Changes To British Passport Services In Thailand

parryhandy · May 29, 2014

Good News for the Old Brit.Downloaded all his Forms. Took him to BKK Bank,showed them the Payment Form, and they upgraded an old Deposit Acc Card to work on VISA only,and tested it so it works for Him. Nice one BKK BANK. In and out in 25 Mins....

good man Pop well done.

Edited May 29, 2014 by parryhandy

sandyf · May 29, 2014

i'm now a week into my 2 month single entry, no plans to leave for a while, so with only 1 clear page ( + 2 pages with 1 and 2 stamps, the rest full). i was planning on applying for a new passport,, now after looking on this thread i'm having 2nd thoughts.. it sounds like this new "system" is having severe teething problems... going over to Laos/Cambodia means getting a whole stamped page before you get the Thai whole-page stamp.. the only thing i can think of now is now waiting till the end of this visa then go to Malaysia (not a whole page entry stamp) before either applying for a new passport there or just getting another Thai visa in Penang/KL...

any thoughts would be appreciated.. it just doesn't seem to be a good time to apply for a UK passport in Thailand

The Malaysian stamp has grown in size but still a lot smaller than a visa. When you enter Malaysia they put a sticker in your passport and stamp over it. The sticker has a tail and when you leave the country they pull the tail off, leaving part of the sticker with the stamp.

When I went I only had half a page left but the Malaysian put the stamp right in the middle so when I came back there was no room for a clear stamp. No problem, just stamped in the biggest space and overlapped the adjacent stamp.

Squeegee · May 29, 2014

Good News for the Old Brit.Downloaded all his Forms. Took him to BKK Bank,showed them the Payment Form, and they upgraded an old Deposit Acc Card to work on VISA only,and tested it so it works for Him. Nice one BKK BANK. In and out in 25 Mins.... alt=biggrin.png>

If you can hold the debit card in your hand (including activated for use on the VISA network) it probably won't work. It is too easy to be lost or stolen (in their eyes) and be used frauduently. The account numbers used for the virtual card are more secure as they can only be accessed through ebanking. It is included free with Kasikorn ebanking. The numbers of the virtual card are different to the numbers on the card you can hold in your hand. (By default the limit is set to 0 and has to increased by the user themselves in their ebanking a/c). Mail order purchases such as a passport renewal (HMPO) are not the same as an online purchase. Thai banking branch staff do not understand the difference. Thanks again to the Oldgit for the toptip!

This is extremely worrying for those of us without Kasikorn accounts who want to try a BKK Bank debit card that has been activated to be verifiable by VISA.

My only other option would be to get my brother to make the payment via his UK card. It seems this should be possible according to the payment form OS_Payment__Instruction_07.13.pdf downloadable from:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/overseas-passport-creditdebit-card-payment-authorisation

It has separate sections to fill in for both Applicant's Name and Card Holder's Name, so hopefully it would be OK. Then there are the obligatory problems: other than applicant's name and date of birth all other details relate to the card holder, such as address, which in the current climate would be no surprise if that didn't cause problems; and then there is the practicality of getting the card holder's signature onto the form, impossible without first sending it back and forth between the UK and Thailand, wasting even more time.

This really is an awful predicament HMPO are putting us through, it doesn't seem to have been thought through on any level. The fact some people will have to travel 1000s of kilometers to go to Trendy just goes to show how little UK bureaucracy gives a damn about its expats.

sandyf · May 29, 2014

Good News for the Old Brit.Downloaded all his Forms. Took him to BKK Bank,showed them the Payment Form, and they upgraded an old Deposit Acc Card to work on VISA only,and tested it so it works for Him. Nice one BKK BANK. In and out in 25 Mins.... alt=biggrin.png>

If you can hold the debit card in your hand (including activated for use on the VISA network) it probably won't work. It is too easy to be lost or stolen (in their eyes) and be used frauduently. The account numbers used for the virtual card are more secure as they can only be accessed through ebanking. It is included free with Kasikorn ebanking. The numbers of the virtual card are different to the numbers on the card you can hold in your hand. (By default the limit is set to 0 and has to increased by the user themselves in their ebanking a/c). Mail order purchases such as a passport renewal (HMPO) are not the same as an online purchase. Thai banking branch staff do not understand the difference. Thanks again to the Oldgit for the toptip!

