Renewal Of Thai Passports In Australia

[RasiMike]

Hi to all

My eldest son is due for his Thai passport renewal in a couple of months and we need a few directions. Last time we did the passport thing for the family, we were living in Thailand and this time we're in Australia so I'm unsure of how to go about it. I'm guessing that this will be one of those Thai things that is easier to do in Thailand as the feedback from some is that the only way to do it is person, in Sydney or Canberra.This isn't the most attractive option as we are a long way from both and travelling more than 3000km for a couple of days stay, isn't ideal. Have any of the learned out there gone through this process in Australia recently?

One suggestion was that we can "cut off his fingers and send them for fingerprinting or fly back to Thailand" . This informative gem was from a Thai national and an employee of our closest Thai consulate who promised to send us the info about 4 weeks ago. You've gotta love the standard of commitment shown by a true professional.

Rasimike

[samran]

sounds like you are in WA or in QLD

Two questions, do you need to renew his passport right away? Might just be easier to let it lapse. He can still return and re-enter Thailand on an expired Thai passport and just get the new one when he is there. (I assume your son also has an Aussie passport to depart Australia on? If not, the apologies..)

Second, ask the Thai embassy when they are doing their mobile passport office applications. From what I understand, the embassy usually organises one of these a couple of times a year.

[RasiMike]

Hi Samran

Yes we are in Far Nth Qld.

His passport doesn't expire until Oct this year and yes he has an Aust passport as well though it is also about to lapse. .....Both were done soon after his birth. We won't be going back to Thailand until next year so it isn't an urgent matter. I just wanted to investigate our options to be prepared. I will approach the embassy regarding the mobile passport service.

As you've stated, it will probably be easier to just return to Thailand next year on the expired one and then get my wifes' and boys passports renewed together so it will be once every 5 year excersise.

Thanks for the prompt reply

Mike

[electau]

Renewal of passports is carried out by the Royal Thai Embassy in the ACT and at the Royal Thai Consulate General, 131 Macquarie St Sydney. It will take up to 6 weeks and the new passport will be forwarded by registered mail to your nominated address in Australia.

You have to apply in person.

Information and fees are on the website.You can contact them by telephone for further information. The fee is $55.

My wife renewed hers just over a month ago it took 3 weeks.

Went down to Sydney on a Saturday and returned on Monday from FNQ.

Edited July 25, 2010 by electau

[electau]

The reason that my wife renewed here passport in Australia was the fact that it was to expire in Sept 2010 and she is working and would not have been able to travel to Thailand until next year.

It is always better to get the passport renewed in Thailand along with the ID card at the same time.

[samran]

Hi Samran

Yes we are in Far Nth Qld.

His passport doesn't expire until Oct this year and yes he has an Aust passport as well though it is also about to lapse. .....Both were done soon after his birth. We won't be going back to Thailand until next year so it isn't an urgent matter. I just wanted to investigate our options to be prepared. I will approach the embassy regarding the mobile passport service.

As you've stated, it will probably be easier to just return to Thailand next year on the expired one and then get my wifes' and boys passports renewed together so it will be once every 5 year excersise.

Thanks for the prompt reply

Mike

just remember that both parents have to be present for the renewal of the Thai passport, so when he does go to Thailand, so will you have to be there too.

[fishhooks]

A couple of things to take into account:

The "Mobile" renewal service when the customer does not or cannot go to Canberra or Sydney, operates very infrequently. We asked the Thai Consulate in Melbourne about this service and from when we asked, it was going to be nearly 8 months until they were to come to Melbourne again!

A Thai can return to Thailand on an expired passport, however make sure the flight ex Australia is a direct flight to Bangkok. If you fly on say Air Asia out of Australia which goes via KL, as this AUS-KL is considered a complete leg and transfer to another flight from KL to Bangkok is a separate issue, you will need to go through KL Immigration. In this case the airline at this end won't allow you to board due to the 6 month passport validity required for most countries on entering that country. Of course if the passenger also holds an AUS Passport as well this is not an issue.

Apart from this, if a Thai, I would be a tad nervous about attempting to depart Australia even on a direct flight with 'only' an expired Thai Passport. The airline at this end may also be touchy about letting anyone board on an expired passport in case they had to divert.

