Things You Should Know Before Getting Married In Thailand

Getting married in a foreign land seems daunting and complicated. As you take the next step in your relationship, you want things to be as smooth as possible. Thailand has its own set of requirements for a foreigner who wishes to marry one of its citizens. It is best to enlighten yourself on these legalities before you and your Thai fiancée level up your status. Don’t let the lack of being informed keep you from spending the rest of your life with your significant other. Here are some things you should know before getting married in Thailand.

Secure The Following Requirements

The Thai embassy asserts that the couple must first be eligible for marriage. Here are their stated qualifications:

• Both parties must be at least 17 years of age or above. You should also follow the marriage age requirement in your native country.
• Both should be competent and mentally sane.
• You should not be related to each other by blood.

If you and your partner are eligible, the next thing to do is secure all your paperwork.

• Arrival card and passport
• Marriage affidavits from your respective embassy (translated, if necessary)

After that, you need to acquire a Marriage Visa Thailand. Before you apply, you must have your marriage registered in the District office.

Have your current visa updated once registered, changing your status to non-immigrant. Make sure to coordinate everything with a professional for faster processing.

Thai immigration also takes finances very seriously. According to their regulations, you must have at least 400,000 THB in a local account two months before the visa application. In its absence, proof of at least 40,000 THB monthly income will suffice.

One more thing, when you have finalized your marriage visa, you would still need to follow up on its validity. It is eligible for a maximum of one year only. You must renew it annually to permit your stay.

For the Groom, Acquaint Yourself With Thai Tradition.

Thailand is rich in culture and tradition. Marriages of Thai daughters reflect this by having certain customs before the ceremony. Depending on you and your partner’s decision, you might have to undergo a few formalities before the actual wedding.

Sinsod

Some families might require dowry Thais call sinsod, wherein the groom must pay the bride’s parents in exchange for her hand in marriage. Locals uphold this tradition believing that the groom is reimbursing the parents for raising his soon-to-be wife. Dowry wages may vary, and the families of well-educated women who have stable careers might ask for a higher value. The sinsod also serves as reassurance that the groom is capable of providing and caring for his partner.

On the other hand, if you and your Thai fiancée decide on a modern wedding, or her family does not mind, you don’t have to worry about the dowry. The two of you can still opt for a ceremony of your choice and not subscribe to her culture’s practices.

Merit Gift

Following Thai traditions, it is encouraged that the groom graciously gives a monetary donation, in the parents of the bride’s names, to claim blessing unto their marriage. By doing this, you would also earn the respect of her Thai family and community.

Donating to your spouse’s Buddhist temple is believed to give married couples a prosperous, love-filled life ahead. The merit gift is expected of a groom but can also be from guests. You can tip your non-local family and friends on this before they attend the wedding for more fortune.