Documents Needed for Thai Passport — Clear, Practical & Up-to-Date
Thai passport issuance requires proper documentation. Follow this guide for first-time applications, renewals, minors, expatriates, government employees, name changes, and more—plus tips to avoid delays.
Proof of Identity (Who You Are)
Identity proof binds your name and photograph to a government-recognized document. Options: Thai National ID, existing passport. Ensure all spellings match your application.
Thai National ID: Current and valid.
Existing Passport: For renewal, originals + self-attested copies.
Maintain consistent case across documents and form.
Proof of Address
Provide official proofs showing your name and current address.
House Registration: Current address.
Utility Bills: Electricity, water, gas; max 3 months old.
Bank Statements: Recent and stamped/online print.
Mobile bills or informal slips usually not accepted.
Proof of Date of Birth (DOB)
Birth Certificate from provincial authority is preferred. Ensure names match exactly.
Birth Certificate: Correct names and seals.
School Certificate: Accepted if birth certificate missing.
Existing Passport: For renewal.
Photographs
Size: 4 x 6 cm (check official spec)
Plain light background
Neutral expression, head straight
No hats or sunglasses; thin clear glasses okay
Digital JPEG copy per portal limits
Request studio for prints + exact digital files named clearly.
Marital Status & Name Changes
Marriage Certificate
Divorce Decree
Legal Name Change Certificate or affidavit
Minors
Birth Certificate
Consent from both parents
Address proof linking child to parents
Guardianship/court documents if single parent
Minors usually have shorter validity. Plan renewals around travel/school breaks.
Seniors
Use standard IDs plus government documents; originals + self-attested copies required.
Government Employees
No Objection / Identity Certificate
Official ID + residence certificate if applicable
Attach posting orders if address differs
Thai Nationals Abroad / Expatriates
Valid visa/residence permit
Proof of Thai citizenship (passport, ID card)
Local address proof abroad
Loss/Damage: Follow Consulate guidance
Self-Attestation & Originals
Carry originals
Self-attest photocopies with signature + date
Use paper clips and sticky tabs
Do’s & Don’ts
Do match exact spellings across all documents
Do prefer official IDs
Do keep two photocopies of critical documents
Do use high-quality photos
Don't submit blurry scans
Don't rely on informal bills
Don't ignore punctuation
Don't book tickets before passport delivery
Special Situations
Situation
Extra Documents
Tip
Lost/Damaged Passport
Police report, affidavit, old passport if available
Standard Thai passport processing: ~10–15 business days in Thailand. Expedited options available at additional cost. Overseas processing varies by embassy.
Standard: 10–15 business days (domestic)
Urgent: 3–5 business days
Emergency: 24–48 hours (for critical travel)
Passport Fees (THB / Abroad USD)
Type
Validity
Fee
Regular Adult (Thailand)
5 Years
฿1,000
Regular Adult (Thailand)
10 Years
฿1,500
Expat Adult (Abroad)
5 Years
US$37
Expat Adult (Abroad)
10 Years
US$55
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Submitting old/expired ID
Mismatched name spellings
Photos not meeting spec
Missing parental consent for minors
Incorrect fees or outdated forms
Not self-attesting copies
Practical Tips for Smooth Passport Processing
Double-check all spellings of your name, especially with accents or Thai characters.
Organize documents in the order requested by the application form.
Keep a separate folder for originals and copies to avoid misplacement.
Bring a pen, sticky notes, and a small paperclip to mark pages and attachments.
Verify passport photo dimensions and background color before submission.
Scan all documents for backup; keep digital copies safe on cloud or USB.
Check embassy or consulate holidays to avoid last-minute rescheduling.
Use a checklist before leaving home for your appointment to ensure nothing is forgotten.
Even small mistakes like mismatched initials or minor spelling differences can delay your passport issuance by days or weeks.
Travel Considerations with Thai Passport
Planning a trip while waiting for your passport? Here are some key considerations:
Never book non-refundable tickets before your passport is issued.
Check visa requirements for your destination country in advance.
If traveling abroad during the passport process, consult the embassy for emergency travel documents.
For minors traveling alone, additional parental consent letters are required at immigration.
Keep digital and hard copies of all documents, especially if submitting abroad.
Embassies sometimes offer “express” appointments in emergencies; check eligibility before applying.
Renewal & Expiration Reminders
Thai passports are valid 5 or 10 years depending on type; set reminders 6 months before expiry.
Check if your travel plans require a passport valid for at least 6 months from entry date.
Keep track of children’s passport validity separately; minor passports often have shorter validity.
Update address and name changes in your ID before renewal to avoid discrepancies.
Regularly check embassy websites for changes in forms or document requirements.
Track application status online — check real-time updates instead of calling.
Official embassy FAQs — updated regularly to reflect procedural changes.
Government notifications via email/SMS — subscribe to get alerts on passport processing.
Using online tools reduces mistakes, unnecessary visits, and helps ensure smooth approval.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but you must provide an official letter or affidavit linking your residence to the household head and valid supporting documents.
Yes, all non-Thai documents must be translated into Thai and notarized by an official translator recognized by the embassy.
First-time applicants may require additional verification of Thai citizenship, whereas renewals usually need fewer supporting documents if previous passport is valid.
Yes, certain departments have internal coordination for passport submission, but you still need to provide all required personal documents.