I'm also not aware (???) if there may be an issue with Australian Immigration at the departing airport, processing such departure with an expired passport.

[Will27]

A couple of things to take into account:

The "Mobile" renewal service when the customer does not or cannot go to Canberra or Sydney, operates very infrequently. We asked the Thai Consulate in Melbourne about this service and from when we asked, it was going to be nearly 8 months until they were to come to Melbourne again!

A Thai can return to Thailand on an expired passport, however make sure the flight ex Australia is a direct flight to Bangkok. If you fly on say Air Asia out of Australia which goes via KL, as this AUS-KL is considered a complete leg and transfer to another flight from KL to Bangkok is a separate issue, you will need to go through KL Immigration. In this case the airline at this end won't allow you to board due to the 6 month passport validity required for most countries on entering that country. Of course if the passenger also holds an AUS Passport as well this is not an issue.

Apart from this, if a Thai, I would be a tad nervous about attempting to depart Australia even on a direct flight with 'only' an expired Thai Passport. The airline at this end may also be touchy about letting anyone board on an expired passport in case they had to divert.

Nothing to worry about on this account. As long as it's a direct flight either the airlines or Thailand shouldn't have a problem.

I'm also not aware (???) if there may be an issue with Australian Immigration at the departing airport, processing such departure with an expired passport.

Again, no problems with DIAC departing Australia on an expired passport.

Regards

Will

[carpy]

Posted Today, 07:01

Renewal of passports is carried out by the Royal Thai Embassy in the ACT and at the Royal Thai Consulate General, 131 Macquarie St Sydney. It will take up to 6 weeks and the new passport will be forwarded by registered mail to your nominated address in Australia.

You have to apply in person.

Information and fees are on the website.You can contact them by telephone for further information. The fee is $55.

My wife renewed hers just over a month ago it took 3 weeks.

Went down to Sydney on a Saturday and returned on Monday from FNQ.

This post has been edited by electau: Today, 07:02

Is this also an issue with a lost Thai passport.Would it take 6 weeks for a new one.And what would happen if the visa expires before a new passport is issued ?

[electau]

Posted Today, 07:01

Renewal of passports is carried out by the Royal Thai Embassy in the ACT and at the Royal Thai Consulate General, 131 Macquarie St Sydney. It will take up to 6 weeks and the new passport will be forwarded by registered mail to your nominated address in Australia.

You have to apply in person.

Information and fees are on the website.You can contact them by telephone for further information. The fee is $55.

My wife renewed hers just over a month ago it took 3 weeks.

Went down to Sydney on a Saturday and returned on Monday from FNQ.

This post has been edited by electau: Today, 07:02

Is this also an issue with a lost Thai passport.Would it take 6 weeks for a new one.And what would happen if the visa expires before a new passport is issued ?

You would notify DIAC and they would arrange suitable documents for travel out of Australia if required.

Edited July 26, 2010 by electau

[gburns57au]

Is this also an issue with a lost Thai passport.Would it take 6 weeks for a new one.And what would happen if the visa expires before a new passport is issued ?

You would notify DIAC and they would arrange suitable documents for travel out of Australia if required.

Why would you notify DIAC for a lost THAI passport, surely the Thai Consulate would be the place to go if it was lost while in Oz.

My wife didnt need her ex to go to get my stepsons passport or renewal....she did have a Stat dec from herself, her sister and mother stating that the father had been gone for a period of time and his whereabouts was unknown.

Edited July 26, 2010 by gburns57au

[samran]

A couple of things to take into account:

The "Mobile" renewal service when the customer does not or cannot go to Canberra or Sydney, operates very infrequently. We asked the Thai Consulate in Melbourne about this service and from when we asked, it was going to be nearly 8 months until they were to come to Melbourne again!

A Thai can return to Thailand on an expired passport, however make sure the flight ex Australia is a direct flight to Bangkok. If you fly on say Air Asia out of Australia which goes via KL, as this AUS-KL is considered a complete leg and transfer to another flight from KL to Bangkok is a separate issue, you will need to go through KL Immigration. In this case the airline at this end won't allow you to board due to the 6 month passport validity required for most countries on entering that country. Of course if the passenger also holds an AUS Passport as well this is not an issue.

