Changes To British Passport Services In Thailand

[evadgib]

Heads up if language is a problem this end (ie passport holder lacks capacity & spouse isn't fluent in English)

Please advise anyone falling into the above category to ensure that their (Trendy/HMPO) reference number appears when paying by bank transfer otherwise they (HMPO in UK) won't have a clue who it came from which could lead to delays or probs involving emails that aren't understood. Their ref no (I can't remember the official phrase, but it was a 3 letter abbreviation) contains the surname and day/month they applied ie XXX Smith 16/01 (16 Jan).

The direct line to the appropriate dept in UK is +44 151 471 4302. A couple in the above bracket came to my attention recently but a short phonecall with their docs in hand confirmed that payment had been received and that the new passport was being processed.

HTH

[digitalchromakey]

Heads up if language is a problem this end (ie passport holder lacks capacity & spouse isn't fluent in English)

Please advise anyone falling into the above category to ensure that their (Trendy/HMPO) reference number appears when paying by bank transfer otherwise they (HMPO in UK) won't have a clue who it came from which could lead to delays or probs involving emails that aren't understood. Their ref no (I can't remember the official phrase, but it was a 3 letter abbreviation) contains the surname and day/month they applied ie XXX Smith 16/01 (16 Jan).

The direct line to the appropriate dept in UK is +44 151 471 4302. A couple in the above bracket came to my attention recently but a short phonecall with their docs in hand confirmed that payment had been received and that the new passport was being processed.

HTH

Interesting, but a bit confused as I didn't believe a bank transfer was possible when paying HMPO Liverpool for a passport application from BKK, plus the payment form has data fields for Applicant/DOB and Payee.

Was this in a case when the first payment attempt failed?.

[evadgib]

The applicants name was indeed on the form but it was nonetheless knocked back. I didn't note the specifics as I was more interested in solving the problem but the paperwork was from a local branch of bkk bank & was routed through citibank if read correctly. HMPO received payment 24hrs after it had been originally despatched but were unable to match it to the applicant prior to the above call despite having all remaining details.

HMPO were very helpful and having explained the position I didnt encounter any probs re DPA.

HTH

Edited March 4, 2015 by evadgib

[digitalchromakey]

The applicants name was indeed on the form but it was nonetheless knocked back. I didn't note the specifics as I was more interested in solving the problem, but the paperwork was from a local branch of bkk bank & was routed through citibank if read correctly. HMPO received payment 24hrs after it had been originally despatched but were unable to match it to the applicant prior to the above call despite having all remaining details.

HMPO were very helpful and having explained the position I didnt encounter any probs re DPA.

HTH

Ok thanks but I still don't understand - there is no mechanism for bank transfers.

HMPO only accept Credit/Debit Card - Mastercard, Visa, Electron, Diners Club and JCB.

As has been posted here before, there are more often than not problems using Thai Debit Cards to pay HMPO, where trendy have just passed on the form to Liverpool and not advised that there could well be a problem.

Was this case a problem with a BKK Bank Debit Card Payment?

[evadgib]

Unfortunately I dont know the answer. Language was a prob for me too. My wife (was with me/spoke to spouse) says they didnt have a card.

If i'm able to clarify your points i'll post an update.

Edited March 5, 2015 by evadgib

[bendare]

Ive just re newed my daughters british passport at the new trendy office, in my experience her re newal was more difficult than her first passport, which im sure should not be the case. We made the appointment and went and filled out the forms with the guidance of the freindly staff, payed the money and left, easy i thought. A week later get an email from liverpool office saying do it again the form is wrong, ile take the blame for that. so i did it again. Got a call from Bangkok to say come and collect your daughters new passport its ready, all you need to produce is her previous passport, i said well you have it as i had to submit it in the application. So they wont release my daughters passport until i produce her previous one, which they have.....WOW. Not a good experiance so far.

