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  1. #151
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    Just handed in the intention to renounce UK citizenship also. 4 weeks ago made the formal application. A few letters to get then a formal interview.
    I got full marks for the Thai test, which was pretty easy really - just 10 multiple choice questions.

  2. #152
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    The mrs knows 2 falangs who went through the process, the speaking Thai interview with a panel is not easy apparently and you do have to be able to sing the anthem and king song at least. As far as I know they both went the whole way through but neither ever had a Thai passport issued, one told them he would not pay the outrageous bribe demanded and the other is still wait after over a year since the application was all done. Good luck, you will need it I think.

  3. #153
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    Quote Originally Posted by Thai3 View Post
    The mrs knows 2 falangs who went through the process, the speaking Thai interview with a panel is not easy apparently and you do have to be able to sing the anthem and king song at least. As far as I know they both went the whole way through but neither ever had a Thai passport issued, one told them he would not pay the outrageous bribe demanded and the other is still wait after over a year since the application was all done. Good luck, you will need it I think.
    I don't need to sing the songs as I'm applying through having a Thai wife. There are no bribes accepted these days. The interview is easy these days. 2-3 years is the average time from application to becoming a citzien.

  4. #154
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    I changed my name. It can be any first name but the surname can be any name that is not in use already. I chose "Antara".
    maybe you can have vauxhall as your first name.


  5. #155
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    Quote Originally Posted by taxexile View Post
    maybe you can have vauxhall as your first name.

    Lol, nice car but I prefer my new Mazda CX3.

  6. #156
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    Had my interview with the N.I.A on Saturday.

    Time to wait for further instructions for the interview with the MOI, who knows how long. One thing though, the present government have made the processing time much faster.

  7. #157
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    ^Just started the process also, this month. Second interview at the Amphur this Wednesday. I am taking some notes on every stage so far, so will have some info to give on Chalky's thread also.

    Am expecting to have Job-like patience, and to be shelling out like a sailor on shore leave, but might be pleasantly surprised.

  8. #158
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    Quote Originally Posted by kmart View Post
    ^Just started the process also, this month. Second interview at the Amphur this Wednesday. I am taking some notes on every stage so far, so will have some info to give on Chalky's thread also.

    Am expecting to have Job-like patience, and to be shelling out like a sailor on shore leave, but might be pleasantly surprised.
    The main costs are flights to a from Bangkok. I live in Khon Kaen. I never had any interviews at the amphur, but you must be doing it outside of Bangkok.

  9. #159
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    ^^ ^ break a leg/good luck both of you.

  10. #160
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    Quote Originally Posted by ChalkyDee View Post
    The main costs are flights to a from Bangkok. I live in Khon Kaen. I never had any interviews at the amphur, but you must be doing it outside of Bangkok.
    I live in Rayong. But have been advised to register as "Bangkok-based" for the next step.

  11. #161
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    Quote Originally Posted by kmart View Post
    I live in Rayong. But have been advised to register as "Bangkok-based" for the next step.
    You will have a much better chance of getting it done quickly and correctly if you register in Bangkok and use the Bangkok Special Branch.

  12. #162
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    Quote Originally Posted by kmart View Post
    I live in Rayong. But have been advised to register as "Bangkok-based" for the next step.
    Good advice! Just be careful what you tell the big boss at SB when you make the actual application and also what you say to the MOI at the interview.
    I kept it simple by saying it was more convenient. Don't mention any negative aspects of the provincial officers.

  13. #163
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    Does anyone actually know yet if you do indeed need to ditch your other passports for this? Would be a complete pain applying for Visas to pop back and see the relatives, after all.

  14. #164
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    Quote Originally Posted by pseudolus View Post
    Does anyone actually know yet if you do indeed need to ditch your other passports for this? Would be a complete pain applying for Visas to pop back and see the relatives, after all.
    From what I can find and after talking to a handful of people who have obtained citizenship, no one has had to give up their original nationality and passport. They travel in and out of Thailand on their Thai passport and most of the rest of the world outside of Asia on their other passport.

