Thai Expats Can Renew, Replace Identity Cards In Country Of Residence

[webfact]

Thai expats can renew, replace identity cards in country of residence

The Nation

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Towichukchaikul, centre, and Interior Minister Charupong Ruangsuwan, right, jointly address a press conference at Government House on the government providing services to renew identification cards for Thais

BANGKOK: -- Thai nationals living overseas will be able to renew their identity cards or have them replaced in case of loss or damage at Thai embassies or consulates in their country of residence.

Foreign Minister Surapong Towichukchaikul said yesterday that this was part of a campaign to make the process easier for Thai expats, who previously had to return home to renew or replace their national ID cards.

The campaign, jointly launched by the Foreign and Interior ministries, does not apply to people who have never had a national ID. First-time applications can only be submitted and processed in Thailand, Surapong said.

The service has already been put in place at Thai foreign missions in Los Angeles, Taipei, Sydney and Singapore, and will be available in Berlin and New York before the end of this month.

The service will be provided at another 16 Thai missions worldwide before the end of this year, including two more in the American region, 11 in Europe, two in Asia and one in Australia.

Interior Minister Charupong Ruangsuwan said it would not be easy for false information to get through because the procedure includes a series of interviews, a study of the applicant's background and references, among other details.

-- The Nation 2013-01-05

[animatic]

Not coincidentally this allows cousin Thaksin to update his ID's for Thailand... without ENTERING Thailand.

Hidden benefit for something for the general public,

or the public coincidentally benefiting from something Thaksin wanted?

Coming to a Doha consulate near you soon.

Edited January 5, 2013 by animatic

[SOTIRIOS]

.....this opens another door for possible abuse...

[Arkady]

Yes, it must have been quite inconvenient for Mr T being unable to renew his ID card without returning to Thialand. Still this service will be welcomed by Thai expats living in the places where the service will be offered.

[Foggy Bottom]

Cynic in me says that the bit about "renewals only - no first time issuance" is in order for Thai national offspring to be returned to the motherland and "captured" for inclusion in the military service lottery, Obviously not meaning detention and incarceration, but meaning they can't avoid registration and selection through being overseas.

[electau]

Thai passports can be renewed/replaced at selected consulates and embassies.

Eg: Sydney, Australia.(consulate) Now the Thai ID card may be replaced as well. One has to apply in person with the required documentation ( and fees). Passports are sent to your address by registered mail or equivilent service, the same would most likely apply to ID cards.

Not a real problem except for the costs of travelling (and accomodation) from where you normally reside.

One would be far better off renewing a passport and ID card when in Thailand.

You can obtain further information from the consulate/embassy by telephone if you live in one of the designated countries.

Edited January 6, 2013 by electau