Apart from this, if a Thai, I would be a tad nervous about attempting to depart Australia even on a direct flight with 'only' an expired Thai Passport. The airline at this end may also be touchy about letting anyone board on an expired passport in case they had to divert.

I'm also not aware (???) if there may be an issue with Australian Immigration at the departing airport, processing such departure with an expired passport.

The son has an Australian passport as well. Any other travel can always be done on the OZ passport up until actually entering Thailand.

[Will27]

Is this also an issue with a lost Thai passport.Would it take 6 weeks for a new one.And what would happen if the visa expires before a new passport is issued ?

You would notify DIAC and they would arrange suitable documents for travel out of Australia if required.

DIAC cannot arrange travel documents. As advised, that is the job of the Consulate or Embassy.

Why would you notify DIAC for a lost THAI passport, surely the Thai Consulate would be the place to go if it was lost while in Oz.

My wife didnt need her ex to go to get my stepsons passport or renewal....she did have a Stat dec from herself, her sister and mother stating that the father had been gone for a period of time and his whereabouts was unknown.

DIAC cannot arrange travel documents. As advised, that is the job of the Consulate or Embassy.

If the visa in the lost passport will cease before you obtain the new passport,

my advice would be to go and see DIAC the day after the visa ceases and

apply for a bridging visa. Make you sure you have your receipt or some proof

that you have applied for a new passport.

Regards

Will

Edited July 26, 2010 by Will27

[gburns57au]

my advice would be to go and see DIAC the day after the visa ceases and

[/b]Regards

Will

My advice would be to go to DIAC before the visa expires.....

[electau]

Is this also an issue with a lost Thai passport.Would it take 6 weeks for a new one.And what would happen if the visa expires before a new passport is issued ?

You would notify DIAC and they would arrange suitable documents for travel out of Australia if required.

Why would you notify DIAC for a lost THAI passport, surely the Thai Consulate would be the place to go if it was lost while in Oz.

My wife didnt need her ex to go to get my stepsons passport or renewal....she did have a Stat dec from herself, her sister and mother stating that the father had been gone for a period of time and his whereabouts was unknown.

Several years ago a Thai who was visiting her sister in Australia lost her passport and her visa had almost run out. She was personally escorted through Immigration at the Cairns airport by an Immigration officer. I knew the immigration officer and I was at the airport seeing someone off to Thailand. DIAC would have arranged the required documentation for immigration so she could board her flight .

She had to stay in transit at KL until her flight to Bangkok the next day. Malaysian immigration would not allow entry.

　

[gburns57au]

Several years ago a Thai who was visiting her sister in Australia lost her passport and her visa had almost run out. She was personally escorted through Immigration at the Cairns airport by an Immigration officer. I knew the immigration officer and I was at the airport seeing someone off to Thailand. DIAC would have arranged the required documentation for immigration so she could board her flight .

She had to stay in transit at KL until her flight to Bangkok the next day. Malaysian immigration would not allow entry.

　

Sounds more like a deportation, If she had the necessary papers why the need for an escort? Where was the sister and family? Sorry mate but it sounds like she was under detention.

You state that you were seeing someone off....I take it you didnt know this girl personally?

You also state that DIAC would have arranged...so you dont know for sure then? DIAC would arrange the papers for a deported person

If a person from another country loses their passport in Oz, the first port of call is their own embassy who will arrange for a new passport or assist with travel docs so the person can leave Oz without breaching their visas. If I lost my passport in Thailand I would go to the Oz Embassy, wouldnt you??

Edited July 26, 2010 by gburns57au

[electau]

Several years ago a Thai who was visiting her sister in Australia lost her passport and her visa had almost run out. She was personally escorted through Immigration at the Cairns airport by an Immigration officer. I knew the immigration officer and I was at the airport seeing someone off to Thailand. DIAC would have arranged the required documentation for immigration so she could board her flight .

She had to stay in transit at KL until her flight to Bangkok the next day. Malaysian immigration would not allow entry.

　

Sounds more like a deportation, If she had the necessary papers why the need for an escort? Where was the sister and family? Sorry mate but it sounds like she was under detention.

You state that you were seeing someone off....I take it you didnt know this girl personally?

