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Will my Thai wife face issues returning to Thailand with an expiring passport, and can we travel through Singapore?

Thai Passport RenewalVisa and ImmigrationThailand Travel RegulationsTraveling with Expired PassportExpat Travel QuestionsTransportation from Canada to Thailand
Mar 23, 2023
2 years ago
Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Perhaps the answers are self-evident, but I will ask anyway. My Thai wife and I are flying back to our 6 mos. home in Canada at the end of this month. She is a Canadian Resident with a Thai Passport which expires in November 2023. We are flying back to Udon via Bkk in early October, 2023. My questions are:

(i) We normally fly from Vancouver to Bkk transiting thru Tokyo (AC and Thai Air). Time in Tokyo is typically 2-4 hours max. Will she have a problem (Airlines or Immigration) because her passport will expire in November?

(ii) We have kicked around the idea of flying Vancouver to Singapore and then taking the train from Singapore to Thailand. With her Thai Passport expiring in November, I assume this is a non-starter?

(Iii) I have contacted the Thai Consulate in Vancouver and we may be able to renew her passport there and will do so if we can.

Thanks everyone for your time and thoughts.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The poster is concerned about their Thai wife's passport, which expires in November, and traveling from Canada to Thailand. They wonder if she will face airline or immigration issues during their transit through Tokyo and are hesitant about a potential route through Singapore due to stricter passport regulations. Responses suggest that traveling with a passport that is still valid (even if about to expire) should be fine for returning to Thailand, but it's advisable to renew it if possible. Flying through Singapore might pose challenges due to their 6-month passport validity rule, and it's recommended to confirm with the airline before planning that route.
Paul *******
Singapore Airlines is about to stop flying Singapore-Vancouver (or has already done so), hence you can rule that one out.
2 years ago
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Paul *******
@Mark ********
Yes it would. I would really urge you to stick with the direct Air Canada flight from Bangkok. The only other sensible option would be a flight transiting Tokyo or Seoul.
2 years ago
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Mark *********
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@Paul ******
 Thanks Paul. We like the Tokyo transit.
2 years ago
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Mark *********
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Mark *********
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@Paul ******
 Wow Paul. I didn't know that. I guess then going to Singapore would involve a transit somewhere.
2 years ago
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Ally ************
I think you will find Singapore will not make exceptions for the 6-month rule on your passport.. even if you are only transitting through it to your final destination.. and the check-in staff at the airport are likely to stop you boarding.. having lived there for nearly 10 years myself I've found that there is little room for negotiation with SG authorities.. I'd definitely check with your airline before booking your flight if that's your preferred route.. just in case they have gotten soft in the post-koveed world!
2 years ago
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Mark *********
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@Ally ***********
 Thanks Ally. Yes. I will take your advice. I've travelled years ago to Singapore and for sure I have find them bot to be laissez-faire. We'll do the flight to Bkk and/or get my wife's Passport renewed in Canada.
2 years ago
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Paul *******
@Mark ********
Just fly non-stop to Vancouver from Bangkok is a flight is available (remember it's a seasonal service not year round).
2 years ago
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Bob *********
You could renew your wife's Thai passport before you leave Thailand as another option. My wife did hers same day before we came back to the UK. They do walk ins or book appointment on line for early morning. That's what we did and were able to collect the passport at 2 pm at the same office (Cheang Wattana)​
2 years ago
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Bob *********
@Mark ********
 yes whichever way you decide to do it will be alright I'm sure. When we travelled to Thailand my wife only had 3 months left. It was no problem. The airline check in just mentioned it but it wasn't a problem we told them she was going to renew in Thailand. Safe travels, :)
2 years ago
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Mark *********
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@Bob ********
 Cheers Bob!
2 years ago
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Mark *********
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Mark *********
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@Bob ********
 Hmmm. Thanks maybe it is even possible to do same day in Udon. I'll ask my wife to check. We leave here on the 29th for Bkk so that gives us tomorrow Friday and Monday the 28th. Failing that I think we can get it done in Canada.
2 years ago
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Blake ******
Air Canada now has direct flights from Vancouver to BKK.
2 years ago
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Mark *********
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@Blake *****
 Thanks. Yes I know 3 people that have done it and enjoy it, but fir me U really do enjoy the break and connect thru Japan. A good suggestion though if we decide to fly direct.
2 years ago
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Paul *******
@Mark ********
Flying direct is the way to go but I believe it's a seasonal service that ends in April. I'm not sure when it will resume, probably October or November.
2 years ago
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Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks Brandon. I am thinking thst flying to Singapore is a non-starter?
2 years ago
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Paul *******
@Mark ********
It's a non-starter given that SQ is about to end service to Vancouver. Meanwhile, Air Canada operates a seasonal service connecting Bangkok with Vancouver.
2 years ago
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Brandon ************
@Mark ********
 a layover is fine as long as not leaving the secure area, but most countries require 6 months validity to be able to enter.
2 years ago
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Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Renee=Renew!
2 years ago
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Mark *********
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@Brandon ***********
 Okay. Thanks. Will Renee her passport in Canada if we can.
2 years ago
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Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 Thanks. No "entry", but layover, i.e. passing through is okay?
2 years ago
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Brandon ************
@Mark ********
 as long as final destination is okay with the passport then yes. But you might have to fight for it because airline checkin staff are trained to deny anyone with less than 6 months since it's such a common rule.
2 years ago
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Brandon ************
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Brandon ************
A Thai citizen can fly to Thailand even on an expired passport, so flying while it's still valid even for another month is fine. Still best to renew it if possible.

Thai passport renewal is super fast, you might even get it in time if you go today or tomorrow to renew it. But otherwise still try in Canada to make things smoother.
2 years ago
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