I am a US citizen currently in Chiang Mai on an ED visa. Stamp expires June 6th.
I mailed my passport and application packet to the US embassy in Bangkok last week for passport renewal. It is a few years early, but roughly 8 pages left so I wanted to do it now.
They said I should receive my new passport (and old passport) to my Chiang Mai address in 3-4 weeks.
My question is, is there anything I need to do at Thai immigration once I receive them? Do I need to have a stamp transferred to the new passport? New TM-30, TM-6, etc?
This was written at the bottom of the renewal instructions website when I was doing my application:
"As of April 10, 2023, the Embassy/Consulate will no longer issue passport linkage letters with newly issued passports. If a Thai government office requests one, your cancelled passport and your newly issued passport will suffice."
I'm just not sure what, if anything, I need to do with my passports at Thai immigration, or, if after my ED visa is canceled, do I just exit the country with both passports?
Thank you for your help, my Google searching hasn't found me the answer. Might be searching the wrong terms.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user, a US citizen on an ED visa in Chiang Mai, inquired about the necessary steps at Thai immigration after renewing their passport. After sending their application to the US embassy, they wanted to know if they need to transfer any stamps to the new passport, submit a new TM-30, or handle the TM-6 differently. A commenter confirmed that it's essential to transfer the stamps to the new passport and recommended submitting the TM-30 with the new passport. No action is required for the TM-6, and the embassy letter is no longer needed for the process.
