Getting married in Thailand has become increasingly common in recent years, as the country’s beautiful beaches and hillside locations provide a backdrop for weddings of all shapes and sizes. Despite this, there are still some important considerations for foreigners looking to marry in the kingdom.
Firstly, you must ensure that both parties are of marriageable age in their home country before applying for a marriage registration (if you are both not of this age, you should seek the permission of a local court first). Once you have done so, you can then visit a Thai embassy or consulate to complete some paperwork. This should be a relatively straightforward process and doesn’t usually require an appointment, although it is best to go with someone who speaks Thai as they will need to know how to handle all the documentation.
Next, the couple must obtain an ‘affirmation of freedom to marry’ from their respective embassy. Embassies will vary in their requirements so you should check the embassy website for details of what you need. You will need to get this translated and legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before submitting it and your other paperwork to the District Registrar for your marriage to be registered.
Once you have the documents you need to complete the marriage procedure, you can go to a local amphur office and register your marriage (known in Thailand as ‘khet’). This will be followed by obtaining a marriage certificate from the District Registrar.
The process of getting married in Thailand is not easy, and it can be complicated if you are from another country. The majority of Western countries require visitors to have a visa before entering the country, but there are exceptions so it is always worth checking with your embassy before you arrive in Thailand.
You need to make sure that your partner has a valid passport before you can apply for a marriage registration. If you are a foreigner, you will need to obtain an ‘affirmation of freedom’ from your embassy or consulate in Thailand, have it translated and legallyised by the Thai ministry of Foreign Affairs before you can take your spouse with you to Bangkok to get the marriage certificate.
There are many different documents and forms to complete when you are getting married in Thailand, so it is recommended that you take advice from a lawyer before attempting the process alone. This will help you avoid any complications and ensure that everything is handled as quickly as possible.
Marrying in Thailand is an opportunity for a foreigner to enter a new culturally and linguistically diverse environment, and this can be an ideal way to start a life with a new partner. For many, this experience can be the stepping stone to a more fulfilling future.
