is navy blue, and not that awful miscellaneous maroon of my old one. When you open it, the first page is laminated and shows your passport number and photograph, but not your name. It also has a small clear laminated window that shows another photo of yourself on page 3.

Page 2 which is also laminated is the main details page, with name, d.o.b, issue and expiry dates, and your main photo. Page 3 is reserved for any official observations, and your signature, as well as the small third photo. The blank pages are more sensibly numbered on the bottom corners, and have some nice graphic designs and parts of maps of the UK. All in all, a very well designed document, and one that will have the forgers scratching their heads, I think.

All that remains now is to visit the immigration office to have my visa stamps transferred to my new passport and also to visit both of my banks for them to take copies and update my details on their records. ✌️

Not just banks, mobile network, some get driving licences changed straight away, truemoneywallet, any others that use your passport

Post Scriptum: Yesterday I took my new passport along with my old one, to the immigration office at Hua Hin to have my visa stamps transferred.

I was handed a simple form to fill in before going into the office.

They asked me if I would accept a charge of 500 Baht for this service. I believe that officially there is no charge, but it remains at the discretion of the individual immigration offices. I, of course agreed, and they duly placed a couple of stamps showing my old passport number and original date of arrival, and transferred my current visa stamps. This filled pages 6 and 7 which are the first blank pages.

I was in and out in about 30 minutes; the office at Hua Hin was not very busy, unlike when I usually go in January, when it is mobbed.

On 4/23/2026 at 6:42 AM, scubascuba3 said:

Not just banks, mobile network, some get driving licences changed straight away, truemoneywallet, any others that use your passport

Thanks; yes, I have updated both of my banks, and True, my mobile provider. I haven’t bothered with 3BB, my internet provider, and not sure about my driving licence. I might get my wife to call the transport office to check; however, my 5 year licence expires in December, so I might do it then when I go to get a new one.

2 hours ago, Eloquent pilgrim said:

Thanks; yes, I have updated both of my banks, and True, my mobile provider. I haven’t bothered with 3BB, my internet provider, and not sure about my driving licence. I might get my wife to call the transport office to check; however, my 5 year licence expires in December, so I might do it then when I go to get a new one.

Did they move your TM30 to the new passport? i moved mine over other people did a new TM30, that's for Jomtien

21 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

Did they move your TM30 to the new passport? i moved mine over other people did a new TM30, that's for Jomtien

They just used my old TM 30 and stapled it to page 32 in my new passport; and rather thoughtfully, they attached my 90 day report to page 33 with a paper clip rather than staple it.

On 4/18/2026 at 3:43 PM, Bredbury Blue said:

My son'sinterview on 6th April.

Payment deducted from UK bank on 13th April.

Now waiting on advice when can go collect.

My son paid for his new Thai Passport to be delivered to our address  by Thai Post.
My wife paid for VFS UK to deliver her Thai passport with her new UK visa to our address by Thai Post.
For my son's new British passport, we weren't offered the option of delivery by post. Why can't VFS offer to post a new British passport?

Son's interview/document submission 6 April

Email received on 4 May saying Passport ready to collect

So around a calendar month.

Applied for Son's renewal Passport and a visa for the wife this year at VFS UK. No complaints, all went well, staff decent, minimal queue times, parking good. Like their new location/office setup.

On 3/25/2026 at 8:41 AM, Eloquent pilgrim said:

Yesterday I went to VFS at “The Shoppes at Belle Grand Rama 9” Bangkok, to renew / get a new UK passport; so I thought I would describe the whole procedure in case it helps anyone needing this service.

From the beginning: last Thursday, 19th March, I logged onto the VFS Global website, which I had already registered with. I filled in my details and clicked on the link “ready to submit passport application” I was then offered appointments for as early as the next day, the 20th March, and for every day the following week. I chose yesterday, Tuesday 24th at 10.50 and quickly received a confirmation email of my appointment. Unsure of the traffic situation and consequently the driving time, I left early and arrived well before my appointment time.

I approached the entrance desk 15 minutes before my appointment time, and was checked through security and started being processed 10 minutes before my scheduled appointment. 

I took with me an application form that I had filled in, coloured copies of every page of my passport (including all blank pages - superfluous but necessary) 2 recent professionally taken passport specification photos (180 Baht for 6 at Kodak shop - Hua Hin) the payment form (downloaded from website and filled in with the details of one of my UK credit cards) My current passport (obviously) my Thai driving licence and copies of it, and fortunately, a recent Bangkok bank statement with my Thai address in English.

However, I had made an error on the application form; on the first page I filled in my UK address as my current address, which was what I thought was needed. The young lady told me it needed to be my address in Thailand, but she was very helpful and gave me another page 1 of the form to complete whilst stood at the counter.

