This page provides guidance on the registration of birth, death, marriage, and divorce in Thailand. All civil registration matters must be completed at the local District Office (Amphur) or, for Thai nationals abroad, at a Thai Embassy or Consulate.
A birth occurring in Thailand must be registered at the local District Office (Amphur). Birth registration is required in order for a birth certificate to be issued.
Where one or both parents are foreign nationals, the birth may also be reported to the relevant embassy after completion of the Thai birth registration. The embassy may issue a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or a birth certificate in accordance with its own regulations.
For a birth taking place in a house, the host, the mother, or an authorized assignee must notify the local registrar within 15 days from the date of birth.
For a birth taking place outside a house, the father, the mother, or an authorized assignee must notify the registrar of the district where the birth occurred or of another convenient district within 15 days from the date of birth. Failure to register within the prescribed period may be subject to a fine of up to THB 1,000.
Documents required for birth registration:
Marriage registration in Thailand must be completed at a District Office (Amphur). A religious or ceremonial wedding alone does not create a legally valid marriage.
As of 23 January 2025, Thai law recognizes marriage regardless of gender. Same-sex couples have the same legal right to register a marriage as opposite-sex couples under the Civil and Commercial Code.
Foreign nationals are required to obtain an Affirmation of Freedom to Marry from their respective embassy in Thailand. The affirmation must be translated into Thai and legalized by the Legalization Division of the Department of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, before submission to the District Office.
Once the marriage is duly registered, it shall be legally valid under Thai law.
Supporting documents may include:
If the marriage was registered in Thailand, an uncontested divorce may be registered at the District Office (Amphur) or at the Thai Embassy or Consulate where the marriage was registered. Both spouses must appear in person to complete the registration.
Divorce registration applies equally to same-sex and opposite-sex marriages.
Supporting documents may include:
Any death occurring in Thailand must be reported to the Police or the District Office (Amphur) within 24 hours.
If a foreign national dies in an apartment or hotel, the landlord or hotel manager must report the death. The manager should provide the deceased’s passport and any available medical documents. The Police or District Office will notify the deceased’s embassy within 7 days.
If the death occurs in a hospital, the attending doctor will issue a death certificate, and the Police will file a report. The release of the body to the family usually takes 2 to 3 days if the cause of death is natural and uncomplicated. If the death is suspicious or related to a possible criminal act, the body may be retained for an autopsy before release.
Once the death is confirmed, the District Office will issue the Civil Death Certificate.
If you require guidance or legal support in registering a birth, death, marriage, or divorce in Thailand, our experienced team can help ensure that all documents are correctly prepared and submitted according to Thai law.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and make the registration process smooth and stress-free.
Legal Disclaimer
This FAQ is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Registration requirements and procedures may vary depending on individual circumstances. Professional legal advice should be sought where necessary.
Licensed Attorney-At-Law | Licensed Notarial Services Attorney, The Lawyers Council of Thailand
Specialization: Wills and Estate, Civil and Criminal Matters
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