  15. #165
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    ^Yep. Correct.

  16. #166
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    Quote Originally Posted by Barty View Post
    Together with my wife, I visited the Special Branch on Rama 1 in late November 2016 and told them that I wanted to apply for Thai citizenship. We were invited to sit at a particular desk. From that point on the policeman at that desk became my point of contact for the rest of the application process. He asked us a handful of questions to be sure that I would qualify. He then gave us a sheet of paper with the list of documents required and we were told to call him when all of the documents were collected and ready to submit. The gentleman that was assigned to us for the citizenship application wrote his name and mobile number at the bottom of the sheet of paper and told us to call him if we needed any clarifications on anything and also to call ahead to make an appointment anytime we wanted to visit.

    We submitted the documents in early December 2016. They were checked by our guy and confirmed that everything was correct. We were told that in a few days they would call us and let us know when our next meeting at special branch would be.

    Got the call and was told to be at the Special Branch the following Wednesday at 13:30. We arrived early and the people who were supposed to be there at 13:00 hadn’t turned up so they were bumped down the line and we got their spot. Our guy went through the documentation and told us that I had 78 points out of the possible 100. This didn’t include my education as my highest education was a completed apprenticeship in NZ and they didn’t know how to translate a NZ apprenticeship into the equivalent Thai education level. I was finger printed and then told to meet with the policeman in the corner office. We had a quick chat with him and then was told to wait outside for a few minutes. Was then told to go up to the 4th floor and meet the head of Special Branch and have a chat with him. (this part didn’t go very well for me.)

    We were taken up to the 4th floor by our guy and introduced to the head gentleman. We were asked a handful of questions; explain why I didn’t get points for my education, why do I want to get citizenship, why are we married, why don’t we have children, if we don’t have children why did we get married. I must admit I wasn’t expecting to get interviewed that day so hadn’t mentally prepared myself, but also the questions about why were married but didn’t have kids flustered me a little and I didn’t answer the questions very well. I was told that in future I need to participate in the conversations more and I need to improve my Thai speaking ability. An interesting part of the conversation was that he said that up until recently the process would take 4 – 6 years to complete, but now it would only take about a year. We he saw the expression on my face he said maybe a bit longer but for sure not more than two years. Went back downstairs and was told by our guy that everything was looking good and that in about 3 weeks I should get a call to meet with the next lot of police to have an interview where they would ask a lot more questions. Apparently, this interview will be at a McDonalds. I asked what sort of questions they would ask. It was suggested that I study up on a few things such as the citizen application process, the colours of the Thai flag, have a general idea of Thailand and the cities and provinces and the meaning of certain songs.

    At the end of the meeting our guy gave us six envelopes that we had to deliver to various places around Bangkok.

    Two envelopes to the Immigration department at Cheang Wattana building B to verify my residence certificate (white book) and verify my alien ID book (red/brown book) (Only if you have permanent residence)

    One letter to the Ampur wherever you were married to verify your marriage certificate.

    One letter to the Ampur where your residence is registered to change your name. You need to select your first name and last name. You need to prepare at least three surnames to be submitted to the Ampur.

    Once you have submitted the above letters, they will be sent by the each of the above Thai government authorities back to the Police Special Branch by postal mail.

    Two envelopes to the embassy, one to verify that the passport is legitimate and one to acknowledge that you will intend to rescind your citizenship. Both of these letters will need to be taken to the translation office in Cheang Wattana Building A consular section. Normally the embassy is asked to send the documents back to the Police Special Branch by postal mail, however in my case the NZ embassy did the letters while I waited which meant that I could take them directly to the translation office. If the letters are sent back to the Police Special Branch you will have to collect them and take them to the translation office.

    If you are organised and all of the places you need to submit the letters are in Bangkok, all of this can be done in one day, two at the most.

