Passport Stolen, Visa Running Out!

[Kaner]

Hi,

I'm Australian and I recently had my passport (plus other valuables) stolen, in a bag snatching incident.

So like a dutiful citizen I went to the Aust. Embassy in Bangkok to apply for a new Passport.

They told me that it takes a minimum of 10 working days to get my new passport, ok sure picked

up the application form and returned the next day.

The problem that I see it is that my visa runs out about 5 days before I recieve my new passport.

I'm gathering that I'll have to go to immigration to replace my old visa and also get an extension on

it, plus pay a *sigh* overstay fine.

Is this correct, or am I making assumptions here????

Thanks

K

[Norrad]

Go to the police and get a police report filed. Then go to immigration and explain the situation and present the police report and a letter from your embassy stating that your passport will be ready in 10 days. They might waive the overstay fine, but at the very least, the police report will be an acceptable alternative to presenting your passport. That could well keep you out of the IDC if you are caught without your passport and on overstay.

[astral]

Norrad's advice is good.

If you have a photocopy of your old passport and entry stamp this will assist.

[joblo]

Just had the same experience. The embassy will issue an emergency passport in two days (valid for 6 months though) should get you off the hook. This should cost you B4180 including the lost passport fee, if it is your first lost or stolen passport. Lots of luck.

[midas]

...bag snatching incident...

As a matter of interest does this happen a lot in Bangkok ?

[PhilHarries]

As a matter of interest does this happen a lot in Bangkok ?

No extensive experience with Bangkok but plenty with Pattaya and other cities in the region e.g. KL. Personally I wouldn't say it happens "a lot" but that's probably because people are more prepared with defenses against it. It does inevitably happen, and too often for complacency, and there's not much you can do if it happens to you. You can make sure the bag is over your shoulder to make it more difficult to snatch. You could get someone run a length of steel wire through the strap against it getting cut through. If you are in crowds hold the bag in front of you, but inevitably there will be times your defences are down like when paying for something at a market stall.

It is unfortunate that there are times we all have to carry our passport, probably our most critical document when abroad, so it is always best to have a photocopy of all the relevant pages kept in a safe place.

[Kaner]

thanks guys,

sound advice.

I was complacent and was walking down the road, and a motorbike came and pulled my bag from me. totaly by surprise.

The bummer was the police (yes I got a report) were, "hey some people are poor, what can we do?"

oh well, getting the PP very soon, will let you know what happens.

K

Edited January 13, 2008 by Kaner