This was a bit of a problem because I had already handed her my Thai driving licence and copies, which she seemed willing to accept as proof of Thai address; but the English translation of address on my Thai driving license is incomplete, stating just my house number followed by Hua Hin; so, no soi name or sub-district. So when she then asked me if the Thai address I had just written on the form was the same as on my licence, I had to say no, and explained why; she asked if I had any other proof of address, and fortunately I had taken an up to date bank statement with me which has my address in full in English, exactly as it I had written on the form, which she accepted.

In hindsight, I think if I had just written my Thai address in its incomplete form as it appears on my licence, it may well have been accepted; you have to apply in person and collect your new passport in person (of have someone you have authorised do so on your behalf) so they don’t need your Thai address for posting, but I wasn’t prepared to chance it, especially as I had the bank statement with me as back up anyway.

The young lady was friendly and helpful and told me that my new passport should take about 4 weeks (flights, and consequently postal and courier services have all been negatively impacted by the middle east war) but my current passport, which I have retained after the application, does not expire until November.

Almost immediately I received an email from VFS with their reference number telling me that my application has been forwarded to HMPO, and that I would subsequently hear from them to confirm their application number. I am yet to receive a mail from HMPO and as of this morning my UK credit card has not been debited with the fee. I will update as and when on both of these

Apologies; this has ended up a bit long winded, but I wanted to give full details ✌️

I have a yellow book but address in Thai. Thanks

On 4/20/2026 at 7:48 AM, wil iam not said:

Mine was issued in 2013 and has all my data in Thai AND English.

That is why I cannot understand why an International Driving Permit is required to use it in UK, and vice versa, as it is only a translation. But who am I to question it!

An IDP is not required to use your Thai Driving License in the UK - there's a an agreement which allows for direct usage (for non UK resident Thai DL holders staying for less than 12 months).

My replacement (5 Yr) Driving Licenses issued in Jan 26 - Address is both in Thai and English.

59 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

An IDP is not required to use your Thai Driving License in the UK - there's a an agreement which allows for direct usage (for non UK resident Thai DL holders staying for less than 12 months).

My replacement (5 Yr) Driving Licenses issued in Jan 26 - Address is both in Thai and English.

HMPO rejected the copy of my Thai D/L and insisted I send them the original.

Delayed my passport by 4 weeks.

4 hours ago, BritManToo said:

HMPO rejected the copy of my Thai D/L and insisted I send them the original.

Delayed my passport by 4 weeks.

Any reason why you didn't submit the original?

Did VfS see the original?...(you can see where I am going with this...)

58 minutes ago, hotandsticky said:

5 hours ago, BritManToo said:

HMPO rejected the copy of my Thai D/L and insisted I send them the original.

Delayed my passport by 4 weeks.

Any reason why you didn't submit the original?

Did VfS see the original?...(you can see where I am going with this...)

Its not HMPO who verify the address - its VFS who verify on their behalf.

I don't reacal that a copy of my driving licence was taken, or that one was sent to HMPO by VFS - as I recall, VFS simply verified the Thai address I'd written on my passport renewal application against my physical driving license.

Another poster has also highlighted they are having to post their original driving license down to VFS as they applied through an agent.

I'm guessing Brit also used an agent who sent a copy to VFS.

But it’s hardly unusual for him to deliberately withhold tiny details that completely change the context - he likes to deliberately cause confusion.

Edited May 26May 26 by richard_smith237

1 hour ago, richard_smith237 said:

Its not HMPO who verify the address - its VFS who verify on their behalf.

I don't reacal that a copy of my driving licence was taken, or that one was sent to HMPO by VFS - as I recall, VFS simply verified the Thai address I'd written on my passport renewal application against my physical driving license.

Another poster has also highlighted they are having to post their original driving license down to VFS as they applied through an agent.

I'm guessing Brit also used an agent who sent a copy to VFS.

But it’s hardly unusual for him to deliberately withhold tiny details that completely change the context - he likes to deliberately cause confusion.

I didn't like to say that....😄

Brit is a chancer and will take on the establishment/established.......absolutely no offence to him, simply stating as I have seen it over the years.

5 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

I'm guessing Brit also used an agent who sent a copy to VFS.

But it’s hardly unusual for him to deliberately withhold tiny details that completely change the context - he likes to deliberately cause confusion.

I did mine at VFS in Chiang Mai, everything approved at VFS.

10 days later HMPO Corby want my original Thai D/L or no passport.

Don't know why as you can't communicate directly with HMPO Corby.

