Marriage Registration In Thailand

In Thailand, two Thais can marry, two foreigners can marry, and a mix of Thai and foreigner can marry, and often do, with the norm (98%) being foreign men marrying Thai women. If you are considering this well-worn path you will find the process quite straightforward provided all the legal requirements are met properly.

Thailand has become a popular destination for marriages of people of other countries, who want to add some spice to their marriage, or even more popular, they go for a “themed” wedding ceremony, with the legal part being processed in their home country.

Marriage Registration Procedures in Thailand

The marriage registration process in Thailand will vary upon the nationality of the individuals. Thai marriages can be solemnized with or without a betrothal ceremony in a ritualistic manner and also via court. The betrothal ceremony is a promise to marry and is in the form of an agreement.

The agreement is only effective when the man gives engagement property to the woman as evidence. In the case of betrothal agreement breach, the injured party can always claim damages.

Eligibility

To contract a legal marriage in Thailand:

• Both parties should be 17 years of age or older, and should also be of marriageable age in their home country. The Court may, with appropriate reason, allow them to marry before attaining such age.
• Both of them must not be insane or adjudged incompetent.
• Both of them should not be in blood relations in the direct ascendant or descendant line or brother or sister of full or half blood i.e. should not be within the prohibited degrees of relationship.
• Both of them should not have the same adoptive parents.
• Neither of them should have a spouse at the time of marriage.
• In the case of a widow or a woman whose marriage has been dissolved, the marriage can take place only after the expiry of 310 days from the death of her husband or the termination of her marriage, but a marriage can take place before such period if a child has been born during that period;
• The divorced couple decides to remarry;
• There is a certificate showing that the woman is not pregnant;
• There is an order of the Court allowing the woman to marry.

Required Documents for Foreigners:

Foreigners require the following documents to get married in Thailand:

• A copy of their passport along with arrival card.
• Affidavit regarding the marital status of the foreigner from their embassy.
• Translated copy of affidavits to Thai certified by an approved Foreign Ministry Translator.

Thai Marriage Registration Tips

• Marriages can take place after both the parties have declared their consent to accept each other as husband and wife publicly before the registrar for it to get recorded.
• You can file your application for registration for marriage at any District Office or Minor District Office nationwide regardless of the birthplace of the couple.
• If the marriage registration is filed at the District Office located in the female’s birthplace (where the name is registered on the House Registration Certificate), the title used with the forename and the last name of the female will be changed by the District Officer.
• If both parties are unable to file for marriage at any District Office or Minor District Office, the couple can appeal to the Registrar to register their marriage at any location under the supervision of that District Office.
• The marriage shall only come into effect after registration is done.
• Once registration is completed, the couple should obtain a Marriage Registration Certificate as evidence.