Short story: I went to the Embassy of Canada in BKK few weeks ago to make a new passport because I had only 2 pages left. My tourist visa expire august 3 (today) so I knew it would be a close call to get my new passport in time especially since i'm in Chum Phae and they would need to deliver. I asked while in Embassy if I could keep the old passport to make extension but I was told no. I really though I could as some suggested here that they have done it.
I received a call yesterday from embassy saying that the passport will be shipped *express*. Lady on the phone said I would receive it either friday or saturday. if I receive it today it's np I can get extension if not I will need to go monday and pay 3 days fee since if ur visa expire on a week day each weekend day will count as an overstay day.
Now the interesting part, I swear I read on this very board not too long ago that some embassy in the *issan* area are open on saturday. I never heard of it before and I try to do a research on this group using some keywords but didn't find anything. Maybe I just had a weird dream but if some are open on saturday plz let's me know :)
p.s: As for why I didn't extend before going to BKK... well some people in this group reported that Embassy can give old passport back the same day u apply for a new passport... which is not true at all from the experience I just had.
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user shared their experience of needing a new passport from the Canadian Embassy in Bangkok and the urgency due to their tourist visa expiring soon. They inquired about the possibility of extending their visa while waiting for the new passport, only to be informed they could not retain their old passport. The user is concerned about being able to secure an extension in time and heard rumors that some embassies in the Isaan region might be open on Saturdays, asking for clarification on this. Comments from others provided insights about checking with local immigration offices for Saturday services and shared experiences regarding retaining old passports.