This is extremely worrying for those of us without Kasikorn accounts who want to try a BKK Bank debit card that has been activated to be verifiable by VISA.

My only other option would be to get my brother to make the payment via his UK card. It seems this should be possible according to the payment form OS_Payment__Instruction_07.13.pdf downloadable from:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/overseas-passport-creditdebit-card-payment-authorisation

It has separate sections to fill in for both Applicant's Name and Card Holder's Name, so hopefully it would be OK. Then there are the obligatory problems: other than applicant's name and date of birth all other details relate to the card holder, such as address, which in the current climate would be no surprise if that didn't cause problems; and then there is the practicality of getting the card holder's signature onto the form, impossible without first sending it back and forth between the UK and Thailand, wasting even more time.

This really is an awful predicament HMPO are putting us through, it doesn't seem to have been thought through on any level. The fact some people will have to travel 1000s of kilometers to go to Trendy just goes to show how little UK bureaucracy gives a damn about its expats.

You are right in that it will not be a problem. I used my UK credit card so the cardholders address was a UK address as opposed to my Thai address. For all they knew the applicant and cardholder could have been 2 people with the same name, no problem with payment.

Real problem is in obtaining the signature. Best bet would be that they download,sign and courier to you. You could risk a scan but may be detected as a non original signature.

rajyindee · May 29, 2014

When I visited the Embassy the very helpful consular officer gave me a hard copy of the relevant complaints procedure re passport services.

It may be worth some guys putting their experiences down in writing and sending it off to the relevant people - I will be doing so when I eventually receive my passport. I was told that I should copy my comments/complaints to [email protected] since my comments relate to the system in general rather than one specific issue. A prime example is that we are told that we can expect "special provisions and services for people with disabilities" - I would like to know specifically what special provisions are in place for aged and infirm UK residents in Thailand, particularly those who live some distance from Bangkok.

Edited May 29, 2014 by rajyindee

soap · May 29, 2014

Here s your answer rajyindee concerning what provisions are in place for the disabled and elderly

in one word NONE

Since the 17 th April i have sent about five emails to HMPO Newport,after taking over a month and dealing with three

members of the HMPO Newport staff i finally received a answer to what i thought was a common sense question, that i consider

relevant to any elderly or disabled British citizen living in a lot of cases 1,000 kilometres plus from Bangkok.

My question

What if any is the procedure for a elderly or disabled British citizen living in the North or South of Thailand

who with these changes is required to undertake a 4,000 plus kilometre journey to renew his passport if his doctor advises

that to undertake such a journey would be detrimental to their health.

Their answer

Your application is then forwarded to our application processing centre in Liverpool. Please be advised that once your application has been received by Her Majesty's Passport Office it will take at least 4 weeks.

Noting your email, this is now the only route for applications to be processed from Thailand.

We understand that you have to travel to utilise this service and may be disappointed by our response, but trust we have been able to clarify our policy on this matter.

Yours sincerely,

Chris Parfitt

So there is no procedure, and its not a case of "get on your bike" but more like "get on your wheelchair"

My reply

For the attention of Chris Parfitt

Dear Chris Parfitt

Thank you for your email confirming that there is no change to the HMPO policy to renew a British citizens passport in

Thailand.After reading the HMPO web site may i also congratulate the HMPO for the initiative they are taking for their fellow British citizens

in remote areas of the UK.

I wont bore you anymore, as i"m sure you are only the messenger for your superior masters,but please convey to your masters that they should be

ASHAMED to have a policy that gives NO OPTION for a elderly or disabled British citizen in the North or South of Thailand

to undertake a 2,000 kilometre round trip journey to present their passport documents that takes ten minutes,and then make them undertake the same journey when their passport finally arrives,even though they can produce a doctors certificate stating that to undertake a 4,000 kilometre journey to renew a passport would be detrimental to their health.

