Child Adoption In Thailand

Child adoption procedure in Thailand is dependent on the nationality of the adoptive parents and varies accordingly. The child adoption laws of Thailand boast of the protectiveness that the Thai government has for Thai orphans. The country’s government has taken adequate measures to ensure the safety of the orphans at the hands of qualified and caring parents.

Types of Adoption in Thailand

Child adoption in Thailand can take place in two ways:
Thailand Domestic Adoption : This type of adoption is only for adoptive parents who have domicile in Thailand.
Thailand Inter-Country Adoption : This type of adoption is only applicable for foreigners who want to adopt a Thai child with the intent of raising him or her outside Thailand.

Basic Qualifications

• The applicant should be over 25 years of age and
• The applicant must be at least 15 years older than the adopted child.
• A foreign applicant must have a legitimate spouse, assuming the applicants are applying as a couple.
• This doesn’t apply to a Thai adopter.
• A foreign applicant must be legally qualified to adopt a child under the law in the country of his or her domicile, and that country must have established diplomatic relations with Thailand.

Foreigners Who Can Apply For Adoption in Thailand

• A Foreigner, who has his/her domicile outside Thailand can submit the Thai adoption application through the Competent Authority in their own respective home countries or countries of residence, and the non-governmental child welfare agencies licensed to deal with the Child Adoption Center of the Department of Social Development and Welfare (DSDW) of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security of Thailand.
• A foreigner domiciled in Thailand, with valid and verifiable proof of residence and house registration, can submit the Thai adoption application where his/her domicile is.
• An applicant who is domiciled in Bangkok can submit the application to the Child Adoption Center of DSDW.
• An applicant who resides outside Bangkok can submit the application at the DSDW of his/her own province.
• A foreigner who has temporary domicile inside Thailand, with proof of work permit issued by the Labor Department of the Ministry of Labor of Thailand, and has been residing in Thailand at least 6 months prior to filing the application.
• The Child Adoption Board and DSDW oversee all adoptions, including adoptions where placements are made by designated NGOs.
• Independent adoptions can also legally occur but are difficult unless the family speaks Thai language and/or is living in Thailand.