EXPERIENCE: Changing passports and getting STAMPS TRANSFERRED (for expiring passport AND change of name) for anyone wondering about the process at Bangkok (IT Laksi Square).
Thanks to the group admins for their previous advice - I wasn’t even aware I needed to do this if leaving my land/ferry rather than air. I’d have been either stuck at the border or stuck trying to re-enter later if not for your help.
Process:
If you’re on a visa exemption and have been issued an extension stamp, you must go to the same office that did your extension. In my case, Bangkok. If you haven’t yet done an extension, I assume you can go to any office (Samui/Phuket/Chiang Mai/Trat). In Bangkok at least, the process is free of charge. (If not entirely free of stress.)
There’s a simple, one-page form to fill out. Outlines old passport number, new passport number, and reason for the change.
In my case, not only was I renewing my passport, but my name had changed. This seemed to confuse them a lot. Don’t recommend doing this from overseas but, needs must.
First up at the ticket desk, they told me to go away and that I didn’t need my stamps transferred. Some confusion and discussion and it seems they meant that if you’re flying out, it’s no biggie. They’ll stamp you out at the airport (as per advice from group admins).
I explained I was leaving by land via Laos. They still didn’t want to do the stamp transfer. I then showed them my name change and they conceded.
When I got through to the immigration desk, a very angry woman yelled at me a few times and told me I didn’t need to transfer my stamps.
Explained (all over again) the leaving by land situation. She still said no. Explained the name change situation. She said OK.
It’s very, very important that you have the letter from your embassy showing that you’ve changed/renewed your passport. They will absolutely not assist you without that.
They transferred not only my entry stamp and dates, but the extension stamp. They show the original date of entry and date of extension, but with slightly different stamps (showing today’s date).
I’m not sure why the confusion about needing stamps transferred if leaving by land. Best advice seems to be that yes, you need to do that. Just be prepared to argue your case if neither the ticket desk or immigration officers seem inclined to assist.
Hope that helps a little, if anyone finds themselves in a confusing and frustrating experience, as I did!