Have a nice day

Glasgow team helps keep trust in UK passports

HM Passport Office also utilise a video interview service for first time adult passport customers resident in remote areas of the UK. This service uses 23 local authority offices in Scotland to host a video interview. This service is also used in 3 local authority offices in Wales and 1 in England. Staff in Glasgow Office conduct the majority of the interviews and approximately 70% are for customers attending local authority sites in Scotland and 30% for customers attending local authority sites in England and Wales

.

rbkk · May 29, 2014

Good News for the Old Brit.Downloaded all his Forms. Took him to BKK Bank,showed them the Payment Form, and they upgraded an old Deposit Acc Card to work on VISA only,and tested it so it works for Him. Nice one BKK BANK. In and out in 25 Mins.... alt=biggrin.png>

If you can hold the debit card in your hand (including activated for use on the VISA network) it probably won't work. It is too easy to be lost or stolen (in their eyes) and be used frauduently. The account numbers used for the virtual card are more secure as they can only be accessed through ebanking. It is included free with Kasikorn ebanking. The numbers of the virtual card are different to the numbers on the card you can hold in your hand. (By default the limit is set to 0 and has to increased by the user themselves in their ebanking a/c). Mail order purchases such as a passport renewal (HMPO) are not the same as an online purchase. Thai banking branch staff do not understand the difference. Thanks again to the Oldgit for the toptip!

This is extremely worrying for those of us without Kasikorn accounts who want to try a BKK Bank debit card that has been activated to be verifiable by VISA.

My only other option would be to get my brother to make the payment via his UK card. It seems this should be possible according to the payment form OS_Payment__Instruction_07.13.pdf downloadable from:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/overseas-passport-creditdebit-card-payment-authorisation

It has separate sections to fill in for both Applicant's Name and Card Holder's Name, so hopefully it would be OK. Then there are the obligatory problems: other than applicant's name and date of birth all other details relate to the card holder, such as address, which in the current climate would be no surprise if that didn't cause problems; and then there is the practicality of getting the card holder's signature onto the form, impossible without first sending it back and forth between the UK and Thailand, wasting even more time.

This really is an awful predicament HMPO are putting us through, it doesn't seem to have been thought through on any level. The fact some people will have to travel 1000s of kilometers to go to Trendy just goes to show how little UK bureaucracy gives a damn about its expats.

Surely opening an ebanking a/c (virtual card free) at Kasikorn Bank is faster, cheaper and safer....just my thoughts....

Squeegee · May 29, 2014

Surely opening an ebanking a/c (virtual card free) at Kasikorn Bank is faster, cheaper and safer....just my thoughts....

It did cross my mind, but unfortunately having come off the back of a long holiday I'm currently on a Tourist Visa. I hear K Bank are supposedly easier to get an account with than most without a Work Permit but that is yet another prospect I'm not comfortable with... trawling round various branches feeling like a second class citizen.

[Edit to add: not that I am a citizen.]

Edited May 29, 2014 by Squeegee

rbkk · May 29, 2014

Surely opening an ebanking a/c (virtual card free) at Kasikorn Bank is faster, cheaper and safer....just my thoughts....

It did cross my mind, but unfortunately having come off the back of a long holiday I'm currently on a Tourist Visa. I hear K Bank are supposedly easier to get an account with than most without a Work Permit but that is yet another prospect I'm not comfortable with... trawling round various branches feeling like a second class citizen.

[Edit to add: not that I am a citizen.]

No work permit was asked for. Opened with 500฿. 15 minutes at the service desk. Iced water offered and accepted. Visa= 60 days visiting family. Passwords emailed in 48hrs. A good service.

Squeegee · May 29, 2014

Cheers rbkk, any branch in particular happen to be around Sukhumvit?

overherebc · May 30, 2014

i'm now a week into my 2 month single entry, no plans to leave for a while, so with only 1 clear page ( + 2 pages with 1 and 2 stamps, the rest full). i was planning on applying for a new passport,, now after looking on this thread i'm having 2nd thoughts.. it sounds like this new "system" is having severe teething problems... going over to Laos/Cambodia means getting a whole stamped page before you get the Thai whole-page stamp.. the only thing i can think of now is now waiting till the end of this visa then go to Malaysia (not a whole page entry stamp) before either applying for a new passport there or just getting another Thai visa in Penang/KL...

any thoughts would be appreciated.. it just doesn't seem to be a good time to apply for a UK passport in Thailand

Apply on line for e visa, electronic not Ed. Print off 2 copies and go to the border. You dont get a full page sticker visa only the standard stamps so no lost pages.

