Answered9 years ago
What documents do I need to renew my UK passport in Bangkok if I don't have proof of address?
Not really visa advice but really hope someone can help. My UK passport is due for renewal Jan 18. My extention is due 31st July 17 and immigration said they will give me an extention to date my passport expires which is fine. However for UK passport renewal they want proof of my address in Thailand. My US friends do not have to do this. The only thing I can supply is a letter from immigration costing 500 bht but they can only give it me in Thai and consulate said it must be translated into english by an authorised translater but cannot supply me with one that is authorised. Anyone had experience of renewing a UK passport in Bangkok I would be forever gratefull for any advice. Thank you.
Answer summary
The original poster is seeking advice on renewing their UK passport while living in Thailand, specifically regarding the requirement for proof of address. They mention that their UK passport is due for renewal in January 2018 and their extension is valid until July 2017. The Thai immigration office indicated they would extend their visa to match the passport expiration date, but they face challenges in providing the necessary proof of address for the UK passport renewal. Various comments suggest alternatives like using a rental agreement, bank statements from the UK, or letters from employers or local authorities. There is also mention of the difficulty of dealing with the British Embassy processes as opposed to other countries.
52 repliesnewest first
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Troy *********
If you are running into brick walls, get your wife to type out a one page rental agreement and both sign it. Copy her blue book and ID card and that's it.
Andy ****
Use your apartment lease agreement.
Bim *******
OPYes they told me it must be translated into english. However when I asked where I could find one I got no reply on several times of asking.
Bim *******
OPNo I guess not. Dont want it to be rejected also. Just need to find this approved translater somewhere.
Andy ****
If you're giving a certificate of residency from Thai immigration to UK embassy, it probably doesn't need an approved translator.
Andy ****
But I guess it's not really honest that you're renting
Andy ****
My landlord wrote it up
Bim *******
OP@Andy ***
do you know where I could get an English one. ThanksAndy ****
My lease agreement is in English
Bim *******
OPLease aggreement would be in Thai also so would still need to get tranlated. Immigration here will give me a certificate of residency valid for a month for 500 bht in Thai only. Its just finding somewhere that would be an approved translater that they would accept is my only problem.
Bim *******
OPMartin Whitaker I tried the yellow book route years ago. They wanted my UK passport translated into Thai which involved a trip to Bangkok which I didnt see as worth it. I would also have to get the yellow book translated into English anyway for the UK passport. My thai driving licence more or less serves the same purpose as the yellow book for opening bank accounts etc so I never saw the value in having a yellow book. But thanks mate for taking the time to reply
Andy ****
Jinx. We said the same thing lol
Martin **********
shed just need to make sure she sent the tm30 to immigration
Andy ****
A loophole would be to make an agreement to lease the house from your wife hahahaha
Martin **********
or get your wife to knock you up a lease agreement.
Andy ****
That's tricky
Martin **********
you could go to the local amphur office and get a yellow book...its like the tabian baan that thais have. Go talk to the local amphur office and take your wife and any neighbour who knows you well as a witness...Im sure they will sort you out :-)
Bim *******
OPI think you may mean the blue book. Thats in my wifes name yes. As a foreigner I couldnt put my name on it.
Lloyd ********
The chanote is the land registry paperwork - show who owns the land . Maybe no use as I am not sure it lists any buildings on the land :-(
Bim *******
OPMy wife owns it
@Andy ***
. @Lloyd *******
whats a chanote?Andy ****
Do you own the house?
Lloyd ********
Then you should have a chanote with the address on ?
Bim *******
OPI dont have a lease aggreement Andy. I live in our house that is fully owned and paid for but thanks mate.
Bim *******
OP@Troy ********
I wish I had the answer. Have no idea why they need that information. I have since found out that the US and Germany dont ask for it. I can only guess that the census in the UK is no more so maybe they want as much information on there citizens as possible.Troy *********
Aussie embassy just need the application form, passport photo's and the fee....done in 13 days.
