Marriage in Thailand is the best! For those who want to get married in Thailand who is non-Thai, you would need to visit your country’s embassy or consulate in Thailand. An allowance of 5-6 working days should be made to process all the documents and marriage registration in Thailand. The embassies are not authorised to carry out marriages or any translation services. Thus, it is best to seek assistance of family lawyer in Thailand for the entire process on translations, legalisation and marriage registration.
Marriage in Thailand
Thai authorities require foreign nationals who plan on getting married in Thailand to obtain an Affirmation of Freedom to Marry. Majority of the foreign countries do not allow obtaining the affirmation in advance from their home country, however you can always apply for this document at your home country’s embassy in Bangkok. The letter of affirmation should be signed in the presence of a consular official from the embassy.
The embassy will require a passport and proof of termination of any previous marriage, original copies of the Divorce or Death Certificate whichever is applicable. Once the affirmation is obtained from the embassy, it has to be translated into Thai language and certified at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Your passport copy will also be certified by your embassy. You can also see the how to register a foreign marriage in Thailand
After all the paperwork has been completed, you need to go to the local district office where you will register the marriage to make it legal. A religious ceremony on its own is not recognised as a valid marriage under Thai law. It is recommended to go with someone who can speak Thai, and make sure that all the needed documents and translations are complete.
The marriage registration can be filed at any district office or minor district office regardless of the birthplace of the couple; it does not have to be done in Bangkok. Foreigners are required to submit a copy of their passport together with the authenticated affirmation from the embassy and the certified translation. If you have a Thai fiancée, they will be required to submit their National ID Card and House Registration Certificate. dont forget to take legal advice for your Marriage in Thailand.
Once the marriage registration in Thailand is complete, each party will be given a copy of their Marriage Certificate as confirmation of their marriage. This document is in Thai language, and you can have it translated and legalized to make the document usable for legal transactions in your home country. You can now apply for a Thai marriage visa.