FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- EMBASSY INFORMATION
- PASSPORTS
- NOTARIAL SERVICE
- BIRTH REGISTRATION
- MARRIAGE
- TAXES
- FEDERAL BENEFITS
- CRIMINAL RECORD CHECKS
- CERTIFICATES
- MEDICAL FACILITIES
- LEGAL SERVICES
- VISAS
Where is the US Embassy/American Citizen Services Unit located? What are the hours of operation?
We are located at 95 Wireless Road, just east of Lumpini Park. The American Citizen Services unit is open to the public Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., except American and Thai holidays. (In addition, the consular section is closed to the public on the last Friday of every month.) Be sure to bring your passport for identification when you come. For general recorded information, please call (02) 205-4005. The ACS unit's fax number is (02) 205-4103, and the e-mail address is acsbkk@state.gov.
Where can I view a list of American and Thai holidays?
A list of Official American and Thai Holidays for 2005 is available at
HOLIDAYS
How do I register at the Embassy?
The State Department recently launched a secure online travel registration website which will allow you, as an American citizen, to record foreign trip and residence information that the Department of State can use to communicate with you and assist you in case of an emergency. You can access this site directly at https://travelregistration.state.gov. We invite you to register yourself and your family and get acquainted with travel registration.
How much does it cost to get new pages in my passport?
Passport supplements are free and usually only take a few minutes.
How much does it cost to get a passport or have it renewed?
US$ 82.00 for a minor (under 16 yrs. of age)
US$ 67.00 for an adult renewal
US$ 97.00 for an adult first time issuance or replacement
How long does it take to renew a passport?
Passport renewals usually take about two weeks to complete after the application has been approved.
My passport was stolen/lost. Can the embassy issue an emergency passport? What is the cost?
We can issue you an emergency passport, valid for one year, within 24-hours. Please bring the police report for the lost passport, picture identification, passport pictures (2x2) on white background and $97.00 (in US or Thai currency, or you can pay with a credit card) during ACS Office hours.
You can find more information on passport related issues at
http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
How much is the notarial fee?
The notarial fee is $30 for the first consular seal and $20 for each subsequent consular seal on your documents. (The number of documents does not matter, as some documents require the notary is sign and seal in 2-3 separate locations.
Under State Department regulations, witnesses cannot be provided by the Embassy. If witnesses are required you will have to either bring them with you for the signing, or ask whether another client in the waiting room would be willing to act as your witness.
How do I register the birth of my child born in Thailand?
Applications for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad are accepted by appointment only. Please call the Consular Section at (02) 205 4049 to request for an appointment at least six weeks in advance or email us for an appointment at acsbkk@state.gov
How much is the application fee?
The fee for the CRBA application is $65.00 (or equivalent in Baht)
The passport application fee is $82.00 (or equivalent in Baht)
Who should attend the interview?
We recommend that both parents be present when completing the application for a CRBA and the child must be present at the time of the application.
What is the average processing time?
The average processing time for the CRBA, together with the passport is about two weeks.
What are the requirements?
For a list of basic and documentary requirements needed for the CRBA, and for additional information on the process, access the link below: http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/embassy/pspt.htm#pspt-birthreg
Can I get married at the US Embassy in Bangkok?
American diplomatic and consular officers are NOT permitted to perform marriages (Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations 52.1). Marriages abroad are almost always performed by local (foreign) civil or religious officials. As a rule, marriages are not performed on the premises of an American embassy or consulate. The validity of marriages abroad is not dependent upon the presence of an American diplomatic or consular officer, but upon adherence to the laws of the country where the marriage is performed.
What is considered a legal marriage in Thailand?
A legal marriage in Thailand consists of both parties registering their marriage in person with the local Thai Amphur (Local District Office). The U.S. recognizes the validity of such a marriage.
How do I register my marriage in Thailand?
The first step in registering your marriage in Thailand is to complete a single–page affidavit at the American Citizen Services Unit. After completing the short document, it must be notarized by an Embassy consular officer. You will need your U.S. passport at the time the document is notarized, and you must also pay a notarial fee of $30.00 (or Thai Baht equivalent) in cash at the time the document is notarized. If you have been previously married, you must also complete a second, single-page affidavit. The notarial fee for this second affidavit is $20.00 (or Thai Baht equivalent). No appointment is necessary and the entire process usually takes only a few minutes.
To view the succeeding steps, access the link below:
http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/embassy/mrginfo.htm
Can the ACS Unit at the Embassy translate documents and “certify” translations?
Unfortunately, the ACS unit cannot translate documents nor “certify” other translations. A list of translation services in the vicinity of the Embassy can be requested at the time of registration or in advance by emailing acsbkk@state.gov. Prices and time needed for the translation vary from place to place.
I am a U.S. citizen. I plan to marry a foreign national. We want to marry in the USA. What should I do to bring my fianc?e to the United States?
Information on visas for fianc?es of a U.S. Citizen is available at http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1315.html
I am a U.S. Citizen. I married a foreign national. How do I file a petition to bring my spouse to the U.S.?
Information on visas for Spouses of a U.S. Citizen is available at http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1315.html
Who do I contact for help with my taxes/where can I file tax returns?
The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok can only provide federal tax forms and publications.
The Internal Revenue Service maintains a website at http://www.irs.gov. This website has links to IRS tax forms and publications, as well as general information.
I am a U.S. citizen working in Thailand. Where can I get more information on tax- related issues?
Information on taxes for U.S. Citizens Living Abroad can be viewed at http://www.irs.gov/faqs/faq13-7.html
Where can I get a list of companies that can provide tax-consulting services in Thailand?