Lloyd ********
The Embassy has nothing to do with passports, it is outsourced to VFS (like many countries).
Bim *******
OPThe US also
@Troy ********
Troy *********
The Aussie embassy does everything in the one place.....Seems like the British Embassy like to fook it's countrymen around.
Troy *********
Is the UK embassy actually there to help you guys or just fuck you over? What's your address in Thailand got to do with your passport?
Steve *******
You can use proof of address from the UK, bank statement, driving licence. They are sometimes reluctant but if you insist they'll submit your application. The only problem is you have to pick up your new passport in person from Trendy, they wont send it on to you.
Bim *******
OP@Steve ******
yes I have just checked with a friend an they check the voting register if you supply a UK address so a no go for me.Steve *******
@Bim ******
. Personally I used a UK bank statement but I think any proof of address will be accepted. I still have an address in the UK so my advice might not apply to everyone.Bim *******
OPThanks for taking the time to reply Steve. I dont have a UK address so will they still accept my UK driving licence? Bank statement sounds like a plan though. Didnt think of that.
Ron *******
Don't forget you can renew your UK passport up to 9 months early and not lose any time on it. Your new passport will be valid for 10yrs and 9 months.
Bim *******
OPWow I didnt know that Ron thanks. I will remember that for next time. My fault for leaving it so late.
Ciaran **********
I got around this by using a letter from my boss on headed paper confirming my address. This was accepted, albeit 2 years ago. Might be an option for you.
Bim *******
OPHi Ciaran many thanks for taking the time to reply. Unfortunatley I dont work here so my only option looks to be the immigration office I do my 90 report.
Martin **********
its very simple and painless. I simply got my lease agreement translated...got the new passport back in 2 weeks. Many translation services on Trendy on soi13
Bim *******
OPThank you so much.
Martin **********
get some contacts and email or line it to them then....youd just have to pick it up.. Cant find the details of the place I used sadly....
@Jareerat *********
is a lawyer in there for MDG legal who are brilliant if you ever need a lawyer, perhaps she could advise on the beat translation service :-)Bim *******
OPDamn I wanted to avoid being in Bangkok a couple of nights. I have like over 30 dogs to feed and care for. Thanks Martin.
Martin **********
usually a couple of days...but get prices from all the shops on the ground floor as prices can vary !
Bim *******
OPThanks Martin very kind taking the time to reply. I dont have anything except the immigration certificate. No lease aggreements etc. Does it take long to have it translated?
Martin **********
ps you dont go anywhere near the uk embassy. Everything taken care of by VSF
Adrien ******
A certified translation is adequate. One that is signed and stamped. If you walk out of the Embassy's gates there are agents offering these services there.
Adrien ******
Trendy is where you renew your Passport. You need a Certified Translation first. Outside the British Embassy in Wireless Road have Certified Translation Agents that are very good and reasonable. Better than the ones around Trendy Buildings in my opinion
Henry *********
Do you have a Thai driving licence? That has your address although it will need to be translated.
Bim *******
OPSo it is Trendy I go to then. I was told this originally Henry. I dont work here and all bills are in my wifes name except truevisions which we cancelled many months ago.
Henry *********
UK passports renewals are submitted at the Trendy in soi 13, although the passport is actually issued in Liverpool. A letter from your employer confirming your address in Thailand works, or a utility bill or rental contract in your name.
Bim *******
OPAhh OK. I thought you had to go to Trendy. Thank you.
Adrien ******
Not Trendy Buildings. That's just an Outsourced Visa Section. This is the Embassy's address
British Embassy Bangkok. 14 Wireless Road Lumpini Pathumwan Bangkok
British Embassy Bangkok. 14 Wireless Road Lumpini Pathumwan Bangkok
*****
Bim *******
OPThank you Adrien. Its on Soi 13 right?
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