You also state that DIAC would have arranged...so you dont know for sure then? DIAC would arrange the papers for a deported person

If a person from another country loses their passport in Oz, the first port of call is their own embassy who will arrange for a new passport or assist with travel docs so the person can leave Oz without breaching their visas. If I lost my passport in Thailand I would go to the Oz Embassy, wouldnt you??

At the time we actually spoke to them at check-in and he stated himself that she had lost her passport. She had a visitors visa 676 /3month stay so she did not have time to obtain another passport before she was due to leave Australia. Remember she was in Cairns not in Sydney or the ACT.

[Will27]

Several years ago a Thai who was visiting her sister in Australia lost her passport and her visa had almost run out. She was personally escorted through Immigration at the Cairns airport by an Immigration officer. I knew the immigration officer and I was at the airport seeing someone off to Thailand. DIAC would have arranged the required documentation for immigration so she could board her flight .

She had to stay in transit at KL until her flight to Bangkok the next day. Malaysian immigration would not allow entry.

　

Sounds more like a deportation, If she had the necessary papers why the need for an escort? Where was the sister and family? Sorry mate but it sounds like she was under detention.

You state that you were seeing someone off....I take it you didnt know this girl personally?

You also state that DIAC would have arranged...so you dont know for sure then? DIAC would arrange the papers for a deported person

If a person from another country loses their passport in Oz, the first port of call is their own embassy who will arrange for a new passport or assist with travel docs so the person can leave Oz without breaching their visas. If I lost my passport in Thailand I would go to the Oz Embassy, wouldnt you??

I can't be a deportation if if she has a current visa, regardless of the passport.

Maybe the girl didn't have enough funds to obtain a new passport or had to be

back to Thailand by a certain date.

I would be guessing that DIAC went with her to make sure she got approval

by the airline to fly and to make sure she got through Customs and DIAC

without a hitch whilst not having a passport.

Regards

Will

Edited July 27, 2010 by Will27

[gburns57au]

At the time we actually spoke to them at check-in and he stated himself that she had lost her passport. She had a visitors visa 676 /3month stay so she did not have time to obtain another passport before she was due to leave Australia. Remember she was in Cairns not in Sydney or the ACT.

Sorry mate, still sounds like a forced departure to me...

If she had legit travel documents, she would not need an escort to take her through immigration unless they were making sure that she left the country.

Emergency travel documents can be arranged quite quickly by her Embassy even if she was in Cairns.

As I said, DIAC will arrange travel docs for deportation purposes such as when a person is caught staying illegally or if a court orders deportation. They do not arrange travel docs for visitors who have merely lost their passports.

[electau]

At the time we actually spoke to them at check-in and he stated himself that she had lost her passport. She had a visitors visa 676 /3month stay so she did not have time to obtain another passport before she was due to leave Australia. Remember she was in Cairns not in Sydney or the ACT.

Sorry mate, still sounds like a forced departure to me...

If she had legit travel documents, she would not need an escort to take her through immigration unless they were making sure that she left the country.

Emergency travel documents can be arranged quite quickly by her Embassy even if she was in Cairns.

As I said, DIAC will arrange travel docs for deportation purposes such as when a person is caught staying illegally or if a court orders deportation. They do not arrange travel docs for visitors who have merely lost their passports.

This occured 10 years ago and no she was not being deported she may have been issued with a document of identity. The immigration officer was an office employee of the Cairns office. You are welcome to your opinions but remember that is all they are. I know the particular officer in question.

So no more on the subject from you if you please.

[gburns57au]

I can't be a deportation if if she has a current visa, regardless of the passport.

Maybe the girl didn't have enough funds to obtain a new passport or had to be

back to Thailand by a certain date.

I would be guessing that DIAC went with her to make sure she got approval

by the airline to fly and to make sure she got through Customs and DIAC

without a hitch whilst not having a passport.

Regards

Will

Will,

It is not a DIAC issue if she merely lost her passport....Her embassy would issue emergency documents to enable her to travel or assist visa wise so she could get proper travel documents. Her funds or return urgency is not a DIAC issue either.

My guess is she was an overstay and got caught....She may have lost her passport and didnt know what to do OR she used that as an excuse for overstaying....Anything that the escorting Officer said cannot be taken into account, it is unlikely that he would declare her to be a deprtation in a queue at an airport, That would be distressful for the lady would it not. It is likely that he would minimize the situation.

