Marriage in Thailand is a legally enforceable contract between two individuals. The agreement establishes several entitlements, obligations, and accountabilities for both parties, including as the requirement to financially support one another, the establishment of a legal parental bond with any children, and the implications for jointly owned property.
In Thailand, a marriage is only considered legally valid if it has been officially registered with the local District Office, sometimes referred to as an amphur or khet. Marriage registration in Bangkok is not exclusive to married couples; it can be done at any amphur (local government office) around the country.
The process of getting married is quite uncomplicated, however it may need a significant amount of time. Initially, it is imperative to determine a specific day for your wedding and thereafter schedule an appointment at the nearby District Office, commonly referred to as an amphur or khet. Please ensure that you bring the following documents: an authenticated affirmation, a certified translation, and copies of your passports.
It is imperative to have a translator present to guarantee that all supplied documents are accurately translated into Thai and properly notarized prior to submission. This will significantly reduce the overall tension associated with the entire process.
Typically, an international couple will need a minimum of four days in Bangkok to finalize the necessary documentation and register their marriage. Although it may need a significant amount of time, the process of having your Thai wedding conducted properly can provide substantial benefits.
Upon your arrival in Thailand for your wedding, it is imperative that you promptly schedule an appointment at the local District Office in order to officially register your marriage. This is the sole legally recognized method of marriage in Thailand, and it will be acknowledged by the embassy or consulate you have visited.
Subsequently, the District Registrar will officially record the marriage and provide you with a Marriage Certificate. The registration will be valid for a duration of six months and can be extended for an additional six months upon payment of an extra fee.
Having a civil ceremony prior to marriage registration is not obligatory, although it may be advisable if you like a more conventional wedding. In addition to a civil ceremony, there are also religious ceremonies available. However, it is important to note that none of these ceremonies may be officially registered, thus they will not be legally recognized within the country or internationally.
Both the groom and the bride must be a minimum of 17 years old or, if permitted by the laws of their place of origin, be of the age at which they are legally eligible for marriage. Prospective individuals should possess a clean criminal record and be devoid of any psychiatric disorders that may impede their capacity to fulfill marital duties.
If the bride and groom are below the age at which they are legally allowed to marry, they may need to obtain authorization from a court in order to marry prior to reaching this age. Given the potential duration involved, it is crucial to adequately prepare and ensure that both the bride and groom are fully prepared to undertake a lifelong commitment.
Upon the legalization of the marriage, both individuals will need to provide an Affirmation of Freedom to Marry, which must be notarized by their respective embassy or consulate. Subsequently, it is necessary to translate this document into Thai and obtain legalization from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok.