The United States Government has no higher responsibility than to serve and protect its citizens, including those who reside or are temporarily abroad. To this end, the American Citizens Services (ACS) unit provides prompt, courteous, and efficient services to United States citizens and other clients, consistent with U.S. laws and regulations.
What the U.S. Embassy Can Do:
- Issue a full validity passport in about six to eight weeks
- Issue an emergency passport in about 72 hours
- Approve citizenship, and issue a report of birth abroad for your child
- Notarize certain documents for use in the U.S. or for Americans to use abroad
- Accept official election ballots during opening hours
- Provide a list of attorneys, hospitals, or funeral homes in Thailand
- Assist U.S. citizens with emergency situations in Thailand
- Provide limited assistance to repatriate destitute U.S. citizens
- If arrested or detained: visit you in detention, advocate for your rights under Thai law, ensure access to the prison’s healthcare system, and assist with communication with your family or loved ones
- When an American dies in Thailand: locate and notify the next-of-kin, issue a report of death abroad, and act as personal conservator for the deceased’s effects when needed
- For victims of crimes: help with local police and medical systems; contact family, friends, or employers; connect you to resources for further assistance
- Assist with evacuation in an emergency
What the U.S. Embassy Can’t Do:
While we continue to work towards assisting any American citizen in need, there are a number of frequently requested services that we are unable to provide:
- Assist with Thai or U.S. residency or immigration issues, including Green Cards or acquisition of U.S. citizenship
- Provide information regarding U.S. visas or immigration benefits
- Locate lost property
- Pay personal debts for U.S. citizens
- Authorize or pay for medical treatment
- Provide legal advice or intervene in judicial cases
- Prepare tax returns or translations
- Issue or authenticate U.S. birth/marriage/death certificates
- Issue U.S. police records
- Provide security or law enforcement services (including fingerprinting)
- Assist with travel, employment or real estate
- Collect or forward mail/packages
- Cash checks
- Locate or provide information on U.S. citizens without their permission
- Provide information on schools or businesses in the U.S. or Thailand
- Renew or replace driver’s licenses
- Assist with social security service or benefits questions
