Bangkok is one of the greatest places on the planet where a couple can celebrate a blissful matrimony and start the journey of life. Read on and find out how marriage is done in this vibrant city.

Bangkok is one of the greatest places on the planet where a couple can celebrate a blissful matrimony and start the journey of life. Read on and find out how marriage is done in this vibrant city.

Thailand’s Marriage Laws

Before you even start calling wedding planners and letting your imaginations run wild with the celebratory parties, you should be aware of a few, specific laws about getting married in Bangkok. One should be at least 17 years old to get married. A written parental consent--that must be translated into Thai--is required for those under the age of 20. Neither one of the parties should be in a marriage with anyone else. Furthermore, the minimum waiting time for widows and divorcees is 310 days, unless there are special circumstances. Same-sex couples are not allowed to marry in Thailand. Foreigners have to comply with certain formalities before a marriage can take place, and they do not acquire Thai nationality when they marry a Thai citizen.

Religious wedding ceremonies are not legally recognized and have no legal bearing. A marriage is recognized legally by Thai law only if it has been registered at the District Office. The name for Bangkok’s District Office is Khet, while it in the rest of Thailand it is known as Amphur or Amphoe. After the paperwork is completed, a marriage certificate is issued. If it is impossible for both parties to attend at the district office, they can register a marriage at any location provided that they pay for the transport of the Registrar and there will be a fee. The bride and groom have no legal obligation to have the marriage recorded outside of the country. The Embassies can make arrangements for the issuance of Thai marriage certificate, which is going to be deposited at the relevant registration offices in the home country.

Marrying a Thai Woman

If the love of your dreams is a Thai woman, then it is customary for you to pay a dowry (sin sod) to the bride’s family. This has been a long-standing tradition but has become less practiced by today’s generation. Dowry may come in different forms – cash, property, gold or any other assets. The dowry is a groom’s way of showing that he will be able to take care of his family to be and that he has a giving nature.

Marriage Requirements

It is best to gather all requirements beforehand so as to avoid the waste of precious time and effort. Foreign nationals who want to marry another foreign national or a Thai citizen require the following documents:

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

The local District Office also requires the following documents from Thai nationals:

1. Identification Card and a copy of it
2. House Registration Document (Tabien Baan) and a copy of it
3. Affirmation of freedom to marry

Affirmation of Freedom to Marry

An affirmation of freedom to marry or affidavit is required of any foreign national wishing to marry in Thailand. Here are guidelines to obtain one:

1. Contact the relevant home embassy in Thailands to prepare and submit the application at the Embassy in person.
2. A passport is always required as proof of identity.
3. Original documents must be produced to prove that any previous marriages have been dissolved or terminated. These are death or divorce documents.
4. The affirmation must be translated into Thai by a certified translator.
5. The affirmation must then be authenticated and the translation certified at the address below.

Legalisation and Naturalisation Division, Department of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs 123 Chaeng Wattana Rd, Laksi District, Bangkok 10210 Allow two full working days for this to be completed. In some cases, it can be ready in less time for a fee. Getting married in Bangkok is a relatively simple and painless process. Whether you are a foreign national excited to hitch up with a gorgeous Thai woman, a foreign nation marrying another foreign national or a native entering marriage with another Thai citizen, Bangkok is a perfect place to tie the knot.