10 Minutes after writing this post i recieved a email from bangers saying all documents have been recieved, i understand that liverpool send the passport prior to sending the original documents, but why telephone me and make me worry. Communication breakdown no 6 million in my 9 years stay in Thailand lol

Edited March 5, 2015 by bendare

[dave2]

an update

re

i called a friend last night to countersign my application and
pic and ive got a spare aplication form if its wrong so hopefully ive got all bases covered coz the last thing i want after flying to bangkok today is to be told cannot at trendy on friday

and all went well

i got there an hour early and there was no checking of my appointment with downstairs security so i went up intending to sit around for an hour but there were no seats outside so i gave the girl my appointment letter and it was straight in the re newal department after security checked me and my bags

i thought great i can relax for an hour but they were having none of that , 2 mins after i sat down a lady came out and said go to desk two

i gave her the wad of paper and started praying but it was tick tick tick in all her little boxes and after checking that my contact details were right for picking up my new passport she said sign here and i was on the way out the door in about 15 mins

i couldnt believe it was all done so easily and a man picking up his passport said he only applied ten days ago and it was ready !

before i left for trendy i asked my hotel if i could stay another few days but she said cannot were full so i wandered down to soi 4 nana plaza and found a great hotel with a huge pool but it says i cant harass their massage girls ... i think its more likely to be the other way around but tit

soi 4 food ... the food in hanrahans is to die for so if you want a huge portion of anything go there

dave2 .... off to chatuchack market today

ill post details of a great hotel @ 2300 baht 15 mins walk from trendy when i go home

[cheeryble]

Hi there

I'm just preparing for a passport renewal.

I suffer panic attacks when travelling especially places like Bangkok.

I'm told there is a provision for a nominee to apply in place of a person who cannot show up him or herself for any reason. Correct?

Question and thoughts:

1. Does any previous arrangement have to be made with Trendy for me not going myself.....would it just be informing them when arranging an appointment by email?

2. My wife may go. She would want to be pretty sure her delivering the forms would be acceptable.

3. I could dig up a couple of hospital letters from some years ago describing my condition but without any reference to now or Bangkok. May do?

Thanks

[soap]

Hi there

I'm just preparing for a passport renewal.

I suffer panic attacks when travelling especially places like Bangkok.

I'm told there is a provision for a nominee to apply in place of a person who cannot show up him or herself for any reason. Correct?

Question and thoughts:

1. Does any previous arrangement have to be made with Trendy for me not going myself.....would it just be informing them when arranging an appointment by email?

2. My wife may go. She would want to be pretty sure her delivering the forms would be acceptable.

3. I could dig up a couple of hospital letters from some years ago describing my condition but without any reference to now or Bangkok. May do?'

Thanks

If you cant attend due to health reasons etc,you can nominate someone to go in your place.

All you need to do is email Trendy giving 3 suitable appointment dates,they will return the email giving you a date and time,print this email with the date and time and keep it with your passport documents to show The security at Trendy.

As far as i know there is no need to inform Trendy when making your appointment,just print out a short letter informing them that you are unable to attend due to health reasons etc and give them the name ID or passport number of the person you wish to go in your place,and keep this letter with your passport documents.

The turnaround times at the moment are under a month so dont leave it to the start of the passport high season as if its anything like last summer chaos could reign again

[transam]

Just had a call from Trendy to collect my PP. It took 19 days........

[OJAS]

Just had a call from Trendy to collect my PP. It took 19 days........

Wow, I certainly have not heard of anything quicker, so this must be the record to date! But, as soap has stated in the previous post, we should now expect processing times to start creeping up again in advance of this year's peak UK summer holiday period.

[transam]

Just had a call from Trendy to collect my PP. It took 19 days........

Wow, I certainly have not heard of anything quicker, so this must be the record to date! But, as soap has stated in the previous post, we should now expect processing times to start creeping up again in advance of this year's peak UK summer holiday period.

It was my hansum photos that did it.......

Plus I got return flights to BKK from Ubon for a total of 1,900bht today .........

[Neeranam]

Just had a call from Trendy to collect my PP. It took 19 days........

Wow, I certainly have not heard of anything quicker, so this must be the record to date! But, as soap has stated in the previous post, we should now expect processing times to start creeping up again in advance of this year's peak UK summer holiday period.

I had my interview on 9th Jan and was told to ck it up on 28th Jan, 17 days in total. I haven't picked it up yet as I'm a great procrastinator. I wonder how long they keep them for. I am going to Bangkok next week - do I have to tell them or just take the letter I got on in January?

Edited March 9, 2015 by Neeranam

[digitalchromakey]

Just had a call from Trendy to collect my PP. It took 19 days........

