Thai Passport Photo Requirements 2026 – Department of Consular Affairs Rules

The following specifications apply to all Thai passport applications and renewals at Department of Consular Affairs offices within Thailand and at Royal Thai embassies and consulates worldwide.

• Size: 35mm wide × 45mm tall (ICAO standard).
• Background: Plain white. The background must be uniformly white with no shadows, colour gradients, or patterns.
• Expression: Neutral. Mouth closed. No smiling. Both eyes must be fully open and directed at the camera.
• Glasses: Not permitted. Thailand follows the ICAO requirement prohibiting all eyewear in biometric passport photos.
• Recency: The photo must have been taken within 6 months of the application date.
• Colour: Full colour only.
• Head position: Facing directly forward. Tilted or turned heads are not accepted.
• Retouching: No digital filters or beauty retouching.

Thailand introduced its biometric ePassport (หนังสือเดินทางอิเล็กทรอนิกส์) in 2005, one of the earlier adopters in Southeast Asia. The passport's embedded contactless chip stores the holder's facial biometric data and fingerprints in compliance with ICAO Doc 9303.

Applications for a Thai passport are made at a Consular Affairs office (กรมการกงสุล) in Thailand, or at a Royal Thai Embassy or Royal Thai Consulate-General abroad. In some locations, the photo is captured on-site by consular staff. Confirm whether you need to bring your own printed photo or whether a digital capture will be performed at your appointment.

Religious head coverings — including the hijab worn by Muslim Thai nationals in the southern provinces — are permitted in Thai passport photos. The following conditions must be met:

• The entire face from chin to crown must be fully visible.
• The head covering must not cast shadows across the face or background.
• No decorative elements or accessories on the head covering may obscure any part of the face.

Fashion hats and non-religious headwear are not permitted.

Children under 15 years of age (อายุต่ำกว่า 15 ปี) require a Thai child passport with 5-year validity. The photo specifications are identical to the adult passport:

• 35×45mm, white background, neutral expression, eyes open.
• No accessories, toys, or caregiver visible in the frame.
• The child's face must be centred and fully visible.

For infants and very young children, the Consular Affairs office may capture the photo on-site. A parent or legal guardian must be present at the time of application. Confirm procedures with your local office before the appointment.