Marriage in Thailand is an important life-course event that marks a significant transition in women’s lives. It is often a stepping-stone to financial and social security in the future.
Foreign nationals marrying in Thailand must obtain an affirmation of freedom to marry from their embassy or consulate before proceeding to Thailand. This document must then be translated into Thai.
Legality
If you are a foreigner wishing to get married in Thailand, the first step is to obtain a freedom to marry affirmation from your home country’s embassy in Bangkok. This document should be countersigned by a consular officer from your embassy. This process may take several days.
After your embassy has certified your documents, you must bring them and the certified translation to a district office (known as an amphur) for legalization. You will also need to submit a copy of your passport. Then, you can file your marriage at any amphur in the country.
Traditionally, the sin sodt ritual has been an important way for the groom to show respect and pay his homage to his future wife and her family. This is a part of Thai culture that is still in practice today, but it should not be taken as a sign of gender inequality. In reality, it is an attempt to demonstrate the man’s ability and responsibility to provide for a family.
Cultural differences
Cultural differences can make a cross-cultural marriage difficult. It is important to be aware of these differences before getting married in Thailand. For example, money plays a prominent role in traditional Thai weddings, and the dowry system (son sod) is common. The groom must formally ask for the bride’s hand in marriage from her father, and his close friends will help him negotiate the amount of money he will pay to her family.
In addition, a couple must register their marriage at the district office. This can be done after the ceremony, and most western countries recognize marriages that are legally registered in Thailand. Moreover, it is important to understand that the Thai culture is based on a set of values such as respect and self-control. A foreigner must learn these values if he wants to get along with his future wife and her family.
Requirements
In order to get married in Thailand, foreigners must appear in person at their embassy or consulate in Bangkok and complete declarations attesting that they are single and free to marry. The embassy or consulate will register the marriage in accordance with Thai law. Once the couple receives their marriage certificate, they will need to have it translated into Thai by a reputable translator. They can do this themselves or hire someone or an agency to do it for them.
In addition to this, both parties must present an affidavit notarized by their embassy or consulate indicating that they are free to marry. They must also provide original divorce or death certificates, if applicable. In addition, the groom’s family may pay a dowry to the bride’s family as part of the ceremony. This varies depending on the family’s wealth and social status. In general, the dowry increases the bride’s inheritance rights in her new husband’s will and estate.
Costs
While getting married in Thailand may seem simple, it does come with a cost. Whether you are marrying a Thai national or an expat, there are many costs involved in the process, including fees for documents, translations, and registering the marriage. It is recommended to hire a company that can handle the legalities and make sure the marriage is legitimate.
Aside from the monetary costs, there are also other things to consider, such as the wedding gifts and sin sod. The former is the dowry given to the bride’s parents, and it can be expensive. The latter is an important part of the wedding ceremony and reflects the groom’s wealth and social status.
The cost of raising a child in Thailand can also be expensive. You should be prepared to spend a lot of money on maternity care and international school tuition. Moreover, you will need to pay for a long-term visa that comes with a host of other requirements.