Got my new passport from VFS, next week collected my Thai D/L from VFS, then another DHL from VFS with the passport photocopies returned. What a waste of money by HMPO 3x DHL packages ......... 2 of them pointless.

I never use agents for anything, I'm too tight to pay someone else for what I can do by myself.

5 hours ago, BritManToo said:

I did mine at VFS in Chiang Mai, everything approved at VFS.

10 days later HMPO Corby want my original Thai D/L or no passport.

Don't know why as you can't communicate directly with HMPO Corby.

Got my new passport from VFS, next week collected my Thai D/L from VFS, then another DHL from VFS with the passport photocopies returned. What a waste of money by HMPO 3x DHL packages ......... 2 of them pointless.

I never use agents for anything, I'm too tight to pay someone else for what I can do by myself.

I guess it’s possible VFS missed a step during the address verification process - that’s the only explanation I can think of here. Normally they just visually inspect the original proof of address and match it against the renewal application.

The scanned copies of passports and supporting documents are transmitted to the UK and aren’t returned to applicants.

Your case does seem different from most others though for some reasons - I suspect as usual, you’re drip-feeding incomplete information to deliberately obfuscate.

On 5/27/2026 at 12:38 PM, richard_smith237 said:

I guess it’s possible VFS missed a step during the address verification process - that’s the only explanation I can think of here.

Or he was simply the victim of some incompetent fool who works in the dreaded HMPO Corby office:

On 5/27/2026 at 7:02 AM, BritManToo said:

10 days later HMPO Corby want my original Thai D/L or no passport.

On 5/27/2026 at 12:38 PM, richard_smith237 said:

The scanned copies of passports and supporting documents are transmitted to the UK and aren’t returned to applicants.

So why did they return mine?

On 4/25/2026 at 7:38 AM, Eloquent pilgrim said:

Thanks; yes, I have updated both of my banks, and True, my mobile provider. I haven’t bothered with 3BB, my internet provider, and not sure about my driving licence. I might get my wife to call the transport office to check; however, my 5 year licence expires in December, so I might do it then when I go to get a new one.

If you have Health Insurance, you should also inform them of your new passport number (I only know this as they got in touch with me to say that my old Passport had expired & I needed to provide them with a copy of my new one).

Also need to provide them with your TIN if you plan on claiming the allowance on your Thai Tax return next year.

1 hour ago, BritManToo said:

So why did they return mine?

they also returned about half of my passport pages via DHL, not sure why @richard_smith237

Edited June 1Jun 1 by scubascuba3

I suspect that the different experiences that we are seeing from HMPO is just an extension of the ineptitude shown when they changed over to the Corby office last year.

I was caught up in the chaos that ensued back then when HMPO wanted to talk to me re: an issue with my VFS application ( long story ).

HMPO had copied my email address incorrectly and sent me various SMS ( not accepting replies ) to say that they had sent me an email with “ important information “. Eventually I was able to contact them via chat and rectify their error but it was obvious that they were completely confused by the Thai/VFS situation.

On 4/20/2026 at 2:05 PM, Eloquent pilgrim said:

Further update. I have just received an email from: [email protected] informing me that my new passport is ready for collection; so that is 27 days from the date of my application submission on 24th March.

This seems to be the usual timescale for straightforward applications without any issues.

It also states “Please note: When collecting the passport, you must bring your document receipt checklist (or print out this email) and previous passport (if renewal) with you for cancellation; if you do not do so, then we will not be able to provide the new passport”  and also that it must be collected within 30 days or it will be returned to the HMPO UK.

It also reminds me that collection times are from 14.00 - 16.00 Monday to Friday. The afternoon collection times are really inconvenient for me, but I don’t think they will make any exceptions to that.

I renewed my UK Passport at VFS Belle Shoppes two years ago. Like OP, I found the staff member who dealt with me to be very helpful and friendly. The whole thing went very smoothly, and I was surprised that my new passport was ready for pick up in only eight days from application.

1 hour ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

I suspect that the different experiences that we are seeing from HMPO is just an extension of the ineptitude shown when they changed over to the Corby office last year.

I was caught up in the chaos that ensued back then when HMPO wanted to talk to me re: an issue with my VFS application ( long story ).

HMPO had copied my email address incorrectly and sent me various SMS ( not accepting replies ) to say that they had sent me an email with “ important information “. Eventually I was able to contact them via chat and rectify their error but it was obvious that they were completely confused by the Thai/VFS situation.

Agree,

They seem to think VFS is an agent I employed, not a company they are paying.

On 6/1/2026 at 7:33 AM, Andrew Dwyer said:

I suspect that the different experiences that we are seeing from HMPO is just an extension of the ineptitude shown when they changed over to the Corby office last year.