Wow, I certainly have not heard of anything quicker, so this must be the record to date! But, as soap has stated in the previous post, we should now expect processing times to start creeping up again in advance of this year's peak UK summer holiday period.

I had my interview on 9th Jan and was told to ck it up on 28th Jan, 17 days in total. I haven't picked it up yet as I'm a great procrastinator. I wonder how long they keep them for. I am going to Bangkok next week - do I have to tell them or just take the letter I got on in January?

They (trendy) have stated on a number of occasions that they will only hold newly issued passports in BKK for around a month, after which they are sent back to the UK (presumably to be destroyed).

I wish you super good luck, as your passport has already been in Thailand for almost 6 weeks.

If you told trendy that you would be slow to collect, then you might still be ok; but it's definitely time to get you finger out - please don't delay any further!

[Neeranam]

Just had a call from Trendy to collect my PP. It took 19 days........

Wow, I certainly have not heard of anything quicker, so this must be the record to date! But, as soap has stated in the previous post, we should now expect processing times to start creeping up again in advance of this year's peak UK summer holiday period.

I had my interview on 9th Jan and was told to ck it up on 28th Jan, 17 days in total. I haven't picked it up yet as I'm a great procrastinator. I wonder how long they keep them for. I am going to Bangkok next week - do I have to tell them or just take the letter I got on in January?

They (trendy) have stated on a number of occasions that they will only hold newly issued passports in BKK for around a month, after which they are sent back to the UK (presumably to be destroyed).

I wish you super good luck, as your passport has already been in Thailand for almost 6 weeks.

If you told trendy that you would be slow to collect, then you might still be ok; but it's definitely time to get you finger out - please don't delay any further!

Well they never told me that. I did reply to their email saying I might be a while but they don't reply.

Where have they stated this before?

[digitalchromakey]

I had my interview on 9th Jan and was told to ck it up on 28th Jan, 17 days in total. I haven't picked it up yet as I'm a great procrastinator. I wonder how long they keep them for. I am going to Bangkok next week - do I have to tell them or just take the letter I got on in January?

They (trendy) have stated on a number of occasions that they will only hold newly issued passports in BKK for around a month, after which they are sent back to the UK (presumably to be destroyed).

I wish you super good luck, as your passport has already been in Thailand for almost 6 weeks.

If you told trendy that you would be slow to collect, then you might still be ok; but it's definitely time to get you finger out - please don't delay any further!

Well they never told me that. I did reply to their email saying I might be a while but they don't reply.

Where have they stated this before?

I suspected on two occasions that I would be delayed in making a pick up, so I asked each time when I was at my trendy application appointment.

Also, one time when they called to say my passport was ready for collection I quizzed them on how long they would keep my passport if I was late collecting.

Seem to recollect getting similar advice from the HMPO 'Helpline'.

Don't have anything in writing, i.e. in their emails, etc.

Edited March 9, 2015 by digitalchromakey

[Neeranam]

Thanks ^^

They phoned me up when it was ready and I still have the number. Surely, they would have called again before sending back to the UK? Anyways, I'll get down there as fast as I can and let you know what happened. I guess the worst case scenario is having to go back to the UK but surely not.

[Neeranam]

I went to Trendy today and just before getting my passport asked them how long they kept the passport for - they said 1 month then I went into the room and got my one that they had kept since January 18

[digitalchromakey]

I went to Trendy today and just before getting my passport asked them how long they kept the passport for - they said 1 month then I went into the room and got my one that they had kept since January 18

Well I have no doubt that's a relief and that your experience with this is doubtless a very convincing argument against any future procrastination!

[Neeranam]

I went to Trendy today and just before getting my passport asked them how long they kept the passport for - they said 1 month then I went into the room and got my one that they had kept since January 18

Well I have no doubt that's a relief and that your experience with this is doubtless a very convincing argument against any future procrastination!

yes but also shows that what they say about keeping it for only 1 month is not true.

One of the first Thai words I learnt was for procrastination "pad wan bragan prung". The first was "ow bia kuat neung"

[digitalchromakey]

I went to Trendy today and just before getting my passport asked them how long they kept the passport for - they said 1 month then I went into the room and got my one that they had kept since January 18

Well I have no doubt that's a relief and that your experience with this is doubtless a very convincing argument against any future procrastination!

yes but also shows that what they say about keeping it for only 1 month is not true.

