Embassy of Thailand, London
Embassy Embassy of Thailand, London, 29-30 Queen's Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5JB, United Kingdom:
171 review
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Address: 29-30 Queen's Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5JB, United Kingdom
Website: thaiembassy.org
Phone number: +44 20 7589 2944
GPS coordinates
Latitude: 51.4984499Longitude: -0.1799416
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reviews
Theo Porter
As others have said it’s not a pleasant or easy experience. One of the young staff I had the misfortune to encounter got incredibly defensive and started ranting at myself and an older gentleman when we stated quite correctly that it’s harder to get a visa nowadays. Very insecure person! She said it was too easy before etc, etc... It boggles the mind that a country which relies so heavily on tourism can have such an attitude to people wishing to go there and spend. I opted not to do my visa in London. Staff in Hong Kong are much more pleasant!
4 months ago
Ying Low
But the staff are amazing in the passport office. So helpful when we went to get my son a new Thai passport. We were looked after so well... The famous Thai hospitality! Only one problem; extremely difficult to get through on the phone!
4 months ago
Oscar Fuentes
Today I went to Royal Thai Embassy for do expired my Thai passport and Thai ID card. The official are very nice polite helpful smile and good service. I m really appreciate them. How nice and good service. Thank you very much for all your hard work. I never forget how you helped me get 2 job done in same day.
2 weeks ago
Ellen Mac
Unfortunately, the new online visa application system is totally unusable. Looks like we will have to visit Hull in person to apply for our visas.
3 months ago
Rata Macue
I try to call them for 3 days no one pick the call up and 2ndly when some one pick up they transfer my call again and again the hold my call for 20 min and nonone answer if they dont understand English they can heir some more people who actually can speak in English
2 months ago
michael Cormier
Disrespect and unproffessional staff
I didn't mind that the online visa application process took five and half hours and two evenings wasted becuase it is a new process and I have become accustomed to poorly constructed websites used by foreign embassies. However, what I do not expect is being charged twice for a visa.
Their website failed whilst paying for the visa. It didn't provide me with a receipt, therefore I assumed the payment had failed to go through. Henceforth I competed the form again, paid and recieved an email receipt and confirmation that the visa had need paid for the second time. I was sadly surprised that the Thai embassy had charged me twice for the payment even though their website failed and there was no confirmation of payment.
I emailed the embassy informing them of their error to which I recieved a very rude one line reply stating they do not offer refunds.
On calling the embassy I was greeted by an incredibly rude member of staff who informed that if I was unhappy with the service I should take it up with someone who cares or call the police.
I hope this experience is not a taste of things to come.
3 months ago
Lynn Hollinger
35 mins later, and I'm still waiting on the phone trying to get through with a simple visa query. Hearing the cheerful message "Your call is important to us, please continue to hold. We won't keep you waiting for long" every 15 seconds is not helping.
6 months ago
terrijo James
Great place and right people
4 weeks ago
Samara Manhas
The visa section are awesome. A recent postal application was done by return after a phone call (the day of receipt) to send an omission. Thank you for your speed and efficiency.
8 months ago
Dylan Goldblatt
Helpful staffs! The first time I went there, the lady sent me away because I didn’t have all the documents. She gave me a printed list and explained what I need to bring. I went back the next day, although I don’t really like to go there so many times to get me visa, they were pretty quick and helpful. Unlike many other embassies/visa centres, they don’t take your money and application if you are not ready. But would be great if they can do delivery for collections.
2 weeks ago
rinna brooke
Staff is very nice. Thank you so much for helped us ;)
4 months ago
Amna Manzar
I booked on line for a 9 o’clock appointment for Thai ID card. I arrived at 8.50 and there was already about 8 people ahead of me outside the consulate. I think they were mostly English guys getting a visa though. As you go through the front door, immediately to your right are two lots of ticketing machines, one that says “visa” and one that says “Thai”. You need to get a ticket!!!
