Information for Australians in Thailand

Information (A-Z)

Australian Citizenship Certificates

Australian citizenship certificates are issued by the Department of Home Affairs. To apply for Australian citizenship, or to replace a certificate that is damaged, destroyed or lost, please visit https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/certificate

Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM)

The Australian Consulate-General does not issue Australian birth, death or marriage certificates. If you wish to register a birth, death or marriage in Australia, or obtain a copy of your existing Australian birth, death or marriage certificate, you may apply through the official web site of the relevant State or Territory Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

Elections and Voting while Overseas

When you go overseas you must meet requirements in order to remain on the electoral roll, and in some cases, to avoid a fine.

Voting is mandatory for Australians. However, being overseas is a valid reason for not voting.

Up to date information on elections and eligibility, and copies of relevant forms (e.g. applications for postal votes, application to be registered as an overseas elector) are available from individual electoral commission websites. We are unable to advise you or comment on the eligibility of individual voters. Eligibility is a matter for the relevant electoral commission.

Electoral Commissions

See also: Australian Electoral Commission

International Driving Permits

If you do not hold a Thai driver's licence and wish to drive in Thailand, you need an international driving permit (IDP), as well as your Australian licence. If you drive without the correct licence, you could be arrested or jailed.

An IDP is a document sanctioned by the United Nations. It lets you drive or ride a motorbike when travelling overseas. An IDP:

works in more than 150 countries
is printed in nine languages, so that local authorities can read it
is valid for 12 months from the date they're issued
includes photo ID and key personal information about the driver.

Many rental companies won’t let you hire a vehicle without a valid IDP. Some insurance policies won’t cover you for an accident if you're driving a vehicle without an authorised licence.

We strongly recommend you get a valid IDP before leaving Australia. You can apply for an IDP online (Australian Automobile Association, AAA). Or, through your state or territory motoring club.

Learn more about International Driving Permits and how to get one (Australian Automobile Association, AAA).

Legal Representation: Local Lawyers

The Consulate-General is unable to provide legal advice. If you require legal advice or assistance, please refer to our list of local English-speaking lawyers:

List of local lawyers

*** Disclaimer - The Australian Consulate-General Phuket has prepared this list from information publicly available regarding lawyers practising in Thailand. By providing this information, the Australian Consulate-General is not endorsing any of the lawyers named in the list or making any representation as to their willingness or ability to carry out legal work. The Australian Consulate-General does not accept any responsibility for the quality of work performed by any lawyer on this list.

If you have concerns about a particular law firm or wish to make a complaint about an individual lawyer or law firm you should contact the Lawyers Council of Thailand:

Lawyers Council of Thailand
7/89, Building 10,
Ratchadumnern - Klang Road
Bavorn-Niwate Subdistrict
Phra - Nakhorn district
Bangkok 10200
Tel: 02 6291430

Medication

If you have queries about bringing particular types of medication into Thailand you should contact the Royal Thai Embassy, Canberra to seek advice on customs and importation restrictions, or refer to the Thai Government Ministry of Public Health website.

Renewal of Australian Drivers’ Licences

The renewal of Australian drivers’ licences is handled by the various State and Territory Authorities. The Consulate-General does not issue or renew drivers’ licences and can only assist with the witnessing and certifying of documents if required. For further questions, or to obtain the relevant documentation for renewing your licence, please contact the transport office in the relevant Australian State or Territory.

Services Australia (Centrelink, Pensions, Social Security and Medicare)

Consular staff are unable to provide information on Centrelink, pensions, social security or Medicare. Please contact Services Australia directly if you wish to discuss their range of payments and services.

Tel: 001 800 611 4136 (international free call number) or +61 3 6222 3455 - Monday to Friday 8 am to 5 pm Australian Eastern Standard Time

Website: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au

Taxation

Understanding your obligations and ensuring that you have appropriate taxation arrangements in place is your responsibility. Consular staff cannot advise you on taxation matters and cannot provide ‘Tax Packs’.

All queries relating to Australian taxation, including how to lodge your tax return from Thailand, should be directed to the Australian Taxation Office (www.ato.gov.au, tel. +61 2 6216 1111).

Thai Driving Licences

Thai driving licenses are issued by the Department of Land Transport. Contact the Department of Land Transport directly to confirm eligibility and required documentation to apply for a Thai driving license.

Department of Land Transport
1032 Phahonyothin Road
Chatujak District
Bangkok (Mo Chit BTS station)
Tel: 02 271 8888 (ext 4201, 4202 or 4203)

If outside of Bangkok, contact the Department of Land Transport in your district.

The Australian Consulate-General is unable to witness a statutory declaration, provide a letter, or issue a statement or certificate verifying your address in Thailand. If required, we suggest you contact Thai Immigration to request a certificate of residence.

Translators and Interpreters

The Consulate-General does not provide translation and interpreting services. If you need to locate a translator or interpreter, please visit the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) or refer to our list of service providers in Thailand.

List of Translators and Interpreters

*** Disclaimer - The names and contact details of service providers in Thailand appearing in the List of Translators and Interpreters has been compiled by the Australian Consulate-General Phuket from publicly available information. The Consulate-General does not endorse any of the service providers appearing in this list, provides no guarantees as to its currency and does not accept any liability if you choose to engage one of these service providers.