One of the first Thai words I learnt was for procrastination "pad wan bragan prung". The first was "ow bia kuat neung"

Ok, so your faith in the wisdom of procrastination is unshaken.

However, just because your new passport survived 6 weeks rather than the one month trendy states, doesn't mean that it's a no risk strategy to delay collection beyond one month.

[NanLaew]

Dropped by and collected my second passport (19 days turnaround) and my son's renewal (21 days turnaround). I complimented the staff on successfully assisting with 3 passport renewals in a 2-month window. The only delays were the first passport catching the UK Christmas and New Year holidays and my forgetting to submit a letter supporting a second passport application (28 days turnaround on that one).

While the VFS lady went looking for the courier package that contained the supporting documents I had submitted, we were subjected to hearing some applicant two booths down who was castigating his VFS chap about the website instructions not stating clearly that he had to copy ALL pages in the expiring passport. He was adamant that what he thought he had read (only copy the 'data page') was also what the published advice really states. I suppose the poor VFS chap could only let him rant and vent and I am sure that eventually he would have got a word in edge-side and told him there was a copier outside. I was gone before that happy moment prevailed.

From horror story last summer to polite efficiency this year. All we need is some FCO clerk to come up with an even better renewal idea after the elections and set it all on its ear again!

[Johnniey]

Dropped by and collected my second passport (19 days turnaround) and my son's renewal (21 days turnaround). I complimented the staff on successfully assisting with 3 passport renewals in a 2-month window. The only delays were the first passport catching the UK Christmas and New Year holidays and my forgetting to submit a letter supporting a second passport application (28 days turnaround on that one).

While the VFS lady went looking for the courier package that contained the supporting documents I had submitted, we were subjected to hearing some applicant two booths down who was castigating his VFS chap about the website instructions not stating clearly that he had to copy ALL pages in the expiring passport. He was adamant that what he thought he had read (only copy the 'data page') was also what the published advice really states. I suppose the poor VFS chap could only let him rant and vent and I am sure that eventually he would have got a word in edge-side and told him there was a copier outside. I was gone before that happy moment prevailed.

From horror story last summer to polite efficiency this year. All we need is some FCO clerk to come up with an even better renewal idea after the elections and set it all on its ear again!

Polite efficiency for those who can "drop in". Not very convenient if one lives in Chiang Rai.

[Nicolas32]

This service is a joke and a security risk and i don't understand why they say The goal is to ensure that all British nationals living overseas receive a consistent, trusted, secure and efficient service whilst keeping the costs as low as possible. Opened packages and signing for something so important with no first or last name is a complete utter joke i also raised the concerns with the home office / passport office they said everything was fine and i said until something basically goes wrong ...

I would advise people not to use trendy house and just do it yourself via DHL or whoever also waiting god knows how many weeks for an interviews is a joke what only last no more then 5 mins what you could have already sent it in by yourself to Liverpool also inst right to be sent on a wild goose chase .. when it's only being sent to this address ...

HER MAJESTYS PASSPORT OFFICE

101 OLD HALL STREET
LIVERPOOL, L3 9BP
GB

.

[Nicolas32]

This is great it can be done online in some place but not Thailand .. https://passportapplication.service.gov.uk/ips-olc/

[NanLaew]

Dropped by and collected my second passport (19 days turnaround) and my son's renewal (21 days turnaround). I complimented the staff on successfully assisting with 3 passport renewals in a 2-month window. The only delays were the first passport catching the UK Christmas and New Year holidays and my forgetting to submit a letter supporting a second passport application (28 days turnaround on that one).

While the VFS lady went looking for the courier package that contained the supporting documents I had submitted, we were subjected to hearing some applicant two booths down who was castigating his VFS chap about the website instructions not stating clearly that he had to copy ALL pages in the expiring passport. He was adamant that what he thought he had read (only copy the 'data page') was also what the published advice really states. I suppose the poor VFS chap could only let him rant and vent and I am sure that eventually he would have got a word in edge-side and told him there was a copier outside. I was gone before that happy moment prevailed.

From horror story last summer to polite efficiency this year. All we need is some FCO clerk to come up with an even better renewal idea after the elections and set it all on its ear again!

