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Registering marriages in Thailand
This information sheet provides Australians with information regarding marriage registration procedures in Thailand. The Embassy cannot provide information on other issues, such as organising celebrants or venues. There are brokers in Thailand who will offer (for a fee) to arrange a marriage registration or ceremony. Australians wishing to marry other Australians or foreigners in Thailand (other than Thai citizens), may find that it much easier to register their marriage in Australia prior to arranging a suitable ceremony in Thailand, as registration procedures for foreigners in Thailand can be bureaucratic and time consuming. Please contact the marriage registrar in your State or Territory if you select this option.
For information on a Thai spouse’s immigration to Australia please contact the Immigration Section of the Embassy (DIMIA). Marriages registered in Thailand are recognised by Australian authorities, but further documentation will be required from Births Deaths and Marriages for passport issue purposes.
Why do I need to register? How do I register my marriage?
Under Thai law, marriages must be registered with Thai authorities to be legally recognised. A valid notarised Thai marriage will then be recognised in Australia. If you do not register a marriage with Thai authorities, you are not legally married in Thailand or Australia. The marriage must be registered at the Amphoe (or Town Hall), in the district where the marriage took place. In addition to the normal requirements (about which you should seek advice from the celebrant), each Australian party must provide their passport, and the following:
• Statutory declarations
Australians married in Thailand must provide a pro-forma statutory declaration. The Thai Government requires that such declarations be witnessed at the Australian Embassy Bangkok. They will not accept declarations from Australia. A fee of AUD$20 is payable for this service.
• Death/Divorce Certificates
If you were previously married, you should provide an original divorce or death certificate to demonstrate your status. You must bring original documents to be certified at the Embassy. The Embassy cannot certify photocopies. A fee of AUD$30 is payable per certified document.
• Translations
You must also arrange for the statutory declaration and any applicable divorce/death certificates to be translated into the Thai language. There are many private translation agencies in Bangkok who can provide this service (for a fee) within one working day.
Certification by the Thai Department of Consular Affairs, MFA
After documents have been translated they must be authenticated (for a fee) by the Department of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
For information on this you should contact: Department of Consular Affairs 123 Moo 3, Changwattana Road, Kwang Toong Son Hong, Khet Laksi, Bangkok Tel. (+66-2) 5751061, (+66-2)-5751057; Office hours: 08:30 – 15:30
The Amphoe (Town Hall)
When you have completed the above requirements, which can only be completed in Bangkok over at least 2-3 working days, you should go to the Amphoe to register the marriage. An appointment may be required. Your celebrant may be able to assist you with these arrangements.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for the assistance of Australians intending to register a marriage in Thailand and is intended to be as accurate as possible. The Embassy is not responsible for any inconvenience, arrangements, or expenses made on the basis of the above advice.