Visit to Singapore with kids, Thai & UK passport holders

[BlueMonday]

I'm planning on taking my 2 kids (10 & 8 yo) to Singapore for Christmas and New Year, I'm currently working in Singapore. The kids both have UK & Thai passports this will be the first time travelling without their mother.

Will there be any problems with Thai immigration when leaving as their mother is not with us? There is no problem at the Singapore end as they have been before with their mother, as mentioned though this will be their first travevelling without their mother.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Mario2008]

Normally no problem, unless the children have a different last name than you. Immigration at both countries might in that case want to see proof that you are allowed to take the children out of the country. A simple note from the mother giving you permission, together with a copy of her ID-card should be enough. A copy of the birth certificate showing you are the father might also come in handy.

You can join the children in the line for Thai nationals at the airport.

[BlueMonday]

Thanks for the quick reply, the kids have my family name so hopefully there should be no problem I will maybe take their birth certificates just in case.

Cheers.

[Jay Sata]

I hope you take them down to Sentosa and the beach/park plus across on the cable cars.

I'ts a shame mum can't come. Take them to Raffles for a walk around the garden and hotel.

Make sure you take loads of photo's. This time in your life will be gone so quickly.

Good Luck.

[Jay Sata]

I forgot to suggest but I guess you know already....take the tourist picture by the sign saying Southern most point Asia etc.

Make sure you get yourself and the kids in the picture.

Priceless years later when they have grown up and flown the nest.

[BlueMonday]

Jay Sata, thanks for your tips I'm sure we wil have a great time

[Tomtomtom69]

Normally no problem, unless the children have a different last name than you. Immigration at both countries might in that case want to see proof that you are allowed to take the children out of the country. A simple note from the mother giving you permission, together with a copy of her ID-card should be enough. A copy of the birth certificate showing you are the father might also come in handy.

You can join the children in the line for Thai nationals at the airport.

I agree, but do Thai authorities ever really care? For starters, there are automatic gates at immigration for Thais, so if the reader can read their passports, they can go through without even being screened by a customs officer. Secondly, Thai immigration officers rarely talk to passengers, they are usually overworked, they stamp your passport and throw it back at you - only very, very rarely have I ever had a conversation with a Suvarnabhumi airport customs officer and that was with a newbie guy. Thai customs officers aren't the same as in Australia etc. who have a pleasant chat with every passenger as they pass through. Nor are Thai customs officers very thorough - would they even pick up on such things as kids not travelling with parents? I don't think they would care.