Expired thai passport travelling directly back to thailand - possible?

[Time Traveller]

Can an American permanent resident with an expired thai passport fly directly from USA to thailand on the expired passport, or do they need to renew it?

I think it's possible to both leave USA without a passport and to enter Thailand but some airlines may not permit this. Does anyone have experience at this? I think Thai Air are the only airline that flys direct without any stopover in 3rd countries.

[theoldgit]

I'm pretty sure you can only use an expired passport to enter the country of which you're a national, not a resident.

As you indicate an airline probably would not allow you to travel.

As you seem to be talking about entering Thailand, I will move to the Thai forum.

[theoldgit]

Sorry I misread your thread, you have a Thai passport, in which case you have Thai nationality as well, in which case I think the answer is yes.

Maybe someone will be able to give a definitive answer.

[ubonjoe]

You can enter Thailand on an expired Thai passport without a problem.

Most flights to here from the US are transit connections where you don't need the passport to enter another country.

Fill in the required info on this webpage and you will get confirmation of the above info. http://www.staralliance.com/en/services/visa-and-health/

[Time Traveller]

Not me, but the person is a Thai citizen, they will fly from LA to BKK direct. From experience it's not a problem leaving USA on expired passport for Green card holders (permanent residents), but I'm wondering if the airline - Thai Air - will accept them.

If they wait for thai consulate it could be 4 to 6 weeks for them to receive the new passport, but due to family health emergency need to travel urgently.

[ubonjoe]

Thai should certainly allow this person to board the flight. I am sure this is a common occurrence for them.

Did you look at info on Star Alliance website I posted that Thai airways is a member of. Give the info to the person traveling and they can print it out to show Thai if there is a problem.

[Time Traveller]

Thai should certainly allow this person to board the flight. I am sure this is a common occurrence for them.

Did you look at info on Star Alliance website I posted that Thai airways is a member of. Give the info to the person traveling and they can print it out to show Thai if there is a problem.

Yes I did, thanks ubonjoe. We will contact to the airline tomorrow when their office opens here in the US.

[lopburi3]

/ 23JUL13 / 0617 UTC

National Thailand (TH) /Residence USA (US)

Embarkation USA (US) /Destination Thailand (TH)

Thailand (TH)

Passport required.

- Nationals of Thailand are allowed to enter with expired

passports.

- Passport replacing documents issued to nationals of Thailand

must be valid on arrival.

Passport Exemptions:

- Holders of a Certificate of Identity issued to nationals of

Thailand.

- Holders of emergency or temporary passports.

- Holders of a US Permit to Re-Enter (Form I-327).

VISA NOT REQUIRED.

Warning:

- Passport number and nationality must match those stated on

the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC).

Airline will know expired passport is fine for entry but even if they did not the above (in bold) is the key and they would see this on there computer if checking.

[Time Traveller]

thanks again

[dddave]

There are no more direct flights from USA to Thailand. The last one was cancelled more than a year ago. Your friend will have to go through a stopover somewhere.

The problem may well be the airline not allowing your friend to board without valid, up to date documentation. There was just an item in the news today about airlines being made responsible for the housing and feeding of anyone they bring who cannot pass immigration and is stranded.

I suggest your friend contact the nearest Royal Thai Consulate. (probably not an Honorary Consulate) They will be able to issue him a set of temporary travel documents good only for travel to Thailand. He can sort out a new passport when he is here.

[lopburi3]

The expired passport is a legal travel document to Thailand. That is all that will be required for normal transit to Bangkok.

[ubonjoe]

There are no more direct flights from USA to Thailand. The last one was cancelled more than a year ago. Your friend will have to go through a stopover somewhere.

The problem may well be the airline not allowing your friend to board without valid, up to date documentation. There was just an item in the news today about airlines being made responsible for the housing and feeding of anyone they bring who cannot pass immigration and is stranded.

I suggest your friend contact the nearest Royal Thai Consulate. (probably not an Honorary Consulate) They will be able to issue him a set of temporary travel documents good only for travel to Thailand. He can sort out a new passport when he is here.

As I posted earlier the majority of flights to here from the US are to a connecting flight through the transit area. Meaning you do not have to enter the country where you make the connection.

The passport is only for identification purposes when transiting.

I have done it in Seoul, Tokyo and Taipei more than once and they only wanted it for ID.

[Arkady]

The good thing is that the US doesn't check passports on the way out. So it is up to the airline whether they want to board you or not. It would certainly be a problem if the onward flight was delayed for a long time at Tokyo and the airline put the passengers in a hotel overnight, as happened to my brother not so long ago. But then you would just have to stay in the transit lounge like Edward Snowden. Theoretically it's is possible but I would only try it with a refundable/changeable ticket!