This notification has been recently published on the Australian Embassy website

Tourist visa applications can either be submitted directly to the Australian Embassy Bangkok or the Australian Visa Application Centre on Sathorn Road, Bangkok.

Until very recently current standard processing was 10 business days upon receipt of the tourist visa application, whether submitted to the Embassy or the Australian Visa Application Centre

However, where applications are forwarded to the Embassy processing is now stated as 28 days (4 weeks). Applications submitted to the Australian Visa Application Centre are 10 business days still.

The reasons for the extended processing time is apparently due to the fact that where applications are forwarded to the Embassy they have to be manually entered into the system, whereas this is done by the staff at the Australian Visa Application Centre for applications submitted in that manner.

Administrators note:

This out-sourcing of initial processing is the trend in most overseas posts now, and unfortunately adds another layer of bureaucracy and cost for ‘service’. The system is cumbersome depending upon the post in question as there are additional fees payable – often preferred in the home currency- which can be a difficult when applying from overseas.

For all enquiries in relation to applying for Australian Tourist visas from Thailand please contact us