Can I Switch from My Australian Passport to My Thai Passport Without Leaving Thailand?

Jun 10, 2020
4 years ago
Marissa *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi all

I am in Thailand now on the tourist visa + COVID exemption with my Australian passport.

I have successfully applied for my Thai passport and will receive it next week (hooray!).

Is it possible to swap from my Australian passport to my Thai one without leaving the country?

Cheers ! :))
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user inquired about the process of switching from an Australian passport to a newly acquired Thai passport while staying in Thailand. Responses indicated that typically, one would need to exit Thailand on their Australian passport and then re-enter on their Thai passport. However, given the current COVID-19 situation, a recommendation was made to visit the Thai Immigration office with both passports to discuss options, such as obtaining a temporary extension on the Australian passport.
Tod *********
@Marissa ****
follow what I posted and you'll be fine AND once the country opens up so you can fly out and right back in you can swap passports to your thai one. :)

Good luck, stay safe
Tod *********
Okay, AS A RULE, no you can't switch passports (of ANY nationality inside the country).

Right now in the eyes of the thai officials you are here as an Australian <- because that is the passport you entered the country on.

AND

Usually to switch passports you would exit the country (stamp out) on your australian passport and then re-enter the country (stamp in) on your Thai passport. This has to be done by AIR you cannot switch passports at land border points.

However with the whole covid-19 thing going on I think what you should do is

GO to the immigration office with your Australian passport AND your thai passport and get a year extension stamped in the australian passport <- you can get that for 1900baht and it's because you're thai just here on another country passport.

THEN you will have a whole years time to wait for the borders to open, wait for it to be safe for you to fly out and back in
James ********
@Tod ********
thank you for helpful clarification ๐Ÿ˜‰
Tod *********
the year extension stamp they give thai nationals who entered the country on a different countries passport looks like this
James ********
Interesting question you pose...

I suggest when you get your Thai passport go to your local Thai Immigration office. Show them the Australian passport you entered Thailand on..

And your new Thai passport.

Hopefully they can cancel or close out your Aussie passport and wish you a Good Day.
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