Ace of Pop · May 30, 2014

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Kasikorn Bank Visa debit card declined...twice! My card is activated for online shopping/cyber banking. After false assurances from customer services and my local bank it appears that this type of card is NOT an acceptable form of payment. HMPO process the payment as a "mail order" and Kasikorn only allow online shopping with the card. Two different things. So even though the card says electronic use it would seem not for a UK passport. Beware. My nightmare application which began on 26/3/2014 continues....

You can use a Kasikorn virtual card though, there are a few posts confirming this, and I used mine to successfully renew my passport last year.

That's left me a bit Miffed.! Took the Old Gent to Home Pro. his Card worked, then at 7/11,for his J.Walker, again O.K So does the passport office have one set up to reject Visa, and annoy as many of you Brits as possible.

Good News for the Old Brit.Downloaded all his Forms. Took him to BKK Bank,showed them the Payment Form, and they upgraded an old Deposit Acc Card to work on VISA only,and tested it so it works for Him. Nice one BKK BANK. In and out in 25 Mins.... alt=biggrin.png>

If you can hold the debit card in your hand (including activated for use on the VISA network) it probably won't work. It is too easy to be lost or stolen (in their eyes) and be used frauduently. The account numbers used for the virtual card are more secure as they can only be accessed through ebanking. It is included free with Kasikorn ebanking. The numbers of the virtual card are different to the numbers on the card you can hold in your hand. (By default the limit is set to 0 and has to increased by the user themselves in their ebanking a/c). Mail order purchases such as a passport renewal (HMPO) are not the same as an online purchase. Thai banking branch staff do not understand the difference. Thanks again to the Oldgit for the toptip!

Ace of Pop · May 30, 2014

Don't know why but my question appeared above Re Visa Card working at Trendy, in Old Gits comments.

rbkk · May 30, 2014

Don't know why but my question appeared above Re Visa Card working at Trendy, in Old Gits comments.

So does the passport office have one set up to reject Visa, and annoy as many of you Brits as possible.

Interesting story out of HK today: http://www.scmp.com/frontpage/international. It's not just us here in Thailand.....

rajyindee · May 30, 2014

Interesting story out of HK today: http://www.scmp.com/frontpage/international. It's not just us here in Thailand.....

Already mentioned in Post 1162.

Pattaya Pat · May 30, 2014

Don't know why but my question appeared above Re Visa Card working at Trendy, in Old Gits comments.

So does the passport office have one set up to reject Visa, and annoy as many of you Brits as possible.

Interesting story out of HK today: http://www.scmp.com/frontpage/international. It's not just us here in Thailand.....

Well of course it's not 'just us' do some people really beleive that they treat applications from Thailand different to anywhere else? It will be the same for expats in all far flung places..

rbkk · May 30, 2014

Don't know why but my question appeared above Re Visa Card working at Trendy, in Old Gits comments. alt=thumbsup.gif> alt=thumbsup.gif>

So does the passport office have one set up to reject Visa, and annoy as many of you Brits as possible. width=24 alt=facepalm.gif.pagespeed.ce.EuN79TyYk_.gif> width=24 alt=facepalm.gif.pagespeed.ce.EuN79TyYk_.gif>

Interesting story out of HK today: http://www.scmp.com/frontpage/international. It's not just us here in Thailand.....

Well of course it's not 'just us' do some people really beleive that they treat applications from Thailand different to anywhere else? It will be the same for expats in all far flung places..

I was under the impression that different regional centres handle different geographical areas. Thailand is handled by liverpool. I'm not sure about HK. But could it be all/some of the other regional centres are having similar problems to Liverpool?. How spread is the problem. This is what I was trying to get across.

soihok · May 30, 2014

Can anyone answer this?

My daughter needs to renew her British Passport in Thailand (she is also a Thai citizen).

