Hallo,I'm in Thailand three years already,two visa extensions,the next is in January 2006.My passport expires by the end of October 2006 and an informal enquiry by Immigration in Nong Khai says that I need a full year validity.

Believed that they would give me an extension to January 2007 and that I could transfer the visa to the new passport;now not sure!

I don't want to renew the passport before time if not really necessary.

Someone can advise? Thanks

Do not believe they can give you an extension beyond your passport validity and I would try do what they say rather than cut corners. You should have a new passport when you apply for the new extension of stay.

I'm a US citizen. My US passport had three years left on it and Pattaya immigration asked me to get a new passport because they had several mistakes in my old one. The mistakes were made in Pattaya and were not my fault. (The guy is now gone). Rather than start a pissing contest I got a new passport and immigration transfered the stamps at no charge and thanked me. I think it cost me the trips to Bangkok and $62 at the Embassy.

I guess what I am advising is for you not to argue with them. Just go get a new one and have it over with.

Thanks Lop,Gary,don't like it,coming to Bankok at least two times,the expenses,a.s.f.,but I'll do,too stupid to make the (veery friendly) immigration people upset!

…don't like it,coming to Bankok at least two times,the expenses,a.s.f.,but I'll do,too stupid to make the (veery friendly) immigration people upset!

Are you sure you can’t get your new passport by mail? What does your embassy say?

Sorry Maestro,

my Embassy request of me that I fill the forms in Bangkok,then they'll need at least some days to process it and I must retire the new pp personally.

Not the same perhaps as your country

my Embassy request of me that I fill the forms in Bangkok,then they'll need at least some days to process it and I must retire the new pp personally.

That’s tough!

A forced holiday in Bangkok for you, then. That’s going to be an expensive passport renewal.

If you stay in Bangkok a few days until you can collect your new passport, you need to make only one trip but it may be a question of expenses for you.