Past the ticketing machines you’ll see a door to your right and a load of numbered kioks in this room. Number 1 and 2 are for Thai passport applications. The rest I presumed for visas for non thais
The room to the left is where they take your photo for the ID cards. I got lucky and had the guy on the you tube video who explained how to fill in the passport application forms. He was a really nice guy and super helpful. The ID card took 15mins max. Mine had expired for over 7 years and no fee for any of this!!!
I also booked an appointment for 10 o’clock to get a new Thai passport- again this expired over 9 years ago. I really don’t think there was any point in the on line booking as they only seem to go by the ticket number that you get at the front door only. Again I think I got lucky because I had the first ticket and got dealt with straightaway. So I went to kiosk number 1 for this. The lady checked my application and I paid the fee there as well. £33 -£25 for the passport and £8 for the postage for the passport to be sent to my home address-cash only. Then you have to go back to the room with the camera and they take your finger prints etc. Again less than 15 minutes.
The guy did say Mondays are their busiest days so don’t go then like I did. The best time is as early as possible. By the time I left at 9.28am all the chairs were filled with loads of people, Thais and non Thais
I was really happy with my experience at the embassy, super quick! I think it would be helpful if they explained the process though that you needed to get a ticket and some directions, but again you only need to ask and someone will tell you.
2 months ago
Angela Cho
First time applying for a visa as I normally use the 30 day exemption, though this isn’t practical anymore as I am now Married and we also have a son.
Phoned the Royal Thai embassy London up to clarify that the evidence I must submit for the Non Immigrant O visa multiple entry matches the information they ask for via their website.
Although it was difficult to get through on the phone though I presume they are crazy busy, once my call was answered it was informative and helpful!
I sent my passport and documents off to the Royal Thai Embassy London on Wednesday 17th of October 2018 and to my delight I received my passport back today 20th of October 2018 with my approved Non Immigrant O visa Multiple entry.
Thank you to everyone at the Embassy and for the prompt return of my passport and visa.
I now look forward to spending time with my wife and son when I return to Thailand next month.
2 months ago
Ian Davis
Helpful staff
7 months ago
Tina Ballard
Reading down the reviews, it surprises the negativity of some of them.
My visit this morning was so easy
Follow the instructions on the form, arrive all papers required and the appropriate.
Once my turn came up on the number system, the lady at the counter checked my papers took the fee gave me a numbered ticket .
Come back tomorrow between 11&12 ad collect Passport
All done in about 90 seconds so easy
THANK YOU
7 months ago
penny porter
Never pick up the phone! I've tried waiting for half an hour on hold with the lady insisting that "your call is important for us..." sigh. After trying four times at different times of the day, I gave up.
2 months ago
Clinton Adjei
Got into Thailand embassy this morning and everything was going well until the lady said one of the documents was a wrong one. I tried explaining to her that the document they requested for online was a difficult one to get as I do not live in my home country. And also that I called the Thai embassy and they said a police certificate would suffice, I tried explaining this to her and she said maybe you can back to your home country and get the document, what a joke!
I’m currently on the line waiting to speak to one of the agents, been waiting for over an hour!
I’m willing to go to Thailand and spend my money there and all I get is a rude ignorant staff!
The flight ticket and hotel have all been booked, what a way to spend Christmas!
2 weeks ago
Travis Holcomb
Saw the reviews below and was a bit nervous planning my visit, but this place is amazing. Applied for a single entry visa, the staff are very helpful and polite, application process was very smooth and everyone is welcoming and friendly. Thanks team.
5 months ago
natan shelzer
Quick and easy visa through post. Sent it off Monday, visa arrived to door Thursday morning.
3 months ago
Michael Maton
Before visiting to apply for a 12-month multiple entry visa I read the documentation requirements on the website carefully, and checked half-a-dozen times by phone. Website and phone differed so I followed the phone information.
When I got to the embassy, the desk officer disagreed with the phone information and wouldn't accept my application.
She was unable to find my income in the bank statements - 'Where is it?' so I found it for her.
