Marriage registration in Thailand is a legal process that formalizes the union between two individuals. Whether it is a Thai-Thai marriage or a foreign-Thai marriage, registering a marriage ensures legal recognition and provides rights and protections under Thai law. The process is relatively straightforward, but it requires specific documents and procedures that must be followed correctly.
This guide provides a detailed overview of marriage registration in Thailand, including legal requirements, necessary documents, procedures, and key considerations for both Thai and foreign couples.
1. Legal Framework for Marriage in Thailand
Marriage registration in Thailand is governed by the Civil and Commercial Code. To be legally recognized, a marriage must meet the following conditions:
- Both parties must be at least 17 years old (or obtain a court’s permission if younger).
- The individuals must not be related by blood (direct lineage) or already married to someone else.
- Both parties must freely consent to the marriage.
- The marriage must be registered at a district office (Amphur/Khet) to be legally valid.
💡 Key Point: Traditional wedding ceremonies, religious rituals, or informal agreements do not make a marriage legally binding in Thailand. Only a registered marriage is legally recognized.
2. Types of Marriage in Thailand
2.1 Marriage Between Two Thai Nationals
✔ The simplest type of marriage in Thailand.
✔ Both parties must provide personal identification and legal documents.
2.2 Marriage Between a Thai and a Foreign National
✔ Requires additional documents for the foreigner, including proof of marital status.
✔ Some embassies require a certification before the marriage can be registered.
2.3 Marriage Between Two Foreigners in Thailand
✔ Foreigners can marry in Thailand, but their marriage must comply with Thai law.
✔ After registration, the marriage certificate can be legalized for international use.
💡 Example: A British man and a Thai woman want to marry in Thailand. The British man must provide legal documents from his home country proving that he is eligible for marriage.
3. Required Documents for Marriage Registration
For Thai Nationals:
✅ Thai National ID Card
✅ House registration certificate (Tabien Baan)
✅ Certificate of Single Status (if previously married, divorce or death certificate of the former spouse)
For Foreign Nationals:
✅ Passport with valid visa
✅ Affidavit of Freedom to Marry (obtained from the embassy in Thailand)
✅ Translated and legalized affidavit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)
✅ Divorce or death certificate (if previously married)
💡 Tip: The embassy of the foreigner’s home country must issue the Affidavit of Freedom to Marry before the marriage can be legally registered.
4. Marriage Registration Process in Thailand
Step 1: Obtain an Affidavit of Freedom to Marry (For Foreigners Only)
Foreigners must visit their embassy in Thailand to obtain a document certifying that they are single and legally free to marry.
✔ This document must be translated into Thai and certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).
✔ Processing time varies depending on the embassy (1-5 days).
Step 2: Prepare the Necessary Documents
Both parties must ensure they have all original and translated documents ready for submission at the district office.
Step 3: Visit a Local District Office (Amphur/Khet) for Marriage Registration
✔ Both parties must appear in person at a district office (Amphur/Khet) to sign the marriage registration documents.
✔ The registration is conducted by a government officer, who verifies the documents and witnesses the couple’s consent.
✔ Once registered, the couple receives an official Thai marriage certificate (ใบสำคัญการสมรส).
💡 Tip: Some district offices require advance appointments, especially for foreign-Thai marriages.
5. Special Cases in Marriage Registration
5.1 Marrying a Divorced or Widowed Person
✔ If one party was previously married, they must present a divorce decree or a death certificate of their former spouse.
✔ A woman must wait 310 days after a divorce before registering a new marriage (unless a doctor certifies that she is not pregnant).
5.2 Marrying Under 20 Years Old
✔ If a person is between 17-20 years old, parental consent is required.
✔ If under 17 years old, court approval is required.
5.3 Marriage for Same-Sex Couples
✔ Thailand does not currently recognize same-sex marriage under the Civil and Commercial Code.
✔ However, a Civil Partnership Bill is under discussion, which may provide legal recognition in the future.
💡 Tip: Always check for the latest marriage laws and updates, as legal changes may occur.
6. Legal Rights and Responsibilities After Marriage
Once married in Thailand, both parties have legal rights and obligations, including:
✔ Joint Property Ownership – Assets acquired during the marriage are considered marital property.
✔ Inheritance Rights – Spouses have legal inheritance rights under Thai law.
✔ Financial Support – Each spouse has a duty to support one another financially.
✔ Parental Rights – If children are born during the marriage, both parents have legal custody.
💡 Example: If a Thai woman and a foreign man divorce, Thai law governs how property and assets are divided.
7. Using a Thai Marriage Certificate Internationally
If a couple needs their Thai marriage certificate recognized abroad, they must:
- Get it translated into English (or another required language).
- Have the translation certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).
- Have it legalized by the embassy of the foreigner’s home country (if required).
💡 Tip: Some countries require additional legalization or apostille certification before accepting the Thai marriage certificate.
8. Common Issues in Marriage Registration and How to Avoid Them
🔴 Incorrect or Missing Documents
✔ Solution: Double-check all required documents before going to the district office.
🔴 Embassy Processing Delays
✔ Solution: Contact your embassy in advance to verify processing times and requirements.
🔴 Language Barrier
✔ Solution: Hire a Thai-English translator or legal advisor for assistance.
🔴 Legal Disputes Over Property and Finances
✔ Solution: Consider signing a prenuptial agreement before marriage.
9. Conclusion
Marriage registration in Thailand is a straightforward process when both parties follow the legal requirements and prepare the necessary documents. Whether it is a Thai-Thai or foreign-Thai marriage, ensuring proper registration provides legal recognition and protects the rights of both spouses.
✔ Key Takeaways:
- A marriage is legally valid only when registered at a district office (Amphur/Khet).
- Foreigners must obtain an Affidavit of Freedom to Marry and have it translated and legalized.
- Special cases, such as previous marriages or underage marriages, require additional legal steps.
- After marriage, couples have legal rights and responsibilities, including joint property ownership and inheritance rights.
- To use a Thai marriage certificate internationally, it must be translated and legalized.
