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FAMILY 
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CHILDCARE
Marriage Requirements
CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES

EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT Documents required by foreign nationals marrying another foreign national or a Thai citizen are:

EVENT PLANNING Passport and two copies, including copies of entry visa
The authenticated affirmation of freedom to marry and the certified translation, both originals and one copy of each
FUNERAL SERVICES Original death or divorce certificates translated into Thai if either party has been married before

Documents required by Thai nationals at the local District O ce are:

HIGHER EDUCATION

Identification Card and one copy

LGBT House Registration Document (Tabien Baan) and one copy

NURSERIES & PRE-SCHOOLS Af rmation of freedom to marry

Any foreign national wishing to marry in Thailand should rst obtain an a rmation of freedom to marry or
PETS & ANIMALS
a davit, which involves the following steps:

SCHOOLS Contact the relevant home Embassy in Thailand to prepare and submit the application at the Embassy in person
A passport is always required for proof of identity
SUPPORT GROUPS Evidence that any previous marriages have been dissolved/terminated (death or divorce documents, as appropriate) must be
produced. These must be original documents
TEENAGERS The affirmation must be translated into Thai by a certified translator
The affirmation must then be authenticated and the translation certified at the address below. This will be completed within two full
WEDDINGS & CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS working days although it can be ready in less time for a fee, depending on individual cases
Legalisation and Naturalisation Division, Department of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
FINANCIAL & LEGAL  At: 123 Chaeng Wattana Rd, Laksi District, Bangkok 10210
Tel: 02 575 1056 59
HEALTH  Open: 08:30-14:30 Monday to Friday
email
HOME 
Those living outside of Thailand should contact the Thai Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence to
LIFESTYLE  apply for the necessary visa. Then contact their national Embassy in Thailand to ensure that the correct
documents are all in order to complete the a rmation of freedom to marry or a davit on arrival in Thailand.
MOVING 
After arrival in Thailand, get the a rmation of freedom to marry and have it certi ed by the Ministry of
TRANSPORT  Foreign A airs. Take these documents to a District O ce (Khet or Amphur) in order for a marriage certi cate
WORK
to be issued. There is no minimum period for length of stay in Thailand before a marriage can take place,

although the steps described will take a few days.

There are companies that can help with the process of getting married in Thailand.

Marriage to a Thai woman and the custom of dowry

You're missing out...
It is an accepted part of Thai culture that the groom pays a dowry (sin sod) to the bride's family. This has long
beenyou
As a member partcan
of marriage although
enjoy exclusive infoit and
is becoming
o ers. less prevalent with the younger generation. The payment may
be in cash, or take the form of property, gold or any other assets, and traditionally serves to prove that the
groom is inREGISTER
a position to take care of his new family and is generous in nature (an important trait in Thai
NOW
culture). Sometimes the dowry is returned to the bride and groom on the wedding day by the bride's parents.

It is acceptable to discuss the terms of a dowry. Even though paying a dowry is commonplace, the system may
be abused.

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