FWIW she required my solicitor to confirm all the pages on my bank statement showing income, although I'd brought three contiguous months, chopped on the front page as requested. She also required proof that my solicitor is a solicitor, 'How do I know this is genuine?' although they're a big firm and their registration is a matter of public record.
Unfortunately they don't accept postal applications, presumably because they demand cash payment which seems a very questionable practice.
Applications close at midday which is inconvenient if travelling.
The Hull consulate, which is no longer allowed to issue 12-month visas was efficient and effective, and the comparison is most unflattering to the London embassy.
As I'd had quite a long and fruitless journey thanks to their incompetence I rate them 1 star.
10 months ago
Constance Kelly
Ok
8 months ago
matt klotz
Amazing service, and polite staff. Was in and out on both days with no wait. Thank you!
3 months ago
Allison Krivachek
The Royal Thai Embassy did a good job mailing me and my Thai wife's marriage certificate to Thailand for us. We were a bit worried as we had no way to pick it up but it arrived fast. A bit of grumpiness/misunderstanding on the phone but they did a good job - Thanks guys
5 months ago
jerome tucker
Thank you very much for a wonderful service, my document arrived in two days. Thank You!
3 months ago
Pedro Flores
I was quite worried after reading all the bad reviews, but my experience was good. Perhaps I got lucky because my Visa application was just a Tourist Single entry one, therefore I did not require to obtain many documents (just a filled out application form, which you can find on the website after some 'digging', passport and £25 cash). Arrived before 9am, and it was all done in 30 sec, was out of embassy 9.05am! Next day arrived a bit before 11am (do not forget the ticket they give on application day for collection) and got my visa even before 11 o'clock.
Took one star off because the website is confusing and not very clear, also nobody answers the phone no matter how long or which option you try.
2 weeks ago
Michelle Mouat
Went into website regarding Visa however very basic information which is not helpful and not clear enough. Decided to call them to ask a few questions and have been waiting for 1hour 30 minutes yet no one is answering- the only thing I am being told on the phone is a pre recorded message very 15 seconds saying that my call is important to them and please hold?!?! Will don’t bother phoning as they don’t answer. I am going to try and email them and see what happens!!!!
4 months ago
Alan Hitt
Tourist visa now available on ground floor level, book online for a time slot. Make sure you take everything they ask for, including copies.be prepared for Thainess
8 months ago
Darlene Coffman
The employee is kind and easy to talk too, and they are very helpful with information
4 months ago
david cerda
Very bad service
7 months ago
Ted Sueppel
I don't know why people give this embassy such a hard time. They are one of, if not, the busiest embassy's in London and they do their job quickly and proficiently. Maybe all the bad reviews are from the lazy people who forget to fill out the forms correctly or not bring photos!
5 months ago
Valerie Barfield
Dear Thai Embassy,
1. You have a nice touch-screen ticket dispensing machine. Please use it. I got a ticket pressing the correct button for a visa, and politely waited for a long time for my number to come up on the screen, before realising that its first-come first served and the ticket number and ticket machine and even the ticket screen where not being used by your staff at all (but were all fully functional providing the illusion of being used for some reason).
2. Please do not offer conflicting advice on your website (how many pictures per form? or is it per APPLICATION?) and then refuse to answer any questions in person, referring us to your website.
3. Please use more digital solutions to automate your processes... surely there must be a better way than getting us to manually fill out a form three times for ONE application?
4. Please train your staff to be just a little bit more polite - they can be firm and polite at the same time, that's fine. Several people who were going to get visas were so shocked by the behaviour of the dismissive and rude young lady behind the counter that that they burst into tears or stormed out of your office in disgust. I'm pretty sure they gave up on their visa too, and this will have a very real impact on tourism.
After all first impressions matter a lot - and the first impression given by your staff is overwhelmingly negative. I'm sure this is not reflective of the general Thai population ...or is it?
The experience we had with the Vietnam embassy was overwhelmingly positive, considerate and helpful. It is partially due to this that we have decided to spend more time in Vietnam.
Hope this helps!
7 months ago
Jeremy Farr
Amateurish, unprofessional service, interrupt on the phone and impressively unhelpful.
