The process of formally registering a marriage that has occurred in Thailand is known as marriage registration. The general procedures for marriage registration in Thailand are as follows:
- Get a certified copy of your marriage license from the district office or Amphur in the area where the union occurred. Thai marriage certificates will be issued by the Amphur in both Thai and English.
- Have the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs legalize the marriage certificate after having it translated into your local tongue.
- Bring the marriage license that has been translated and approved to your embassy or consulate in Thailand to get it confirmed.
To have the marriage certificate verified, present it to the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
You can register your Thailand marriage at your embassy or consulate in Thailand after the marriage certificate has been certified.
It is crucial to keep in mind that there can be further procedures if one or both partners are Thai citizens, such as acquiring a document called a House Registration Certificate, or Tabien Baan, from the neighborhood district office. Furthermore, same-sex marriages are not officially recognized legally in Thailand.
To make sure that your marriage registration in Thailand is enforceable under Thai law, it is advised that you speak with a licensed attorney or embassy person who is knowledgeable about the country’s rules and regulations.
Registering a marriage in Thailand involves several steps and requirements. While the specific process may vary depending on the nationality of the individuals involved, the following are some popular aspects typically involved in marriage registration in Thailand:
- Eligibility: Ensure that both parties meet the legal requirements to marry in Thailand. This includes being of legal age (at least 17 years old), having the mental capacity to consent to marriage, and not being closely related by blood or adoption.
- Documentation: Prepare the necessary documents, which usually include:
- Passports: Both individuals must provide their valid passports.
- Affirmation of Freedom to Marry: If you are a foreigner, you may need to obtain an Affirmation of Freedom to Marry from your embassy or consulate in Thailand. This document certifies that you are legally free to marry.
- Divorce or Death Certificates (if applicable): If either party has been previously married, official divorce or death certificates must be provided to prove the termination of the previous marriage.
- Translation and Notarization: If the required documents are not in Thai, they must be translated into Thai by an official translator. The translations may need to be notarized at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Thailand or the respective embassy or consulate.
- Visit the District Office: Both parties must go together to the local District Office (Amphoe) or the Provincial City Hall (Khet) to register the marriage. The District Office will examine the documents and perform the marriage registration.
- Witnesses: Two witnesses who are at least 20 years old and have legal capacity to act as witnesses must be present during the marriage registration process.
- Marriage Ceremony: A marriage ceremony can be performed at the District Office or at a separate venue of your choice. The ceremony can be conducted by the District Officer or an authorized official.
- Marriage Certificate: After the registration and ceremony, a Marriage Certificate (Kor Ror 2) will be issued by the District Office. This certificate serves as legal proof of marriage in Thailand.
It’s important to note that requirements and procedures may vary based on individual circumstances and the specific District Office where the marriage is registered. It is advisable to consult with the District Office or seek legal advice to ensure compliance with the latest regulations and processes for marriage registration in Thailand.