renewing UK passport .... any ideas how long?

[pete66]

My passport isn't anywhere near expiry, but its unfortunately not got any empty pages on now. A couple of pages have annoyingly got single stamps on.

And I have to get a new ED visa next month, which I'm presuming requires a full empty page in my passport. Oops.

So from what I understand I have to go to Bangkok (Trendy House?) and order a new passport.

Anybody got an idea what the current turnaround time is for UK passport renewals? My current visa expires 3rd March. I'm thinking I might be out of time already ....... darned.

[Crossy]

A post with outdated information removed, things have changed a lot since 2013.

Have a look in this extensive thread http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/777922-changes-to-british-passport-services-in-thailand/ process at the start, current timing at the end.

[pete66]

many thanks - just read that thread from start to finish

The turnaround time for passport renewals appears to have improved significantly, might just be because its the off-season in the UK ....

My only real problem is making the payment. I have a Bangkok Bank VISA card but all indications suggest that won't work, and I don't have any UK cards now.

Best option appears to be Kasikorn Bank's "web shopping" virtual card, which appears to be accepted regularly.

Question therefore is ...... do Chiang Mai branches of Kasikorn bank need a work permit to open a savings account, or will my ED visa do? Or is it a typical Thai lottery when trying to open bank accounts?