She is 11, severely mentally disabled, unable to say her own name, needs adult supervision 100% of the time and is unable to communicate if she needs to go to the toilet, etc, etc.

Does she need to go through the current procedure of visiting BKK? (She lives in Korat).

Thanks

As you are renewing a child's passport it is will be you (as the parent) completing the application form.

As she is under 12 there is nothing for her to sign.

It is you who will need to attend VFS offices. There is no requirement for her to attend.

You will need to complete sections 1,2,3,4,5,9,10 on the application form (counter-signatory signs 10 and one of the two photos.

It is all on the GOV.UK website

Thanks for the advice.

I am actually living in Malaysia, so will enquire there as we only live within a km of the VFS office there.

Just an update on this.

Gave up on the Passport hotline in the UK as it seemed near impossible to speak to anyone ("....all our operators are busy.....blah, blah...").

After 2 weeks from sending an e-mail I actually got a reply from Newport on the above issue of renewing my Daughters passport.

In my mail to the UK I pointed out the fact that she is living in Thailand and has a severe disability. We, her parents, are living / working in Malaysia so could I apply for her here in Malaysia and have her passport delivered to Malaysia also.

Answer was - NO - I (her Father), can only apply for her in her country of residence - Thailand.

This means I will have to leave work and travel to an office in another country to apply for her passport

I have replied to enquire if the child also needs to visit this office, again reminding them of her disability. I hope to expect a reply in another couple of weeks.

What a mess.

My wife and I have decided to just let her UK passport expire and we won't renew it at this time - perhaps the present mess may get managed better in the future, who knows.

Will update this forum when I eventually get a reply. What a shambles.

Just out of interest = One of my Myanmar mechanics on the job here in Malaysia, applied for and received his new Myanmar passport in just one day from the embassy here in KL. Now that's a good service.

Just got a second reply to my questions from Newport - just under 3 weeks to receive a second e-mail.

My girl doesn't have to travel, but I must travel to Bangkok from Malaysia twice to apply for / collect the passport as she resides in Thailand not Malaysia. They would not give any consideration towards her disability, which is why she is living with her grandparents in Thailand and not in a small city centre condo in a in another country (required for me to work for money to support everyone).

As I said, will just let it expire instead, but at least I now know that it would be a ridiculous amount of messing about to get it.

No thanks UK !!

soihok · May 30, 2014

I did think about informing them she is living with me in Malaysia but as they require the expiring passport (in fact they also want to see her Thai passport and require that posting over there too), it would be evident that she has no immigration entry in her passport(s) to remain in Malaysia.

COMPLETE MESS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Edited May 30, 2014 by soihok

ChrisB87 · May 31, 2014

Posted on behalf on MikeBairdArtist who had started a separate thread:-

The rules for renewing a U.K. Passport has changed again (APRIL 2014)

Now you will have to contact [email protected] and give them a choice of 3 dates that are convenient for you to come to BANGKOK (IN PERSON) for an interview.

They will Email you back picking one of your dates.

Well, this week I went to Bangkok for my appointment time of 9-00 a.m. at THE TRENDY BUILDING. Sukhumvit Road. Soi 13. (Near THE MIAMI HOTEL)

When you get to the front of the Building you walk through the huge open glass doors and walk to the right or left to the LIFTS BEHIND the coffee area.

You will then get into one of four huge Lifts and go up to the 28th Floor.

When the door opens the VFS Visa Processing Office is straight in front of you and there was about 20 people each side waiting.

The Thai Attendant at the entrance asked "What Country passport do I need to replace."

And he points you into one of four rows.

You show the girl behind the desk the papers you have and she gives you a NUMBER.

You turn to your LEFT and there is a metal detector door frame which you have to walk through plus you must leave your papers and bags in a plastic tray on the side.

Once through you have to lift your arms up for the guy to scan your body with a hand held detector.

You then turn to your RIGHT and it opens up to a huge room and there are more glass doors.

There are very well dressed Female Attendants outside every door and one checks your number and she tells you where to go inside.

You go inside - This opens up like a huge airport lounge - There are 23 Rows - Mine was row 11. The room had about hundreds seats in it.