Edited July 27, 2010 by gburns57au

[gburns57au]

This occured 10 years ago and no she was not being deported she may have been issued with a document of identity. The immigration officer was an office employee of the Cairns office. You are welcome to your opinions but remember that is all they are. I know the particular officer in question.

So no more on the subject from you if you please.

The situation hasnt changed in ten years....a lost passport is not a DIAC issue...full stop.

And please dont tell me if I can comment or not, it is an open forum, you made an incorrect statement and now you are using a ten year old story to try and support it.

[electau]

Several years ago a Thai who was visiting her sister in Australia lost her passport and her visa had almost run out. She was personally escorted through Immigration at the Cairns airport by an Immigration officer. I knew the immigration officer and I was at the airport seeing someone off to Thailand. DIAC would have arranged the required documentation for immigration so she could board her flight .

She had to stay in transit at KL until her flight to Bangkok the next day. Malaysian immigration would not allow entry.

　

Sounds more like a deportation, If she had the necessary papers why the need for an escort? Where was the sister and family? Sorry mate but it sounds like she was under detention.

You state that you were seeing someone off....I take it you didnt know this girl personally?

You also state that DIAC would have arranged...so you dont know for sure then? DIAC would arrange the papers for a deported person

If a person from another country loses their passport in Oz, the first port of call is their own embassy who will arrange for a new passport or assist with travel docs so the person can leave Oz without breaching their visas. If I lost my passport in Thailand I would go to the Oz Embassy, wouldnt you??

I can't be a deportation if if she has a current visa, regardless of the passport.

Maybe the girl didn't have enough funds to obtain a new passport or had to be

back to Thailand by a certain date.

I would be guessing that DIAC went with her to make sure she got approval

by the airline to fly and to make sure she got through Customs and DIAC

without a hitch whilst not having a passport.

Regards

Will

I think you are correct there, this is most probably what actually occured. Time was against her, if she had more time she could have been able to get documentation from the Royal Thai embassy in the ACT.

[gburns57au]

I think you are correct there, this is most probably what actually occured. Time was against her, if she had more time she could have been able to get documentation from the Royal Thai embassy in the ACT.

One question Electau,

Was her sister or any other family member at the airport??

[Will27]

I can't be a deportation if if she has a current visa, regardless of the passport.

Maybe the girl didn't have enough funds to obtain a new passport or had to be

back to Thailand by a certain date.

I would be guessing that DIAC went with her to make sure she got approval

by the airline to fly and to make sure she got through Customs and DIAC

without a hitch whilst not having a passport.

Regards

Will

Will,

It is not a DIAC issue if she merely lost her passport....Her embassy would issue emergency documents to enable her to travel or assist visa wise so she could get proper travel documents. Her funds or return urgency is not a DIAC issue either.

My guess is she was an overstay and got caught....She may have lost her passport and didnt know what to do OR she used that as an excuse for overstaying....Anything that the escorting Officer said cannot be taken into account, it is unlikely that he would declare her to be a deprtation in a queue at an airport, That would be distressful for the lady would it not. It is likely that he would minimize the situation.

Graham,

You're wrong on both accounts.

If someone goes to DIAC and says their passport has been lost or stolen and the

visa will run out in a day or 2, it becomes an issue for DIAC.

Regardless of what you believe, if for example, someone fronts up to DIAC with no funds

and a visa that is going to cease, the next day for example, it IS a DIAC issue. DIAC will

have a duty of care for this person for whatever reason they have no money or accomodation.

If what electau has stated is correct, and we have no reason not to believe it, I reiterate the above.

DIAC was assisting her departure.

And if we can't take anything into account of what was said, then what we are discussing is

a moot point.

Regards

Will

Edited July 27, 2010 by Will27

[electau]

I think you are correct there, this is most probably what actually occured. Time was against her, if she had more time she could have been able to get documentation from the Royal Thai embassy in the ACT.

One question Electau,

Was her sister or any other family member at the airport??

Yes, her sister was with her at the time.

[gburns57au]

Graham,

You're wrong on both accounts.

If someone goes to DIAC and says their passport has been lost or stolen and the

visa will run out in a day or 2, it becomes an issue for DIAC.

