Thai Marriage Law

Thai Marriage registration procedures

Thai marriage registration varies depending on nationality. The Thai marriage can be solemnized with or without a Betrothal Ceremony in ritual manner and also through court. The betrothal ceremony is nothing but a promise to marry and in the form of an agreement.

The agreement is effective only when the man gives engagement property to the woman as evidence. The injured party is entitled to claim damages in the event of breach of the betrothal agreement.

Eligibility

The man and woman who are wishing to marry should have the following eligibility to get married:

1. Either of them should not be less than 17 years of age. The Court may, in case of having appropriate reason, allow them to marry before attaining such age.
2. Either of them should not be an insane person or adjudged incompetent.
3. Both of them should not be in blood relations in the direct ascendant or descendant line, or brother or sister of full or half blood i.e. should no be with in the prohibited degrees of relationship.
4. Both of them should not have the same adoptive parents.
5. Either of them should not have a spouse at the time of marriage. If woman whose husband died or whose marriage has become terminated, the marriage can only take place after expiry of 310 days from such death or termination of marriage, but before such period if

• • A child has been born during such period;
  • The divorced couple remarry;
  • There is a certificate issued by a qualified doctor who is a lawful physical practitioner in medicine showing that the woman is not pregnant;
  • There is an order of the Court allowing the woman to marry.

Documents required for marriage registration in Thailand

Thai Nationals

• Identification Cards of both parties.
• The House Registration Certificates of both parties
• Person filing has previously registered marriage – If divorced, proof of divorce must be shown; in the event of spousal death (the applicant is a widow or widower) proof must accompany application.
• Accompanied by witnesses

Foreigners

• A copy of their passport along with arrival card
• Affidavit regarding the marital status of the person from the respective embassy.
• Translated copy of affidavits to Thai certified by an approved Foreign Ministry Translator.