I was caught up in the chaos that ensued back then when HMPO wanted to talk to me re: an issue with my VFS application ( long story ).

HMPO had copied my email address incorrectly and sent me various SMS ( not accepting replies ) to say that they had sent me an email with “ important information “. Eventually I was able to contact them via chat and rectify their error but it was obvious that they were completely confused by the Thai/VFS situation.

Whilst it is easy to dismiss HMPO staff as clueless idiots (as, admittedly, I've done on here several times), I really do wonder, in fairness to them (albeit grudgingly!), whether the basic issue is down to the level (or, more to the point, lack) of on-the-job training they receive. Strikes me that whatever training they receive could amount to little more than being handed a tome as thick as the Encyclopaedia Britannica upon taking up their posts, and then being told to go away and read it from cover to cover in their spare time.

Edited June 2Jun 2 by OJAS

11 minutes ago, OJAS said:

Whilst it is easy to dismiss HMPO staff as clueless idiots (as, admittedly, I've done on here several times), I really do wonder, in fairness to them (albeit grudgingly!), whether the basic issue is down to the level (or, more to the point, lack) of on-the-job training they receive. Strikes me that whatever training they receive could amount to little more than being handed a tome as thick as the Encyclopaedia Britannica upon taking up their posts, and then being told to go away and read it from cover to cover in their spare time.

Suspect the training manual would need to be printed in Urdu.

45 minutes ago, OJAS said:

Whilst it is easy to dismiss HMPO staff as clueless idiots (as, admittedly, I've done on here several times), I really do wonder, in fairness to them (albeit grudgingly!), whether the basic issue is down to the level (or, more to the point, lack) of on-the-job training they receive. Strikes me that whatever training they receive could amount to little more than being handed a tome as thick as the Encyclopaedia Britannica upon taking up their posts, and then being told to go away and read it from cover to cover in their spare time.

Either trainer/ training documentation or trainee there is something lacking in respect to the HMPO knowledge of the Thai/VFS system. I spoke to several employees of HMPO helpline, albeit last year during the change of location, and they all denied knowledge of the VFS system and one even thought i had been asked by a friend of his to do a prank call “ did Jezzer put you up to this ? “.

Admittedly they were going through a learning curve but I imagine there was a healthy period of training time involved.

After all it is a government entity and should show some modicum of professionalism.

If Thai immigration sacked all their IO’s and recruited new staff from HomePro overnight, yup it was that amateur and by the sounds of it hasn’t progressed much !!

15 hours ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

Either trainer/ training documentation or trainee there is something lacking in respect to the HMPO knowledge of the Thai/VFS system. I spoke to several employees of HMPO helpline, albeit last year during the change of location, and they all denied knowledge of the VFS system and one even thought i had been asked by a friend of his to do a prank call “ did Jezzer put you up to this ? “.

Admittedly they were going through a learning curve but I imagine there was a healthy period of training time involved.

After all it is a government entity and should show some modicum of professionalism.

If Thai immigration sacked all their IO’s and recruited new staff from HomePro overnight, yup it was that amateur and by the sounds of it hasn’t progressed much !!

I had a similar experience earlier this year when I needed to chase up the processing of my renewal (because my payment had not been taken in a reasonable timescale).

They claimed non-receipt from VfS and suggested that it was due to ME using a third party agency! I pointed out that I was using THEIR appointed agents because the b4stards at the top would not allow us to submit direct online, like normal human beings.

My payment went through the next day.

Four Weeks! Four weeks after my passport renewal was received by HMPO Via VFS global here in Chiang Mai and now they want a countersigned document!

It took four weeks to get to this request from HMPO via an email! I'm not happy. I need a person of good standing to attest that I'm really me. Drivers licence, my USA passport and my UK passport wasn't good enough! Crazzzy. Why didn't VFS do this on May 2 ?

My appearance is similar.. older for sure.

Now must impose on someone to fill out a firm on my behalf.

Not at all happy

21 minutes ago, 1happykamper said:

Four Weeks! Four weeks after my passport renewal was received by HMPO Via VFS global here in Chiang Mai and now they want a countersigned document!

It took four weeks to get to this request from HMPO via an email! I'm not happy. I need a person of good standing to attest that I'm really me. Drivers licence, my USA passport and my UK passport wasn't good enough! Crazzzy. Why didn't VFS do this on May 2 ?

My appearance is similar.. older for sure.

Now must impose on someone to fill out a firm on my behalf.

Not at all happy

I'm sympathetic but VFS are just acting as agents for HMPO and are not supposed to give advice on things like the difference between your previous and current photos. That said, waiting 4 weeks to contact you is ridiculous.