Is Thai Passport Needed As Well As British For Baby

[kate46]

Hi can someone tell me if my son needs to get a Thai passport for his new baby to leave Thailand (she already has her British one).

He is just waiting for result of settlement visa and as he has time i was going to suggest he gets the babies Thai passport before he leaves...it will be a bit of a pain so if it isn't really necessary i think he would prefer to do it once he is in the UK.

Just not sure what will happen at the airport

Thanks

Kate

[beano2274]

It is usually the case that when a child leaves Thailand (If it has 2 nationalities) then it uses the Thai Passport to leave, and when it enters the UK then uses the British one.

Then to leave the UK use the British one and use the Thai one upon arrival, means no visa required.

But others here can inform you better than me.

[MJo]

Should be ok to leave the country with UK passport. However when returning to Thailand better to have Thai passport before that.

However it is very easy to get Thai passport, i just did it for my daughter couple of weeks ago in Bangkok. And i would do it here in Bangkok as it propably is much easier and cheaper than doing it in embassy outside.

Issuing office is in Chaeng Wattana Road at Ministry of Foreign Affairs building. Bit far from downtown Bangkok but easy to get by taxi via expressway in 30 mins if no traffic or using BTS / Taxi combo. Your son has propably visited the place few times already if he got married in Thailand or Needed to translate and verify any documents for the visa application.

Anyways they have 60+ desks processing passports. In information desk they check that you have all docs needed and then give you que number. We got straight in as there was not so many people. At the desk they process the application directly in computer, take digital photo and toe print of the baby and both parents have to sign the appication. Takes about 10 minutes max. Cost is 1000 baht and for 35 baht extra they will send by EMS to your address in Bangkok. Delivery in 3 to 5 days.

Documents needed:

- Passport of father (foreigner)

- ID Card of mother (Thai)

- Birth Certificate (original)

We also had, just in case, copy of tabien baan (house registration) with the baby's name in it and original marriage certificate with us but those were not asked / needed.

I assume your son, or actually his wife has registered the baby in Tabien Baan (usually same book as the mother is in).

[Mario2008]

No problem leaving on the UK passport. Just bring the birth certificate along, to show why the child doesn't have a visa.

Note that it only takes a few days to get a Thai passport, but both parents must consent. If the child wants to return on the British passport to Thailand, it will be considered a foreigner and would need a visa. getting the passport in Thailand is therefor easier, although it could also be done at an embassy. Again, both parents would need to sign the papers.

[MJo]

And beano is correct above, that's the way to go unless you want to apply visas to your "own" country

[Mario2008]

Note that there are more passport offices throughout Thailand besides in bangkok.

[MJo]

Process and requirement however are the same everywhere.

Or should i say should be as being thailand sometimes there is different procedures between the offices

[kate46]

Thanks everyone, they are up in Nam Som small village near to Udon Thani it would be too much hassle to get to Bangkok...just wanted to make sure that they wouldnt be stopped at the airport.

Will make sure they carry Thai birth certificate with babies passport when they travel

Thanks again

[Mario2008]

Thai passport application:

http://www.mfa.go.th/web/473.php?id=3167

Passport offices:

http://www.mfa.go.th/web/2633.php

Just click on department of consulair affairs, in the middle screen. A list of offices will appear.

[MJo]

Yep, Udon Thani has office, up there it could be even faster than in Bangkok. Have heard that some have got it after half and hour wait !

[kate46]

Thanks Mario i see there is a passport office in Udon Thani will let him know