I had the incredible opportunity to meet Ambassador Sean O'Neill, Consul General Kathryn Flachsbart, and their team at the U.S. Embassy Bangkok. They graciously spent about three hours with our group of veterans, and everyone treated us with remarkable kindness and warmth. I was definitely fanboying over the Foreign Service Officers, who kindly answered all my curious questions.

This visit truly broadened my understanding of how embassies support Americans overseas. It was inspiring to see people from diverse backgrounds united by the common goal of serving our fellow Americans abroad. The Ambassador emphasized that the pause on immigrant visa issuance means that, while issuance is paused, the rest of the process, including accepting applications, continues. He talked about tariffs, the border conflict, military relations, and the role of an embassy.

Meanwhile, the Consul General addressed the topic of tourist visas, explaining that visa officers must operate under the assumption that applicants might attempt to immigrate or misuse their tourist visa. Thus, it’s up to the applicant to prove their intentions and stability. Naturally, having strong financial stability greatly helps in overcoming these concerns. In addition to these topics, we also discussed tariffs, veterans’ concerns, and handling remains.

I’m excited about the possibility of volunteering at the embassy soon and look forward to showcasing how we support our veterans and fellow Americans abroad. It was a very proud moment to see it was my fellow veterans advocating for Americans who have passed away in Thailand, and making sure they get their proper respect. We do that work, and a lot more at American Legion Thailand Post TH01

#AmericanLegion #stillserving

Has anyone renewed their U.S. passport while living in Thailand? How long did it take and how much was it. Thanks in advance 🙏👍

My wife’s cr1 immigration case was transferred here to Bangkok from Warsaw Poland (she’s Russian). She had her interview on 7/19 and now our case is in administrative processing. Does anyone know how long the embassy usually takes to complete administrative processing?

FYI for my American peeps.

Effective immediately, the U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai is temporarily suspending all consular services until further notice due to staffing shortages. Although we hope to resume consular services soon, consular services in Thailand are currently only available at the U. S. Embassy in Bangkok.

If you are a U.S. citizen in northern Thailand in need of emergency assistance, please call the Bangkok American Citizens Services unit (02-205-4000). If you have an appointment for, or are seeking, routine services, please email acsbkk@state.gov.

For visa assistance and information, please email visasbkk@state.gov.

QUESTION:

I received a visa extension letter from the U.S. EMBASSY BANGKOK.. ok cool

However, I initially contacted the U.S. CONSULATE GENERAL - CHIANG MAI, was instructed to fill out an online form & list the city or province where I’m staying.. I entered Chiang Mai —

but as I mentioned, received a letter from the US Embassy BKK as opposed to a CM letter.

So my question is: Does anyone have experience using an Embassy BKK letter in Northern Thailand or elsewhere?

Ok I admit we have been using the income affidavit so as to keep our investments in the USA. With a retirement extension due Feb 14, 2019...the 45 day window (Bangkok) is Dec 31. That of course is a no-go. Anyone know or guess what this info on the Embassy website means? Relaxing of the 45 days? Or that the affidavit if procured before end of Dec will be allowed this time? We will work something out for next time but concerned about this coming one. From the USEmbassy website: read the last line. Thanks! NOTICE: Beginning January 1, 2019, U.S. Embassy Bangkok and U.S. Consulate General Chiang Mai will no longer provide the income affidavit. We will not notarize previous versions of the income affidavit. For more information, please refer to our Fact Sheet (PDF 266KB) and Frequently Asked Questions (PDF 419KB). We will continue to notarize income affidavit forms through the end of 2018. Thai Immigration Bureau officials confirmed that they will support early visa renewals for U.S. citizens during the transition period.

Evening, could a fellow American tell me what paperwork(to show) I would need for an Income Affidavit at the U.S. embassy in Bangkok?