CityNews – From 10 December 2013, the application process will be centralised and British nationals in Thailand should submit their passport renewals to Her Majesty’s Passport Office in the UK.
First time passport applicants should continue to submit their application to the British Embassy in Bangkok. Their application will then be sent on to Her Majesty’s Passport Office in the UK for processing.
This important change follows reviews by the National Audit Office and is designed to achieve economies of scale, greater security and consistency in decision making. All British passports have enhanced sophisticated security features designed to reduce the likelihood of identity theft and passport fraud.
Further information
Before 10 December 2013, British nationals living in Thailand submitted passport renewals direct to a regional processing hub in Hong Kong and first time applications via the British Embassy in Bangkok.
From 10 December 2013, information on the UK Government website will advise British nationals on the new passport application process. All the information required to make an application will be found here. There will be no change to processing times.
Follow British Ambassador Mark Kent on twitter @KentBKK