Marriage in Thailand. As long as you comply with the regulations and take the right measures, processing a marriage in Thailand can be simple. Here is a summary of what you should know:
- A Certificate of Freedom to Marry must be obtained from your country’s embassy or consulate in Thailand if you are a foreigner getting married in Thailand. This certificate, which declares that you are free to get married, normally has a three-month expiration date.
- Translation of the Certificate You must have the Certificate of Freedom to Marry translated into Thai once you acquire it. You can accomplish this at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ translation service desk in Bangkok or at one of its regional offices.
- Register the Marriage: The District Office (Amphur) where the ceremony will take place is where the marriage must be registered. You must bring your passport, a translated copy of the Certificate of Freedom to Marry, and any other required paperwork, such as a divorce decree from a prior union or income documentation.
- Ceremony: The marriage must be performed by a registrar at the district office. You can choose to have a traditional Thai wedding or a Western-style ceremony. You need two witnesses, and if you don’t know Thai, you might want to bring a translation.
- Marriage Certificate: Following the ceremony, you will be given a Thai marriage certificate. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs or a translation agency can provide an English translation of this certificate.
Note that based on your particular scenario, there can be additional needs or steps. For more information, it is advised that you speak with a lawyer or the embassy or consulate of your home nation in Thailand.