4 months ago
gabriel cadena
Every time I called them for some important questions. Nobody pick up the phone. There was1lucky time that someone picked up after long waiting and then that person transfer me to someone else. Then I have to wait again forever. Until I gave up and put the phone down. Not impressed at all!
4 months ago
Renee Almasri
I have emailed 4 times with questions in regards to a visa. Today alone, I have rang 17 times. When I FINALLY got through to someone this morning they said to ring back between 2-5. Which I am trying to do. Does anyone actually man these phone lines? I have been trying to get through for two weeks. ????????????
2 weeks ago
Dennis Cronkhite
The embassy was shut and still lets you book on their website for an appointment. The website on google search still states that it was opened, eventhough it was shut. No notice on the website either. Disappointed.
2 months ago
Colleen Lamb
Awful service! Couldn’t believe it, the way woman spoke to me at counter * when I really needed their help. These type of services are there to help people but this must be my worst experience - unprofessional, disrespectful and uncivil.
3 months ago
run ruma
I was slightly worried about going to the embassy for a visa, having read quite a few complaints on here. It turned out to be the most straightforward and fastest process imaginable. Here's what you do (for a single entry tourist visa): turn up by 9am, go down the steps, get a ticket for a visa on the touch screen on your right. Sit in the waiting room on your right. Wait for your number to be called (there's a dedicated visa counter so don't worry about all the people before you, they are there for other matters and had to book online as well as queuing on the day). Hand over your completed application form, 2 photos, passport and the fee in cash. You'll be given a numbered ticket to bring the next day at 11am. The next day, go to the counter specified (it tells you above the touch screen but you don't need a new touchscreen ticket) handover the ticket you were given by the clerk the day before. You'll get your passport and visa. Total time spent in the embassy: less than half an hour.
5 months ago
Sara Limpert
After looking at comments about this place I was not looking forward to applying for my non b visa here.
I found the staff polite and friendly waited about 30 mins before handing in my paperwork and came back the next day between 11 and 12 to pick up my visa. hassle free
4 months ago
Miles Cowdry
Get tourist visa very straight forward. Takes only 1 working day. And staff really efficient .
2 weeks ago
BREI SILVIA
I read all the reviews below and was not looking forward to this experience, how wrong was I. in our case we were applying for a Thai birth certificate and at the same time a passport for my 6 month old son.
We had booked a 10 AM appointment slot via the online booking system, but expecting the worse arrived well before opening time, we were admitted by 9:00 AM sharp, and were number 6 in the queue.
We had carefully completed the 3 forms required, well before hand and submitted them together with two copies of the relevant supporting documents. Upon initially reviewing the application pack, the clerk on the desk immediately identified several minor errors in 2 of the 3 forms but instead of sending us to the back of the queue and asking us to rectify the mistakes [which she was well within her rights to do so], she corrected our errors for us, on the spot.
The next clerk we saw, took a photo, together with a thumb print from my son and asked for my signature on the completed paperwork that he had created, everything went smoothly and we had finished with the application process and were on our way by 9:45 AM.
In my experience the Thai embassy staff who we interacted with on this occasion and who dealt with our application were: more than helpful, knowledgeable, courteous, and spoke very good English.
One thing to be aware of, for consular services such as this, the Thai embassy will only take cash for applications made in person, but knowing this before hand, this was not a problem. However they will issue a receipt if you request one.