Polite efficiency for those who can "drop in". Not very convenient if one lives in Chiang Rai.

And your assumption is that I live in Bangkok?

Actually, I also 'dropped by' Chiang Rai back in February. Marvelously accessible place. There's also the option to have someone do the application/collection for you but you need to have friends and money for that I guess.

This service is a joke and a security risk and i don't understand why they say The goal is to ensure that all British nationals living overseas receive a consistent, trusted, secure and efficient service whilst keeping the costs as low as possible. Opened packages and signing for something so important with no first or last name is a complete utter joke i also raised the concerns with the home office / passport office they said everything was fine and i said until something basically goes wrong ...

I would advise people not to use trendy house and just do it yourself via DHL or whoever also waiting god knows how many weeks for an interviews is a joke what only last no more then 5 mins what you could have already sent it in by yourself to Liverpool also inst right to be sent on a wild goose chase .. when it's only being sent to this address ...

HER MAJESTYS PASSPORT OFFICE[/size]

101 OLD HALL STREET

LIVERPOOL, L3 9BP

GB

Happy that your DIY method worked for you. In the end, it is the same ultimate consigner and ultimate consignee.

Every package that Trendy had opened prior to my arrival had been resealed with their tamper-proof tape. I guess that's an additional step they take to make sure that some oik in Liverpool hasn't cocked up. Imagine your anger at traveling all the way from Nakhon Nowhere and finding they had given you someone else's passport by mistake. Now that would be a VFS Trendy issue or an HMPO Liverpool problem?

Edited March 14, 2015 by NanLaew

[Nicolas32]

Dropped by and collected my second passport (19 days turnaround) and my son's renewal (21 days turnaround). I complimented the staff on successfully assisting with 3 passport renewals in a 2-month window. The only delays were the first passport catching the UK Christmas and New Year holidays and my forgetting to submit a letter supporting a second passport application (28 days turnaround on that one).

While the VFS lady went looking for the courier package that contained the supporting documents I had submitted, we were subjected to hearing some applicant two booths down who was castigating his VFS chap about the website instructions not stating clearly that he had to copy ALL pages in the expiring passport. He was adamant that what he thought he had read (only copy the 'data page') was also what the published advice really states. I suppose the poor VFS chap could only let him rant and vent and I am sure that eventually he would have got a word in edge-side and told him there was a copier outside. I was gone before that happy moment prevailed.

From horror story last summer to polite efficiency this year. All we need is some FCO clerk to come up with an even better renewal idea after the elections and set it all on its ear again!

Polite efficiency for those who can "drop in". Not very convenient if one lives in Chiang Rai.

And your assumption is that I live in Bangkok?

Actually, I also 'dropped by' Chiang Rai back in February. Marvelously accessible place. There's also the option to have someone do the application/collection for you but you need to have friends and money for that I guess.

This service is a joke and a security risk and i don't understand why they say The goal is to ensure that all British nationals living overseas receive a consistent, trusted, secure and efficient service whilst keeping the costs as low as possible. Opened packages and signing for something so important with no first or last name is a complete utter joke i also raised the concerns with the home office / passport office they said everything was fine and i said until something basically goes wrong ...

I would advise people not to use trendy house and just do it yourself via DHL or whoever also waiting god knows how many weeks for an interviews is a joke what only last no more then 5 mins what you could have already sent it in by yourself to Liverpool also inst right to be sent on a wild goose chase .. when it's only being sent to this address ...

HER MAJESTYS PASSPORT OFFICE[/size]

101 OLD HALL STREET

LIVERPOOL, L3 9BP

GB

Happy that your DIY method worked for you. In the end, it is the same ultimate consigner and ultimate consignee.

Every package that Trendy had opened prior to my arrival had been resealed with their tamper-proof tape. I guess that's an additional step they take to make sure that some oik in Liverpool hasn't cocked up. Imagine your anger at traveling all the way from Nakhon Nowhere and finding they had given you someone else's passport by mistake. Now that would be a VFS Trendy issue or an HMPO Liverpool problem?

Yeah also pissed off having to travel 4 return trips from Chiang Mai to Bangkok working out 120 hours it's just wrong when stuff can be done online like in Hong Kong / Singapore / Malaysia ..