A list of individuals/companies that can provide tax-consulting services and assistance in the preparation of income tax returns for U.S. tax payers in Thailand is available upon request at acsbkk@state.gov.
What is the official exchange rate for 2004 for tax purposes?
The official exchange rate for 2004 is 39.41 Baht to the Dollar.
Where can I find information on U.S. - Thailand tax treaty?
A full text on the U.S. - Thailand tax treaty can be found at:
http://www.thailawforum.com/database1/double-taxation.html
I am a U.S. Citizen living in Thailand. Can I receive Federal Benefits here?
It is possible to receive Federal Benefits in Thailand. To receive Social Security, you need to apply to the Social Security Administration. You can either pick-up an application packet from the American Citizen Services or request for one via email at acsbkk@state.gov. After completing the requirements, you can submit the application packet directly to Social Security Administration’s Main Office in Baltimore, Maryland. All information needed will be included in the application packet.
I am currently receiving Social Security/other Federal benefits in the U.S. and would like to move to Thailand, What should I do?
A Change of address for the Social Security Administration (SSA) require you to submit Form SSA-21 and a certified photocopy of your passport to SSA. Form SSA-21 is available at the American Citizen Services unit or online at www.ssa.gov. The American Citizen Services unit will also make a certified copy of your original passport if you bring it in. There is no fee for this service when it is being used for Social Security purposes.
How do I receive my benefits?
Most U.S. Treasury checks are sent first to the Embassy in Thailand. The Embassy will then distribute the checks to the recipients OR you can use direct deposit into your account in Thailand.
What is the difference between receiving benefits by check and direct deposit?
Those receiving benefits via direct deposit will have access to their money faster! If you receive benefits by check, you will receive check around the third week of every month. If you receive benefits by direct deposit, your pension will be deposited to your account around the fourth date of every month.
The US Embassy in Bangkok encourages recipients, if possible, for checks to be direct deposited into the recipient’s bank account in Thailand. This helps prevent difficulties in cases of lost, stolen, misplaced or late checks.
I would like to Direct Deposit to a Thailand-Based Bank. What do I need to do?
Only the Bangkok Bank of Thailand provides Direct Deposit service for persons who receive benefits from the following agencies: Social Security Administration (SSA), Veterans Administration (VA), and Civil Service.
1. Open “Direct Deposit” Account at the Bangkok Bank branch nearest your home.
The Bank will assist you in opening a “Direct Deposit Account. We suggest you to clearly tell staff that this account is for receiving pension from SSA, or VA.
2. Sign up Form 1199: Please bring 3 completed forms sf1199 to a Head Quarter of Bangkok Bank. Bank will forward your completed Direct Deposit form (Form 1199 A) to SSA in US. You will be able to access your benefits from the Bangkok Bank branch near your house after your request has been completely processed. This often takes a few months. For more information please contact:
Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited
Foreign Exchange Service Section
Retail Payment Services Department
333 Silom Road, Bkk. 10500
Tel: (02) 230-1322-3
I would like to follow-up on the status of my check. How do I do that?
You can follow-up on the status of your check by directly contacting the SSA Regional Office in Manila, Philippines at SSAD.VARO.MANILA@ssa.gov or you can check with the ACS Unit by emailing us at mailto:acsbkk@state.gov and we will follow-up the status of the check for you.
For more information on Federal Benefits, please access the website of the Social Security Administration at http://www.ssa.gov
Where can I get a criminal record check to give to Thai Immigration?
The U.S. Embassy in Thailand cannot provide criminal record checks. U.S. citizens who need a criminal record check are advised to contact the FBI. You will need to come to the ACS Unit to pick-up a fingerprint form. The Thai Immigration Bureau can take the fingerprints. Once that is completed, send the following:
1) Fingerprint card with your name, date of birth and place of birth.
2) An informal note explaining the reason for request
3) Certified check or money order payable to the U.S. treasury for $18.00 in US currency.
Send all the information above to:
FBI, CJIS Division
SCU- MOD, D-2
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, WV 26306
For more information on Criminal Record Checks, please refer to http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1201.html
How do I apply for a certified copy of consular birth, death and marriage records? To obtain copies of these reports, view the link below: http://travel.state.gov/family/family_issues/divorce/divorce_590.html
Where can I get information regarding Medical Facilities in Thailand?
Medical facilities are available in Thailand, but in some cases they do not meet U.S. standards. Thailand does not have an American hospital, but there are many private hospitals used by the expatriate community. While the Embassy is unable to provide any specific recommendations regarding doctors and medical providers in Thailand, we have assembled a list of some of the major facilities in the area. To view a list of Medical Facilities available in Thailand and for general information regarding health-related issues, please access http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/embassy/acs, under Information, click on Welcome to Thailand or email us at acsbkk@state.gov.
I need legal service in Thailand. Who should I contact?
In an effort better to serve Americans in Thailand, the U.S. Embassy has compiled a list of Thai law firms willing to assist English-speakers with a wide variety of legal concerns. Each firm listed has English-speaking attorneys on staff and in many cases, Bangkok-based firms are able to conduct correspondence in English. Firms outside of the capital may not be able to offer a wide range of English services. It may be necessary for Americans to hire their own translator. To view a list Attorneys in Thailand, please access http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/embassy/acs, under Information, click on Welcome to Thailand or email us at acsbkk@state.gov.
To obtain general information on how to apply for a visa the U.S. or check on an application, please access http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/services/visa/visa.htm or email the Visa Section at visasbkk@state.gov.
For other questions and concerns not covered on this list, please do not hesitate to email us at acsbkk@state.gov. We will try to address your concerns as soon as possible.