Regardless of what you believe, if for example, someone fronts up to DIAC with no funds

and a visa that is going to cease, the next day for example, it IS a DIAC issue. DIAC will

have a duty of care for this person for whatever reason they have no money or accomodation.

If what electau has stated is correct, and we have no reason not to believe it, I reiterate the above.

DIAC was assisting her departure.

And if we can't take anything into account of what was said, then what we are discussing is

a moot point.

Regards

Will

DIAC does not have a duty of care in regards to people who have lost their passports for any reason. A tourists financial and accommodation issues are not the concern of DIAC. It is the concern of her Embassy. To clarify that...She has an obligation to inform DIAC of any changes to her accommodation, However if she has to move for reasons beyond her control such as not being able to stay at a residence for safety concerns etc... then she needs to contact the Embassy and local authorities, Once she has secure accommodation then she would need to inform DIAC. Again if she has financial difficulties then she should contact her Emabssy.

She was visiting her sister....She would not be considered destitute by DIAC. If for some reason she had a problem with her sister then it is a concern for her Embassy.

If as you say the passport is lost 1 or 2 days prior to the visa expiry....DIAC may issue an emergency visa to cover her until a new passport or travel documents can be obtained, BUT she would still need to contact her Embassy in the first instance even if it means using the after hours number.

An Immigration Official would not openly discuss a clients situation with anyone if they were acting in a professional capacity. Not even if they knew the person. It would be a serious breach of confidentiality.

The statement was made that you should contact DIAC to arrange travel documents if you lost your passport....This is an incorrect statement.

Edited July 27, 2010 by gburns57au

[gburns57au]

One question Electau,

Was her sister or any other family member at the airport??

Yes, her sister was with her at the time.

So that would discount any problems with the sister or issues of destitution?

[electau]

One question Electau,

Was her sister or any other family member at the airport??

Yes, her sister was with her at the time.

So that would discount any problems with the sister or issues of destitution?

She would have had an airline ticket. Remember DIAC would have all her passport information and visa number on their database so it would be no real problem for them to arrange a temporary one way document for travel that would meet international requirements.

Remember she is departing Australia not arriving.

[Will27]

Graham,

You're wrong on both accounts.

If someone goes to DIAC and says their passport has been lost or stolen and the

visa will run out in a day or 2, it becomes an issue for DIAC.

Regardless of what you believe, if for example, someone fronts up to DIAC with no funds

and a visa that is going to cease, the next day for example, it IS a DIAC issue. DIAC will

have a duty of care for this person for whatever reason they have no money or accomodation.

If what electau has stated is correct, and we have no reason not to believe it, I reiterate the above.

DIAC was assisting her departure.

And if we can't take anything into account of what was said, then what we are discussing is

a moot point.

Regards

Will

DIAC does not have a duty of care in regards to people who have lost their passports for any reason. A tourists financial and accommodation issues are not the concern of DIAC. It is the concern of her Embassy.

She was visiting her sister....She would not be considered destitute by DIAC. If for some reason she had a problem with her sister then it is a concern for her Embassy.

If as you say the passport is lost 1 or 2 days prior to the visa expiry....DIAC may issue an emergency visa to cover her until a new passport or travel documents can be obtained, BUT she would still need to contact her Embassy in the first instance even if it means using the after hours number.

An Immigration Official would not openly discuss a clients situation with anyone if they were acting in a professional capacity. Not even if they knew the person. It would be a serious breach of confidentiality.

The statement was made that you should contact DIAC to arrange travel documents if you lost your passport....This is an incorrect statement.

Graham,

Read my lips.

Financial issues can be of great concern to DIAC.

If a UK citizen for example, fronts up to DIAC 6 weeks into

their 3 months stay and advises they have no money or

accomodation and the Embassy can't or won't help, then

yes, DIAC have a duty of care to that person.

They have a few options like cancelling the visa and

detaining until they can arrange a flight home. This is

usually a last resort. More than likely, they will give

the person enough money for a night or 2 at a backpackers

while they arrange a flight home.

Secondly, in the case electau gave, the person may have had

to urgently be back in Thailand for a cerain date and DIAC

would have been assisiting her passage through. It would be

a lot easier for DIAC to help her through the airport than to wait

for travel documents and give bridging visa's. I'm not saying she

was destitute.

Geez, the DIAC website can be a dangerous place for some people.

Regards

Will