honestly i think you're overthinking this a bit. VFS in bangkok keeps your passport for the whole duration, same as everywhere else. i've dealt with them for a schengen visa and it was about 3 weeks, but residence permits can take 2-3 months easily.

if you're worried about the tourist visa extension, here's a workaround: go to chaeng wattana immigration with a copy of your passport and the vfs receipt showing they have your original. they'll sometimes accept it for a 30 day extension under "waiting for documents." i've seen it work for people in similar situations, though it's not guaranteed.

also fyi the embassy on sathorn road has walk-in hours on wednesday mornings 9-11 if you really need to talk to someone. no one picks up the phone there, it's a known issue.

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ngl you're kinda stuck if they take it, VFS in bangkok def holds onto your passport for the whole thing. but a friend did the same for a student permit and she asked the officer nicely at the appointment if she could keep a photocopy of her passport stamped by them, and they actually did it. no idea if that's official policy but worth a shot. also the immigration at chaeng wattana is pretty chill about extensions if you just bring a printed copy of the submission slip, just go early on a weekday.

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yeah they usually hold onto your passport for the whole processing time, not just the biometrics day. it can take weeks or even months for a residence permit so you'd be stuck without it. best bet is to contact VFS directly or email the embassy again with a clear subject line, maybe try calling at weird hours like right when they open. worst case you can apply for a tourist visa extension without the passport if you have a copy of the receipt, but that's risky

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yeah Krua Dok Mai Kao is solid but if you're up for a detour, try Som Tum Nua near Siam Square. their som tam pu pla ra is insane if you like the fermented fish sauce kick. way more pungent than the On Nut spot, just less grilled chicken options

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