    When you take the documents to be translated at the Cheang Wattana Building A consular section make sure you show them how your name is spelt in Thai. It must match all of the other documents submitted. Also, make sure that all Thai documents use the same spelling and spacing for your name. This is important as the document will be rejected and will have to be corrected.

    This is where I am at know. I am waiting for the phone call to make the appointment to go to McDonalds.

    Feel free to ask any questions, I can't say I know everything about the process but happy to answer anything that I can.
    Update. Met the Bangkok Special Branch officer in Pattaya on Saturday. We met at a hotel in N. Pattaya, and I sat down with him (accompanied by my missus and child) and did the initial interview. Similarly to Barty, my 4 year engineering apprenticeship didn't translate into a Thai equivalent, but my accompanying EITB cert's qualify as a minor degree (apparently..).
    Got a decent score for the interview (85/100), which was conducted in quite a friendly manner. Got points for my Thai speaking ability (which is pretty good), which thankfully glossed over my written Thai ability (which is crap, tbh).
    Next, have the interview in Bangkok on this Wednesday14th.

  17. #167
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    Righto. Interview at the Special Branch offices (Building #6) at Pathumwan, Bangkok this last Wednesday. Arrived at 1:15pm sharp, 15 minutes early. Coming in from Rayong, so parked at the Suvanabhumi airport and took a taxi for the remaining 30 minutes drive; saves on time and blood pressure if you're not familiar with the area.
    Saw the SB officer I met at Pattaya last week, who introduced me to his staff and superiors. Deep wai-ing all round, and the missus gave them a small box of chocolates which seemed to go down very well. (Smart dress, small gifts, etc; go down well with Thai officialdom).
    Got finger-printed (full set; both hands) and had a preliminary interview with the 1st Floor boss. Then submitted application to register my Thai name, after writing it out a few times in Thai. Signed lots of forms, dunno what most of them were, tbh..
    1st interview was just a mock-up / coaching sesh really for the next installment with the top guy on the 4th Floor. Did okay, was surprised that the preferred responses to most of the questions are cookie-cutter "I love Thai food; weather; people.." etc type replies. Answered most of the questions well, with a bit of chitchat after the formal interview about my job and living in Rayong area.
    Have to re-submit a few docs next time, apparently.

  18. #168
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    Quote Originally Posted by kmart View Post
    Righto. Interview at the Special Branch offices (Building #6) at Pathumwan, Bangkok this last Wednesday. Arrived at 1:15pm sharp, 15 minutes early. Coming in from Rayong, so parked at the Suvanabhumi airport and took a taxi for the remaining 30 minutes drive; saves on time and blood pressure if you're not familiar with the area.
    Saw the SB officer I met at Pattaya last week, who introduced me to his staff and superiors. Deep wai-ing all round, and the missus gave them a small box of chocolates which seemed to go down very well. (Smart dress, small gifts, etc; go down well with Thai officialdom).
    Got finger-printed (full set; both hands) and had a preliminary interview with the 1st Floor boss. Then submitted application to register my Thai name, after writing it out a few times in Thai. Signed lots of forms, dunno what most of them were, tbh..
    1st interview was just a mock-up / coaching sesh really for the next installment with the top guy on the 4th Floor. Did okay, was surprised that the preferred responses to most of the questions are cookie-cutter "I love Thai food; weather; people.." etc type replies. Answered most of the questions well, with a bit of chitchat after the formal interview about my job and living in Rayong area.
    Have to re-submit a few docs next time, apparently.
    The forms were confessions to unsolved murders.

  19. #169
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    Well done Kmart and Chalkydee.


    Thanks for the info.

    How much longer are you expecting the process to last, Kmart?

  20. #170
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    ^Thanks, Lu. Was informed that it should be around 1-2 years before citizenship is awarded. I think that there is also a "quota" (official, or no) for how many are granted per year.
    Last edited by kmart; 17-03-2018 at 09:20 AM.

