Thai nationals aged under 18 leaving Thailand via Suvarnabhumi Airport must now show a birth certificate to immigration officers, under a new measure announced on 3 August 2026.

The rule was issued by the departure immigration division at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Parents, guardians or other accompanying people are asked to ensure the required documents are ready before travel to avoid delays at immigration.

Previously, Thai children under 18 could travel overseas using only their passport. Immigration said the change is intended to protect children's best interests and prevent them being taken out of Thailand unlawfully or without the permission of a parent or legal guardian.

Documents accepted at immigration

Immigration officers will accept an original birth certificate, a copy of the birth certificate, or an electronic image of the document.

The airport notice also lists a consent letter from the father and/or mother issued by a government agency among the documents that may need to be shown to officials.

The announcement applies specifically to Thai nationals under the age of 18 who are departing the kingdom. It says the documents should be presented by the father, mother or another person travelling with the child.

What this means for foreign families

Parents should carry a birth certificate in an accepted format when flying out of Suvarnabhumi with a Thai child, even if the child also has another nationality or passport. Where one parent is not travelling, families should also ensure they have any government-issued parental consent documentation required by immigration.

Suvarnabhumi Airport Immigration said the requirement is designed to make the immigration process smoother when passengers have the documents available for inspection.

Picture courtesy of Thansettakj

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5 August 2026

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Wonder how many tourists will only find out about this when they’re standing at the immigration counter...