The procedure of Marriage Registration in Thailand for foreigners differs on the basis of the nationality of the couple. Marriages in Thailand can be solemnised in a ritual fashion with or without a Betrothal Ceremony, as well as through the courts. The betrothal ceremony is just a pledge to marry in the form of a contract.
Only when the man delivers the lady engagement items as the evidence does the arrangement take effect. In the event of a breach of the betrothal agreement, the wounded party is entitled to compensation.
Eligibility for Marriage Registration in Thailand
Couples who are wishing to marry should have the following eligibility to get married in Thailand:
- Either of them must be at least 17 years old or of marriageable age in line with the laws of your native country. If there is a good reason, the Court may allow them to marry before they reach that age.
- Either of them should not be declared mad or incompetent.
- Both of them should not be blood relatives in the direct ascendant or descendant line, or full or half-blood brothers or sisters, i.e. they should not be in the banned degrees of kinship.
- Adoptive parents should not be the same for each of them.
- At the moment of marriage, neither of them should have a spouse. The marriage of a woman whose husband died or whose marriage was ended can only take place after a period of 310 days has passed since the death or termination of the marriage. Additionally, this condition is having the following clauses:
- During this time, a child was born.
- The divorced couple gets back together.
- A certificate stating that the woman is not pregnant is available.
- A court order has been issued permitting the woman to marry.
Document Requirement for Foreigners
As a foreigner, to support your intent of Marriage Registration in Thailand, you must have the following documents:
- A copy of their passport, as well as their arrival card, is required.
- Affidavit from the respective embassy regarding the person’s marital status.
- A copy of the affidavits in Thai language and confirmed by a Foreign Ministry translator.
Marriage Registration Process in Thailand for Foreigners
Foreigners who wish to marry must appear in person at their Embassy in Thailand. They must do so with their respective passports and arrival cards to complete declarations. This is to attest that they are single and free to marry in accordance with Thai law. After this, a Thai Diplomatic or Consular Officer handles the registration.
- To have the contents of the statement translated into Thai, take the completed declaration to a recognised translation office.
- The paperwork, along with translations and passport copies, must go to the Consular Affairs Department’s Legalization Division. Here the signature of the Consular Official will be authenticated. Normally, this requires three steps. The documents and translation then get ready for submission to the District Registrar. They will register the marriage and issue a Thai marriage certificate in line with Thai law.
A marriage can take place if both people desiring to marry make a public statement before the registrar. They must consent to take each other as husband and wife for marriage registration. You can get assent to the marriage in the following way from witnesses:
- At the moment of marriage registration, affixing the signature of the person granting consent to the Register.
- The names of the parties to the marriage must be on a consent document. Additionally, it must have the signature of the individual granting consent.
- If necessary, make a verbal declaration in front of at least two witnesses. It is impossible to retract consent after obtaining it.
Important Points to Note
- A marriage can take place if both people desiring to marry make a public statement before the registrar. Henceforth, they must consent to take each other as husband and wife for registration by the Registrar.
- You can file an application for legal marriage registration in Thailand at any District Office nationwide. It is regardless of the couple’s birthplace.
- The District Officer modifies the title with the forename and the last name of the female. It is done only by filing the marriage registration in the female’s birthplace. It must be the place of registration of the name on the House Registration Certificate.
- If both parties are unable to file for marriage in any District Office or Minor District Office. Henceforth, they can submit a request to the Registrar for marriage registration at any location under that District Office’s supervision.
- Marriage is only valid on its registration. A Marriage Registration Certificate is proof of a successful marriage in Thailand.
Your Take!
If you understand the prerequisites and the process, marriage registration in Thailand can be a pleasure. It’s preferable to use a trustworthy Thai law firm like Konrad Legal. We will assist you to obtain essential documents for your marriage. Foreigners who wish to marry in Thailand must first seek permission from their respective embassies.
Some Thai embassies may ask you to obtain your Single Certificate from your home country before arriving in Thailand. They will then certify this for marriage registration. But don’t worry, we’re here to assist you with whatever you need to make the process go smoothly.
Thailand, correctly, the Land of Smiles, is the most favourite location for destination marriages across the globe. For all types of assistance, guidance and procedural help for marriage registration in Thailand, feel free to mail us at [email protected].