4 months ago
todd aron
Just like to write a nice review as there seems to be far too many bad reviews taking into consideration the amount of people the Thai Embassy work with on a day-to-day basis. Although it can take a while to get through to these guys on the phone and the call handlers can come across slightly rushed, me and my partner sent off for our Tourist Visa's on 16th May, we received our passports back on SATURDAY 19th May. This came as a huge relief as we fly out on 4th June and was worried we may not receive it back on time. Great turnaround rate. Thanks :)
6 months ago
Corinne Hansen
I do not know why people try to malign anyone for no reason, reading all this 3rd class reviews I was so worried and really wanted to give-up visiting the embassy but I am not a media-type, hence, I visited the embassy on the 9/02/17, The token system is completely operational, it took only 5 minutes for my number to be called and a cheerful lady officer on counter no 4 with a great smile asked me my requirement, I was one document short so she kindly explained gave me a document list and asked me to come the next day, which I did, and once again my number was called with-in 5 minutes, it was the same lady at counter 4 with a great smile and we greeted each other, she recognized me and accepted all my completed documents and that's it, Fantastic experience, I went on the 14/02/17 to collect my passport, the embassy was crowded compare to before due to 3 days off (2 weekends and a Thai holiday), I sat there observing every details which is my forte and saw all the personnel on every counter were pleasant, smiling and easy with the guests, being overly crowded. I produced my PP collection ticket at counter 3 and with-in a minute I got my PP back with a visa stamped on it once again with a wide smile.
The reason I am writing a long review is for those who should not be deluded by the terrible reviews of people, go there and experience on your own. Not to forget a few visiting guests where rude at many times and mocking, I assume they felt higher in race and grade to the Thai staffs due to what ever mental egoistic disorders they may have.
I highly appreciate the services and thanks to the staff for being pleasant, keeping their calm under pressure and polite, keep-up the best work, you cannot pacify everyone that's natural. If there was 10 STARS I would have given that. Thank you very much (Honest is the Best policy).
5 months ago
Darrell Newman
Friendly and efficient
10 months ago
Richie Murphy
I went here with the form saying to start the visa for February 2019 to May 2019...the idiots started it from now to January 2019. They refused to fix it and will now have to figure out another way whilst I'm abroad.
6 months ago
Alundis Pledge
I am frankly appalled by the level of service at this embassy!
It's IMPOSSIBLE to reach anyone by phone (I made 23 calls over 2 days with NO RESPONSE).
If your the answer to your inquiry is not on their website (mine was not), just give up.
Why doesn't someone in authority at the embassy read and act on the overwhelming majority of terrible revues on this site? And what about the TAT (Tourist Authority of Thailand)? Is there not even one Thai who is ashamed of the poor opinion of their people that is being built here?
2 weeks ago
Haresh Painuly
I wish I could rate this less than one. I have been offered a job in Thailand and called the embassy for advice about whether my spouse could accompany me and work in Thailand also and, if so, what visa he would need. This was all I wanted to know, but the girl on the phone was the rudest, most aggressive, horrible person that I have ever spoken to in my entire life. I am genuinely now contemplating turning down the job because of her. She would not let me speak, would not answer any of my questions (all two of them) and when I tried to explain that I wanted to know whether my spouse could work in Thailand because if he could not then I would turn down the job, she told me that there was no point to me even trying to go to Thailand. This was all said in the most condescending, aggressive tone of voice. Horrible, awful, terrible experience. I had no idea people could be so utterly rude.
8 months ago
Beather S
Very polite and helpful staff. Reason for visit, wife's passport renewal, all went very smoothly. Thank you.
6 months ago
Derek p
They lost my paper work, I got told was OK after they checked, then got told was not OK, by another, got to sent my paperwork back since August, I haven't received anything plus my £20,gone ????????
1 month ago
Jodhbir Singh
I would give it a negative rating if I could.
The website is short of informations so I doubted at it when I saw the simple document list as I got plenty visa experiences. Lucky I wrote an email to check so I got a list which was complete different from their website.
I followed all the instructions. But still I failed. The stuff refused to take my marriage certificate because she thought my document wasn't legalised. I had got through all my UK, US and Shengen Visas with this document which had already been legalised and had an official stamp. They wouldn't accept it just because they hadn't seen it before. Ridiculous. Also whilst I was explaining my document I got told off as the stuff thought I was shouting at her.
I used to love Thailand a lot and always wanted to spend my holidays there. Well what can I say now? Thanks for making a unpleasant start of my holiday. I strongly recommend them to learn more about international common sense and train their stuff properly.
6 months ago
Angela Handy
Its as if the Thai government do not want to encourage tourism?!
2 months ago
