On 14 January 2016, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized an event to mark the official launch of the “e-Privilege” online system. The event was presided over by H.E. Mr. Apichart Chinwanno, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, and joined by Ambassadors, Heads of Chancery, and officials from diplomatic missions in Bangkok.

         The “e-Privilege” online system (https://eprivilege.mfa.go.th) was developed to simplify and ensure the timely facilitation of services concerning diplomatic privileges and immunity provided to foreign diplomatic missions and agents posted in Thailand. The first phase of the e-Privilege online system covers the following services: notification of assumptions of duty, applications for “Stay Permits”, and “Diplomatic ID cards”. The system is expected to expedite processing time, and significantly reduce the amount of paper used.

          The Department of Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently working on the second phase of the system, which will enable the provision of a greater range of services. These include formalities regarding diplomatic vehicles, VAT exemption, facilitation at airports, and database linkages with other concerned Thai authorities. On this occasion, the Department of Protocol also introduced a new version of identity cards for persons entitled to privileges and immunities in the kingdom. The new ID card which is developed to upgrade security features is expected to be implemented in February.