You wait until they call your number (Bit strange as some numbers have letters in front so you are not sure if it`s your number or not)

Then I was called up to counter 11 - and a very pretty English speaking Thai girl checked my papers/photos/address in Thailand.

After that she gets you to sign a paper stating what size passport you need and confirming the correct price.

YOU CAN ONLY PAY WITH A VISA CARD - ETC (NO CASH)

You should have filled in a paying form beforehand. (Which you should have downloaded from the British Embassy website).

They tell you "If you haven't got a visa card - use your friends".

She then gives you a form to sign stating they have received a copy of every page of your passport - two photos - and proof of address. Plus you have to give her your E-Mail address and your phone number in Thailand.

She said if everything goes O.K. she will contact me in about 4 weeks.

Then you have to go back to Bangkok and pick up the Passport - You will have to show your old passport and the form you have just signed.

That’s it.

So that’s a blow by blow account on how you apply for a replacement U.K. Passport.

I supposes Mastercard is OK? Do you take the payment in Thailand or the UK? My Mastercard is from the UK and i don't think i have it "unlocked" for use over here.

Thanks

watso63 · May 31, 2014

Posted on behalf on MikeBairdArtist who had started a separate thread:-

The rules for renewing a U.K. Passport has changed again (APRIL 2014)

Now you will have to contact [email protected] and give them a choice of 3 dates that are convenient for you to come to BANGKOK (IN PERSON) for an interview.

They will Email you back picking one of your dates.

Well, this week I went to Bangkok for my appointment time of 9-00 a.m. at THE TRENDY BUILDING. Sukhumvit Road. Soi 13. (Near THE MIAMI HOTEL)

When you get to the front of the Building you walk through the huge open glass doors and walk to the right or left to the LIFTS BEHIND the coffee area.

You will then get into one of four huge Lifts and go up to the 28th Floor.

When the door opens the VFS Visa Processing Office is straight in front of you and there was about 20 people each side waiting.

The Thai Attendant at the entrance asked "What Country passport do I need to replace."

And he points you into one of four rows.

You show the girl behind the desk the papers you have and she gives you a NUMBER.

You turn to your LEFT and there is a metal detector door frame which you have to walk through plus you must leave your papers and bags in a plastic tray on the side.

Once through you have to lift your arms up for the guy to scan your body with a hand held detector.

You then turn to your RIGHT and it opens up to a huge room and there are more glass doors.

There are very well dressed Female Attendants outside every door and one checks your number and she tells you where to go inside.

You go inside - This opens up like a huge airport lounge - There are 23 Rows - Mine was row 11. The room had about hundreds seats in it.

You wait until they call your number (Bit strange as some numbers have letters in front so you are not sure if it`s your number or not)

Then I was called up to counter 11 - and a very pretty English speaking Thai girl checked my papers/photos/address in Thailand.

After that she gets you to sign a paper stating what size passport you need and confirming the correct price.

YOU CAN ONLY PAY WITH A VISA CARD - ETC (NO CASH)

You should have filled in a paying form beforehand. (Which you should have downloaded from the British Embassy website).

They tell you "If you haven't got a visa card - use your friends".

She then gives you a form to sign stating they have received a copy of every page of your passport - two photos - and proof of address. Plus you have to give her your E-Mail address and your phone number in Thailand.

She said if everything goes O.K. she will contact me in about 4 weeks.

Then you have to go back to Bangkok and pick up the Passport - You will have to show your old passport and the form you have just signed.

That’s it.

So that’s a blow by blow account on how you apply for a replacement U.K. Passport.

I supposes Mastercard is OK? Do you take the payment in Thailand or the UK? My Mastercard is from the UK and i don't think i have it "unlocked" for use over here.

Thanks

Payment is made in the UK.

Sent from my GT-N5100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

digitalchromakey · May 31, 2014

I supposes Mastercard is OK? Do you take the payment in Thailand or the UK? My Mastercard is from the UK and i don't think i have it "unlocked" for use over here.

Thanks

Payment is made in the UK.

Just to confirm, you download the payment form from the UK Gov HMPO Website and fill it out for submission with the other required papers at Trendy in BKK.

Trendy do not try to take payment or check it's validity, they just pass the form on to HMPO Liverpool with your other application papers.

