Renewing Philippine Passport in Thailand

On the 23rd of July 2011, I went back to the Philippine Embassy in Bangkok to claim my 4th passport issued by the Philippine government as the 3rd one had expired. I have been given the latest type, the biometric or popularly called e-passport with microchips and maroon in color. From date of application, it took more than a month before I was able to claim it, though a month earlier than the announced estimated time of release. It has not been long time since the Philippine government has been issuing the e-passport, a machine readable copy and so there was a huge backlog that explained the reason for a prolonged time in acquiring a Philippine passport. The Embassy informs the applicants that it would take at least two months after the filing of application. My passport would expire on the 31 January 2012 but I applied for renewal six months before the expiration. I would not be able to use it anyway or be allowed to enter any foreign country except in my own country since one of the international requirement when traveling in another country is for the passport to have at least 6 months validity period. Secondly and the main reason, I had to extend my Non-Immigrant B visa that would expire on the 11th of August 2011.

Weeks before I went to the embassy for the application, I gathered information through the website and asked my friend whom I know had renewed also her passport few months ago on what are the requirements in applying for a new passport. My friend told me that it took her only three weeks waiting time after application. She also recommended a photo studio near the Philippine Embassy where I can have  my passport picture taken. In the application for the renewal of passport that I downloaded in the website indicates that a 4.5 cm x3.5 cm picture with dark blue background should be attached.

When I arrived at the Embassy, before I entered the compound I asked the security guard where I can have my picture. There on the opposite road from a distance to the embassy is a photo studio and so I had my photo taken. It took only few minutes for the picture taking and photo processing and so I proceeded to the consular section and submitted the printed application form which I had filled up days before in my office.

  That day I learned some things:

1. Picture to be attached in the application form can be of any color or background, size is 4.5 cm x 3.5cm; 
2. Passport picture shall be taken in the embassy by an embassy personnel; (Funny because I tried hard to make myself beautiful when my picture was taken in the studio but in the embassy, I found my hair in different directions ha ha ha but oh! I am glad because my photo in the passport went out fine. :-) )
3. The processing fee increased from 2,500 baht to 2,700 baht (approximately 3,780 pesos or 90 USD);
4. An applicant can request certification that she/he has applied for renewal of passport. The said certification is given for free.; and
5. As a Filipino citizen it pays to be updated with the latest news on consular services by checking the Consular Section page.

At the same time I took the opportunity to officially inform the Philippine government that I am here in Thailand by registering myself in the Embassy. I got an ID in return. I downloaded the form in the website but the personnel in the counter gave me another form. So better, just request at the embassy the form if you want to register yourself and get an ID rather than downloading in the website. But if you are a Filipino, it is but wise to register. And oh by the way, you need to submit 1x1 picture for the ID.

As I checked the website now, the information contained are more comprehensive and complete, a sign that it is being updated regularly. There is no need then to go to the Embassy just to inquire. Calling the Consular Office would make one feel welcome because they are accommodating in answering queries. Overall, I can say they are efficient in their services. Mabuhay!

Update: For the latest information (year 2016), kindly refer to this blog .