Marriage in Thailand (http://www.marry-thailand.com/) is a quick and easy process to arrange. After all, finding the perfect mate should be the hardest part. Many people around the world want to get married in Thailand for many reasons. The possibilities for a dream wedding are endless – take a pick among the most serene of beaches for that perfect beach wedding or a rustic setting for a Thai traditional wedding on top of the mountains.
Whatever wedding you fancy, just as important as the ceremony itself is getting down on the legalities of it. Marriage registration in Thailand (http://www.marriage-thailand.com/) is a relatively no-fuss process for any non-Thai couple or a Thai and foreigner couple. The registration can be done in any district office in Thailand during office hours. You need a passport (for foreigners) or identification card (for Thais) and proof that you are free to marry. To be considered eligible to marry, here are the main points that need to be taken into account:
1) Both parties should not be less than 17 years old
2) Both parties should be of sound mental capacity (not insane or incompetent)
3) Both parties should not be in blood relations or prohibited degrees of relationship
4) Both parties should not have the same adoptive parents
5) Both parties should not have a spouse at the time of marriage
Now, let’s move on to the paperwork. The documents required are not the same for Thais and foreigners. For Thais, one should need:
1) An identification card
2) A house registration certificate
3) If applicable, a proof of divorce or spousal death
4) Accompanied by a witness
For foreigners, one should need:
1) A copy of the passport and arrival card
2) Affidavit of the marital status coming from the respective embassy
3) Copy of the above affidavit translated into Thai certified by an approved Foreign Ministry Translator
Once all the documents have been prepared, the couple can go to any district office in Thailand. A public declaration needs to be made in front of the Registrar. Giving consent to the marriage is accomplished as follows:
1) Affixing the signature of both parties giving consent to marriage
2) A consent document stating the names of both parties and duly signed
3) A verbal declaration in front of at least two witnesses. Once the declaration is given, it cannot be revoked.
4) After registration is complete, a Marriage Registration Certificate will be issued.
The process may look quite simple, and indeed it is. But if you have a special case that needs attention or wish to do something differently, it’s best to consult a professional for guidance in these legal matters.
This article was provided by Siam Legal, an international law firm with offices in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Pattaya, Phuket, and Samui. Siam Legal publishes Thailand marriage registration (http://www.siam-legal.com/Thailand_Service/thailand-marriage-laws.php) guides on its website.
Siam Legal International
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North Klongtoey, Wattana, Bangkok 10110
Tel: 662 259-8100