Australian Passport

[paulchiangmai]

I have been told I will have to go to Bangkok to renew my Australian passport, I live in Chiang Mai and could do without the trip just for this. The present one has not run out but is full. I tried to download a passport application on the internet and after feeding in all the information they wanted I got the reply 'doesn't recognise my passport.' Any help would be appreciated.

[dogblower]

You must either deliver your old, or receive your new passport in person, so it looks like at least one trip to Bangkok is inevitable.

[tropo]

I renewed my Australian passport last month and it went as smooth as silk.

Once I'd filled out the online application form I took it to Bangkok, got a photo done at a photo shop near the Embassy (that they recommended), handed in the application with the renewal fee and they posted my new passport to my address in 10 days. I had another passport at the time as my Australian one had already expired, so they cut it up in front of me. I'm not sure how they would proceed when you are changing over from a valid passport.

The easiest way to overcome your problem is to email the Australian Embassy with your problem. They are pretty quick to respond to questions. Ask them if you can renew your passport by mail.

[email protected]

Here's the photo shop they recommended.