  21. #171
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    Had my interview last week also. Now waiting for the NIA interview

  22. #172
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    Quote Originally Posted by kmart View Post
    Righto. Interview at the Special Branch offices (Building #6) at Pathumwan, Bangkok this last Wednesday. Arrived at 1:15pm sharp, 15 minutes early. Coming in from Rayong, so parked at the Suvanabhumi airport and took a taxi for the remaining 30 minutes drive; saves on time and blood pressure if you're not familiar with the area.
    Saw the SB officer I met at Pattaya last week, who introduced me to his staff and superiors. Deep wai-ing all round, and the missus gave them a small box of chocolates which seemed to go down very well. (Smart dress, small gifts, etc; go down well with Thai officialdom).
    Got finger-printed (full set; both hands) and had a preliminary interview with the 1st Floor boss. Then submitted application to register my Thai name, after writing it out a few times in Thai. Signed lots of forms, dunno what most of them were, tbh..
    1st interview was just a mock-up / coaching sesh really for the next installment with the top guy on the 4th Floor. Did okay, was surprised that the preferred responses to most of the questions are cookie-cutter "I love Thai food; weather; people.." etc type replies. Answered most of the questions well, with a bit of chitchat after the formal interview about my job and living in Rayong area.
    Have to re-submit a few docs next time, apparently
    Seems like a hell of a lot of cocksucking.

    Do they get to pick your nickname after making you jump through all those hoops?
    Good luck with it, Nong

  23. #173
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    ^Its called 'getting shit done in Thailand', Dill. Luck won't come into it, but thanks anyway.

  24. #174
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    Quote Originally Posted by kmart View Post
    Update. Met the Bangkok Special Branch officer in Pattaya on Saturday. We met at a hotel in N. Pattaya, and I sat down with him
    Got a decent score for the interview (85/100), which was conducted in quite a friendly manner. Got points for my Thai speaking ability (which is pretty good), which thankfully glossed over my written Thai ability (which is crap, tbh).
    Next, have the interview in Bangkok on this Wednesday14th.
    I never got an interview score from the SB. I got full points for the Thai multiple choice test. What interview are you talking about in Bangkok, is it the one with the NIA?

  25. #175
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    Quote Originally Posted by kmart View Post
    Righto. Interview at the Special Branch offices (Building #6) at Pathumwan, Bangkok this last Wednesday. Arrived at 1:15pm sharp, 15 minutes early. Coming in from Rayong, so parked at the Suvanabhumi airport and took a taxi for the remaining 30 minutes drive; saves on time and blood pressure if you're not familiar with the area.
    Saw the SB officer I met at Pattaya last week, who introduced me to his staff and superiors. Deep wai-ing all round, and the missus gave them a small box of chocolates which seemed to go down very well. (Smart dress, small gifts, etc; go down well with Thai officialdom).
    Got finger-printed (full set; both hands) and had a preliminary interview with the 1st Floor boss. Then submitted application to register my Thai name, after writing it out a few times in Thai. Signed lots of forms, dunno what most of them were, tbh..
    1st interview was just a mock-up / coaching sesh really for the next installment with the top guy on the 4th Floor. Did okay, was surprised that the preferred responses to most of the questions are cookie-cutter "I love Thai food; weather; people.." etc type replies. Answered most of the questions well, with a bit of chitchat after the formal interview about my job and living in Rayong area.
    Have to re-submit a few docs next time, apparently.
    Where did you register a Thai name? I had to go to the Amphur building.
    So you haven't actually made the application and paid the 5,000 baht yet?
    When I did, and got fingerprinted, took the multiple choice test, I saw the big guy on the 4th floor the same day.
    Anyway, good luck with the head of SB. he tried to trip me up, saying that he'd never seen anyone get full points on the Thai language test. He said something like it would take a while to get the interview with the "grasuang mahathai" then said in English, "the minstry of foreign affairs" and looked at me. I'm sure he speaks English well. I said, " ministry of interior", and he moved on.

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