Thai Passport Problem.

[Mason45]

Hi all,

Slightly off topic but my Thai wife may have a problem entering Australia on her current Thai passport. My wife has been to Australia two times before, the last time she was challenged in Immigration at Tullamarine because her date of birth in her passport is : xx xx 1956. She was pulled aside and was spoken to rather rudely until I intervened as I was her legal husband. A senior official cooled things down and she was allowed to pass through . That was 7 years ago and we've been to Kuala Lumpur 3 times since without any hassles. Her problem is she's from a very poor family and was born in the back blocks of Korat. She hasn't got an official date of birth as her father was probally high on Lao Kaow when he registered her, all he knew was she was born sometime that year and the official told him that year was 1956, the day and date are unknown, no official birth certificate. We've tried government offices everywhere and have been told there's nothing they can do about it, There must be thousands more going back nearly 60 years ago with no birth certificate especially in the Isarn area. Will she have a problem again entering Australia, other than that she ticks every box including financially. Thanks.

PS : On her Thai ID the date of birth is - - - - 1956.

[ubonjoe]

So her passport and ID has no month or date of birth shown just x's and -'s.

I am sure it is not that uncommon here.

Since she has traveled before with her passport before with it like that I can't see why she should have a problem this time.

[krisb]

It is common. For that matter surnames are also relatively new in the deep village areas. I've heard the introduction of Thai id cards forced a lot to create surnames. Perhaps if it bothers you op you could get an official letter from her amphur and then get it officially translated into English. Not certain you can but maybe worth a try.

[Mario2008]

In some countries date of births are not that important, only birth years. What often happens is that they are given a date of birth per January first or alternatively July 1st of the year they were born in if they need a passport.

A letter from the amphur sounds like a good idea. if they refuse, explain the problem to the Thai Foreign Ministry, consular department and ask what they can do. They seem to be most helpful. Their contact details are on their website: www.consular.go.th

[Basil B]

I would have thought that it happens in Thailand from time to time, I am so surprised that 1st January is not automatically entered into such documents nowadays.

[10120]

_{Apparently it is possibkle to have birh cert issued, upon small payment and choice of selected date. No, I am not being funny. Happens in Surin City for sure.}

[GrantSmith]

Challenged by Customs probably due to the lack of date of birth details, something Customs in Australia are probably not used to seeing.

Best advice, travel through the immigration line with your wife next time, don't go through the e-Gate. She can stand in line with you in the Australian/NZ Passport Holder line just as you can when you come back to Thailand i.e stand in the Thai Passport Holder line.