So basically I have to complete the form, etc, contact the UK Visa Application Centre for an appointment to submit the paperwork, attend the meeting, pay over the money and then come back to collect the passport when it has been issued.

What I don't understand is why I have to pay a courier fee for the passport to be delivered from the UK Passport Agency ('UKPA') to the UK Visa Application Centre in Bangkok. I could understand the fee if the UKPA mailed it directly to my house but this seems a really oppressive charge which amounts to profiteering. Also massively time consuming. So I have to make two runs into BKK on working days to deliver the application and then pick up the new passport

Any views?

You are right - but it is pointless debating it, as that has been done to death already. Feedback to UKVI as I did.

It is also pointless going to collect, it was good enough for Hong Kong to post them previously.

You don't actually have to go at all. You can get someone to deliver and collect for you.