Thai passports a must when Thais leaving the country?

[thaiowl]

My friend has two children by his Thai wife who is now in jail. The kids have UK passports, but don't have Thai passports. My friend wants his kids to visit the UK this year. Is there any chance they can leave and re-enter Thailand using only their Thai IDs? They can enter and leave the UK on their UK passports. If they also need Thai passports, that would be a problem with their mother being in jail.

[Tomtomtom69]

No. Thai passports are a must. Exceptions are for short journeys using border passes to neighboring parts of Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia for visits of 1-3 days.

Can you leave the UK using your driver's licence or national ID card? I don't think so...

[lopburi3]

Only one passport is required - but return on UK passport would require normal visa/extensions until an entry made with a Thai passport. But there may be issues of travel with only one parent - expect arrangements could also be made to obtain Thai passports.

[khwaibah]

No. Thai passports are a must. Exceptions are for short journeys using border passes to neighboring parts of Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia for visits of 1-3 days.

Can you leave the UK using your driver's licence or national ID card? I don't think so...

No exceptions at the crossings I know MUST have a passport. By the sound of it it looks like the OP's friend needs to get some legal advice from an attorney for obtaining sole custody of the kids as their mom is jail. That done then the attorney will be able to assist in the kids getting their Thai passports.

Edited January 6, 2016 by khwaibah

[Basil B]

I doubt they would be allowed to leave on a UK passport if they did not enter on one.

Trying to leave without any entry stamps will invoke a investigation and as they are also Thai citizens it is almost certain Thai Immigration will insist on them leaving on Thai Passports.

[lopburi3]

It happens every day of the year - children born here do not enter on a foreign passport - birth certificate serves that function.