Edited March 14, 2015 by Nicolas32

[Johnniey]

Dropped by and collected my second passport (19 days turnaround) and my son's renewal (21 days turnaround). I complimented the staff on successfully assisting with 3 passport renewals in a 2-month window. The only delays were the first passport catching the UK Christmas and New Year holidays and my forgetting to submit a letter supporting a second passport application (28 days turnaround on that one).

While the VFS lady went looking for the courier package that contained the supporting documents I had submitted, we were subjected to hearing some applicant two booths down who was castigating his VFS chap about the website instructions not stating clearly that he had to copy ALL pages in the expiring passport. He was adamant that what he thought he had read (only copy the 'data page') was also what the published advice really states. I suppose the poor VFS chap could only let him rant and vent and I am sure that eventually he would have got a word in edge-side and told him there was a copier outside. I was gone before that happy moment prevailed.

From horror story last summer to polite efficiency this year. All we need is some FCO clerk to come up with an even better renewal idea after the elections and set it all on its ear again!

Polite efficiency for those who can "drop in". Not very convenient if one lives in Chiang Rai.

And your assumption is that I live in Bangkok?

Actually, I also 'dropped by' Chiang Rai back in February. Marvelously accessible place. There's also the option to have someone do the application/collection for you but you need to have friends and money for that I guess.

I never assumed anything about you. I don't know why you're upset with my response and certainly don't see the need to make assumptions, nah insult me in suggesting I have no money or friends. I am a long time member of this forum and don't put up with personal insults/rudeness from trolls,old grumpy men and those rich enough to pay for a postage stamp and go to Chiang Rai. Please reread my post and make appropriate amends if you have any integrity.

[digitalchromakey]

Dropped by and collected my second passport (19 days turnaround) and my son's renewal (21 days turnaround). I complimented the staff on successfully assisting with 3 passport renewals in a 2-month window. The only delays were the first passport catching the UK Christmas and New Year holidays and my forgetting to submit a letter supporting a second passport application (28 days turnaround on that one).

While the VFS lady went looking for the courier package that contained the supporting documents I had submitted, we were subjected to hearing some applicant two booths down who was castigating his VFS chap about the website instructions not stating clearly that he had to copy ALL pages in the expiring passport. He was adamant that what he thought he had read (only copy the 'data page') was also what the published advice really states. I suppose the poor VFS chap could only let him rant and vent and I am sure that eventually he would have got a word in edge-side and told him there was a copier outside. I was gone before that happy moment prevailed.

From horror story last summer to polite efficiency this year. All we need is some FCO clerk to come up with an even better renewal idea after the elections and set it all on its ear again!

Polite efficiency for those who can "drop in". Not very convenient if one lives in Chiang Rai.

And your assumption is that I live in Bangkok?

Actually, I also 'dropped by' Chiang Rai back in February. Marvelously accessible place. There's also the option to have someone do the application/collection for you but you need to have friends and money for that I guess.

This service is a joke and a security risk and i don't understand why they say The goal is to ensure that all British nationals living overseas receive a consistent, trusted, secure and efficient service whilst keeping the costs as low as possible. Opened packages and signing for something so important with no first or last name is a complete utter joke i also raised the concerns with the home office / passport office they said everything was fine and i said until something basically goes wrong ...

I would advise people not to use trendy house and just do it yourself via DHL or whoever also waiting god knows how many weeks for an interviews is a joke what only last no more then 5 mins what you could have already sent it in by yourself to Liverpool also inst right to be sent on a wild goose chase .. when it's only being sent to this address ...

HER MAJESTYS PASSPORT OFFICE[/size]

101 OLD HALL STREET

LIVERPOOL, L3 9BP

GB

Happy that your DIY method worked for you. In the end, it is the same ultimate consigner and ultimate consignee.

Every package that Trendy had opened prior to my arrival had been resealed with their tamper-proof tape. I guess that's an additional step they take to make sure that some oik in Liverpool hasn't cocked up. Imagine your anger at traveling all the way from Nakhon Nowhere and finding they had given you someone else's passport by mistake. Now that would be a VFS Trendy issue or an HMPO Liverpool problem?

The DHL package that trendy 'kindly' opened did god knows what then resealed was addressed to you, not them.

Still ok?

[ubonjoe]

Two inflammatory posts have been removed.