Thailand Passport Photo Editor Online 2026

Department of Consular Affairs (MFA): Thai Passport Photo Requirements 2026

The Thai e-passport (หนังสือเดินทางอิเล็กทรอนิกส์) is issued by the Department of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand (กรมการกงสุล กระทรวงการต่างประเทศ). The required photo size is 35×45 mm — a standard portrait format that aligns with ICAO biometric guidelines followed across most of Asia and Europe. This is distinct from the square 2×2 inch format used by the United States. All passport photos must be in color; black and white photos are not accepted. The photo must have been taken within the last six months. A non-compliant photograph is among the most common reasons Thai passport applications are delayed or returned at the counter.

Face Size, Positioning, and Head Alignment

The face — measured from the top of the head including hair, to the bottom of the chin — must occupy between 70% and 80% of the photo's total height. The head must be centered within the frame, positioned straight on with no tilting or rotation to either side. Both edges of the face must be clearly visible, and both eyes must be open, level, and directed straight at the camera. Hair must not drape over or obscure the eyes or forehead. The photo must show the head and partial shoulders — it is a close-up portrait, not a full-body image.

Background and Lighting Requirements

The background must be plain white or off-white with no patterns, textures, gradients, or objects. Any shadows falling on the background or across the face will cause the photo to be rejected. Even and balanced lighting across the face is essential — overexposed photos (where facial features are washed out) and underexposed photos (where features appear too dark) are both unacceptable. Standing approximately one meter away from the background wall when the photo is taken helps prevent shadow problems.

Glasses, Headwear, and Appearance Rules

Glasses may officially be worn in Thai passport photos, but the Department of Consular Affairs strongly advises their removal to eliminate the risk of rejection caused by glare, thick frames obscuring facial features, or tinted lenses. If glasses are kept on, there must be zero glare on the lenses, the frames must be thin, and no tint is permitted. Sunglasses are never allowed. Hats and headwear are prohibited except for religious or medical head coverings — in those cases, the face must remain completely unobstructed from chin to forehead. Earphones, headsets, and similar accessories are not permitted. Uniforms should not be worn.

Color, Format, and Print Quality

The photo must be in color — black and white photographs are not accepted for Thai passport applications. The print must be of continuous-tone photographic quality. Ordinary inkjet printer printouts are not appropriate for consular submission. The image must be sharp, in focus, and free of pixelation, blur, red-eye, or any visible digital manipulation. Brightness and contrast must accurately represent the applicant's natural appearance.

Children, Infants, and Applicants Under 20

Passport regulations apply to Thai nationals of all ages, including newborns, who each require their own individual passport and a separate photo taken within the last six months. For infants, toys, bottles, pacifiers, and other objects must not appear in the photo. If a parent must hold the infant, hands and arms may not be visible in the frame. Placing the infant on a white cloth on a flat surface is a practical approach to achieve the required white background. Applicants under 20 years of age must be accompanied by both parents when applying at a Thai Embassy or Consulate; they are not eligible to apply online independently.