Hello group. I'm a US citizen, living in Thailand, and applying for a new passport from the US embassy here. I'm a bit confused by one item on the checklist. It first says that I have to "Pay Courier Pass Back electronically via Thailand Post Mart website". The only option on the site appears to to be "Courier Pass Back envelope." I tried to order it but cannot select Thailand as the country in the return.
The checklist also says "Prepaid envelope cannot be accepted if you are applying for a US passport in Thailand.
I'm now completely confused.
Can anyone please help?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A US citizen applying for a new passport in Thailand is facing confusion regarding the courier service payment as outlined in the checklist. Key points discussed include the necessity of using Thailand Post's electronic portal for paying the courier pass back fee, the issues with selecting Thailand as a returning location, and the clarification that only Standard courier service is applicable when applying within Thailand. Several commenters shared their experiences with the process, emphasizing the need to follow specific steps and being aware of additional complications that might arise.
I started the process last week. The fee was, whatever, I think I tried to order extra pages. I then went to the government site to pay and it did not have the extra page options so my bill was less than what I tried to order.
Point being, I recommend not adding "extra pages" if you see the option.
My understanding is that all US passports obtained through US Embassy Bangkok come with 50 pages automatically. I don't think it's possible to request extra pages. 50 is the maximum, I believe. I don't think you even need to request 50 pages as it is the only size they offer through that site.
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George *************
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Jorge ****
I also had to renew my passport last Jul (or Aug). The courier service pass back was the most difficult and bitter part. You need to sign up and open an account with the given thai post office link and buy the service. I luckily had an SCB phone app and paid the 100 THB via QR code. You then get an Email with the receipt, which you have to print and send in with the application, pics, and the printed receipt from the US gov fee collecting office (at least they take AMEX). I wrote a long rant about this. The US gov makes us run around in circles over 100 Baht, the equivalent of a one way bus fare in San Francisco. Great idea from our consular service.
Charlie ******
When I renewed my American passport I just received from the American embassy in tokyo by parson
It took 10 business day come from Washington DC maybe not in Thailand
Sorry couldn't help you not give you right answer too π
Christopher *************
You got that right. All applications must be made through the mail. You could ask for an appointment but there are not that many if any available at any given time.
John ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I figured out the problem. I selected Express instead of Standard and apparently Express is for outside of Thailand only.