Another British Passport Change.

[gotlost]

Another British Passport Change.
LETTER TO BRITISH COMMUNITY
CHANGES TO BRITISH PASSPORT SERVICES IN THAILAND
Her Majestys Passport Office is making important changes to the way it delivers British passports overseas. 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. In order to do that, on 10 December 2013, responsibility for handling passport applications in Thailand passed from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to Her Majestys Passport Office.

Following on from this, from 26 March 2014, British nationals in Thailand will submit passport applications, in person by appointment only, to the UK Visa Application Centre. All the information needed to complete the passport application process, including address and contact details for the UK Visa Application Centre, will be available on GOV.UK at https://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports

I know that this change will seem inconvenient, but the new measures being put in place support the wider public protection, helping to ensure that the risks of fraud and identity theft are minimised for those living and working overseas.

If you need to travel urgently but your passport is not available, you should still contact the nearest Consular Assistance team at the British Embassy Bangkok <deleted> In certain circumstances Consular staff may be able to issue an Emergency Travel Document but this is not a substitute for a full UK passport. So the best course of action is to apply as early as possible, and to make sure that you follow the new guidelines.

Please note that our Consular staff will not be able to take calls about individual passport applications and they cannot countersign passport applications. If you cannot find the information needed on GOV.UK you should contact the Passport Adviceline on +<deleted> (operates from 8am-8pm UK time) or e-mail: <deleted>


https://www.gov.uk/overseas-passport...wing_new/adult

[Nobby]

UK Visa Application Centre
The Trendy Office Building,
28th Floor,
Sukhumvit Soi13,
Klongtoey-Nua,
Wattana,
Bangkok
10110,
Thailand

[CO-CO]

The only good thing is the prospect of a couple of nights out in Nana .....

[mxyzptlk]

Gotlost,
the final link in your post seems to be broken....
Maybe it should read https://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports/y/thailand/renewing_new/adult

[toffo]

So does this mean you can't do it online now??? I need to apply for a new passport in 1 week so if I have to go to Bangkok it's a hassle but a shopping trip might ease the pain..

[mxyzptlk]

So does this mean you can't do it online now??? I need to apply for a new passport in 1 week so if I have to go to Bangkok it's a hassle but a shopping trip might ease the pain..

It now appears that it must be done in person....but it never could be done completely online, could it?
You always had to print out the application form & post it, didn't you?

[toffo]

Nothing is easy or cheap when it involves the passport or British Embassy... Wish I knew 2 weeks ago FFs.

[toffo]

Yeah I checked 2 weeks ago and you printed it out which is far easier.. Oh well a Overnight stay it is then in lovely Bangkok..

[mxyzptlk]

And then another trip to Bangkok to pick your new passport up....

[toffo]

So you have answered what I've been thinking.. Can't they send it to your home addy??  Surely once you have shown your face and they know its you and no fraud is taking place then there should be no reason to go back again.. Imagine if you live at the top of Thailand.. That's a nightmare..

[toffo]

Ignore my last post.. Just read the website and your correct.. What a waste of time that is..

[mxyzptlk]

Yes, it's highly amusing after the announcement that the cost of renewing a passport overseas was being reduced by £45 and now it has increased by the cost of making 2 return trips to Bangkok, and for people who don't want to drive there & back in 1 day, 2 x overnight stays + expenses incurred....yes, indeed a good saving.....LOL