While open since early June, the Thai Passport Office’s Pattaya branch finally “officially” opened with a politician-studded ceremony.
Foreign Affairs Ministry Secretary Navin Bunseth joined Pattaya Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh, city council members, Passport Office Director Ratchada Jiwalai, and representatives of the Thai-Chinese Culture & Economic Association for the July 25 ribbon cutting at The Avenue galleria on Second Road.
Chanchai Phansopha, executive vice president for office operator Siam Future Development Public Co. said the passport branch is the third in the Eastern Seaboard, but first in Pattaya.
Foreign Affairs Ministry Secretary Navin Bunseth cuts the ribbon to officially open the new passport office.
“Normally, a passport office is opened in city hall or provincial administration office, where there are limitations in opening and closing times,” Ratchada said. “We have seen the advantage of opening the office in a department store since the opening-closing time is longer and there is the convenience in parking spaces.”
Ronakit said Thais have shown excitement about the convenience of the new office and thanked the ministry for choosing Pattaya for the location.
Pattaya office manager Chatchai Choochom said about 200 people a day have taken advantage of the local services since its June 3 opening. He expects that number could rise to 500 a day. He said more service desks will be added to handle the crowds.
The only problems Chatchai said he’s seen so far is that applicants arrive without all the required documentation.
Thais need only their identification card or birth certificate to apply. Office staffers will take the required photograph. The office is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. The fee for a new passport is 1,040 and passports are delivered via post within 5-7 business days. For more information call 038-422-438.