Liverpool actually process your fee as a mail order payment made to a UK Company.

HMPO Liverpool accept Visa, MasterCard, Electron, Diners Card and JCB.

Edited May 31, 2014 by digitalchromakey

ChrisB87 · May 31, 2014

Thanks for the info guys.

rajyindee · May 31, 2014

Well of course it's not 'just us' do some people really beleive that they treat applications from Thailand different to anywhere else? It will be the same for expats in all far flung places..

I contacted HMPO (again) yesterday and the woman I spoke to claimed that the delay in issuing my new passport was down to the additional security checks they have to do for applications originating in Thailand. She may have been bluffing, maybe not - I have no idea.

Edited May 31, 2014 by rajyindee

Jip99 · May 31, 2014

Well of course it's not 'just us' do some people really beleive that they treat applications from Thailand different to anywhere else? It will be the same for expats in all far flung places..

I contacted HMPO (again) yesterday and the woman I spoke to claimed that the delay in issuing my new passport was down to the additional security checks they have to do for applications originating in Thailand. She may have been bluffing, maybe not.

Just one other minor point (as you and I are in a race to get a passports back ).... wouldn't it be nice if HMPO emailed us when the passport has been issued. We know we are then only a week away from collection and it may help with travel plans.

rajyindee · May 31, 2014

Well of course it's not 'just us' do some people really beleive that they treat applications from Thailand different to anywhere else? It will be the same for expats in all far flung places..

I contacted HMPO (again) yesterday and the woman I spoke to claimed that the delay in issuing my new passport was down to the additional security checks they have to do for applications originating in Thailand. She may have been bluffing, maybe not.

Just one other minor point (as you and I are in a race to get a passports back ).... wouldn't it be nice if HMPO emailed us when the passport has been issued. We know we are then only a week away from collection and it may help with travel plans.

I asked the women yesterday if she could request the production team to email me the DHL tracking number so I could see when it reached Trendy. She said that she had sent them an email ... we'll wait and see what happens. I'm travelling back through Bangkok on 9/10 June and would prefer to be able to pick up the new passport then rather than making yet another round-trip from Songkhla.

watso63 · May 31, 2014

Well of course it's not 'just us' do some people really beleive that they treat applications from Thailand different to anywhere else? It will be the same for expats in all far flung places..

I contacted HMPO (again) yesterday and the woman I spoke to claimed that the delay in issuing my new passport was down to the additional security checks they have to do for applications originating in Thailand. She may have been bluffing, maybe not.

Just one other minor point (as you and I are in a race to get a passports back ).... wouldn't it be nice if HMPO emailed us when the passport has been issued. We know we are then only a week away from collection and it may help with travel plans.

I asked the women yesterday if she could request the production team to email me the DHL tracking number so I could see when it reached Trendy. She said that she had sent them an email ... we'll wait and see what happens. I'm travelling back through Bangkok on 9/10 June and would prefer to be able to pick up the new passport then rather than making yet another round-trip from Songkhla.

Interesting, but logic concludes me to think you will not get the DHL tracking number because you will not be the addressee on the package. But then again, nothing would surprise me about this new system.

Sent from my GT-N5100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Edited May 31, 2014 by watso63

rajyindee · May 31, 2014

Interesting, but logic concludes me to think you will not get the DHL tracking number because you will not be the addressee on the package. But then again, nothing would surprise me about this new system.

I must admit that I don't have a lot of confidence in Trendy contacting me. I recall when submitting my passport that the girl said she would "phone" me - I responded by saying that I'd much prefer an SMS and email.

Ace of Pop · May 31, 2014

I am still not clear regarding the Visa Card. The Gent has started to use it all the time,he finds it a novelty and works perfectly. So is he going to get it rejected at Trendy, YES or No......?. I think id better remain outside the building if it doesn't, I might EXPLODE after all the hoops hes had to jump through at his age.

Ace of Pop · May 31, 2014

P.S. If I went to my Embassy here and they couldn't renew my Passport it would raise a question back home. Whats an Embassy for ?.Piss Ups n Parties for a few Elite.Seems to me that's what the Brit one here is for.

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