Thai marriage law is inclusive and allows both opposite sex and same sex couples to legally marry. This openness, along with the country’s efficient legal framework and welcoming culture, has made Thailand a popular destination for couples from all over the world.
The two most common scenarios we encounter are:
In either case, the legal steps are largely the same and must be completed in person. Couples are required to register their marriage at a local District Office also referred to in Thai as an Amphur (in provinces) or Khet (in Bangkok). This step cannot be completed online or by proxy.
The marriage becomes legally binding once it is registered with the District Office. You will receive an official Thai marriage certificate, which can then be translated and legalized if you need to use it in another country. Because Thai marriages are widely recognised internationally, many couples choose Thailand not just for the beauty of the occasion, but for the ease and legitimacy of the process.
Before a couple can proceed with marriage registration in Thailand, they must meet certain eligibility requirements. These rules are in place to protect the rights of both parties and ensure that the marriage is entered into willingly and legally. Failure to meet any of these criteria may result in a delay or denial of registration, so it’s important to review them carefully in advance.
To be eligible for marriage registration in Thailand, both parties must:
In cases where the bride is a widow or divorcee, Thai law imposes a waiting period of 310 days before she can register a new marriage. This is to ensure there are no questions regarding parentage of any children. However, this waiting period may be waived under the following conditions:
Our law firm can assist in securing waivers for this waiting period when appropriate.
The documentation requirements for marriage registration in Thailand differ slightly depending on whether the party is a foreign national or a Thai citizen. All documents in a foreign language must be officially translated into Thai and legalized before submission.
For foreign nationals, the following documents are required:
Obtaining the Affirmation of Freedom to Marry is usually the first step for foreigners, and must be completed in person at your embassy in Thailand. After obtaining this affirmation, it must be translated and legalized at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Some of the local districts may also ask for a copy of the passport certified by the embassy with the correct translation and certified by the Department of Consular Affairs. To ensure that your name and other information have been translated to Thai precisely and correctly.
For Thai citizens, the following documents are required:
Additionally, both parties must be present at the District Office on the day of registration, and must bring two witnesses to sign the registration documents. Witnesses must be over the age of 20 and bring valid ID. If you do not have witnesses, our law firm can provide them as part of our service.
Handling these documents correctly is essential to avoid delays or complications. We can assist with every part of the process, from embassy appointments and translations to official submissions at the District Office.
The process to register a marriage in Thailand involves several steps, and it’s recommended to begin with your embassy. First, foreign nationals must obtain an official Affirmation of Freedom to Marry. This document confirms your eligibility to marry and must be issued by your embassy in Thailand. Each embassy has slightly different requirements, so it’s best to check in advance.
Once the affirmation is issued, it must be translated into Thai by a certified translator. After translation, the documents must be submitted to the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok for legalization. This is a critical step and cannot be skipped.
After legalization, you and your partner may visit the District Office together with all your original and translated documents. You will be asked to publicly declare your intention to marry, and once the registrar has verified all paperwork, your marriage will be officially registered. A Thai-language marriage certificate will then be issued.
To ensure your marriage is also legally recognized in your home country, it’s advisable to have the Thai marriage certificate translated into English and legalized once again at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Most foreign nationals will also need to report the marriage to their home government or embassy.
If the woman is a Thai national, she will need to visit her local District Office after marriage to update her surname and title on her Thai ID and house registration. This is a separate process that must be completed in person and cannot be done on the day of marriage registration.
Thailand has taken a progressive step forward by legalizing same-sex marriage, becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to do so. This means that both Thai and foreign same-sex couples, or a combination of the two, can now legally register a marriage in Thailand. Both parties must be at least 18 years old, and all other documentation requirements remain the same.
For couples with significant assets or specific wishes regarding ownership, it may be wise to register a prenuptial agreement at the same time as the marriage registration. Under Thai law, any assets acquired during the marriage are considered joint property, known as Sin Somros. A prenuptial agreement allows each spouse to clearly define ownership and prevent misunderstandings or legal complications in the future.
If you’re considering this step, it’s essential to consult with a law firm experienced in Thai family law. All prenuptial agreements must be drafted in Thai, comply with local legal standards, and be submitted together with the marriage registration and no later.
Our experienced legal team can guide you through the full process of marriage registration in Thailand. We offer:
Marriage registration in Thailand involves legal and administrative steps that may seem overwhelming. This may be a daunting experience especially for foreigners unfamiliar with the process. Working with a trusted law firm ensures peace of mind and allows you to focus on celebrating your new chapter in life.
Contact us today to find out how we can help you register your marriage in Thailand smoothly and legally.
