Marrying a Thai Lady

[richard]

The Technicalities and Ties with a Thai marriage

Looked for a place for this post so please point or move it mods if this is the wrong place

My understanding is:

1) A village wedding without paperwork is not recognised by the Thai and UK governments as anything more than a ritual

2) A piece of paper stating a marriage is only valid if rubber stamped by a Tessaban and is recognised by the Thai government

3) A marriage involving endorsement by the British Embassy or a marriage in ones home country is recognised by the Thai government.

I ask, because a friend of mine has gone for a village wedding (ritualistic) and a piece of paper but as yet has not had it registered or stamped by the Tessaban. Where does he stand legally? Seems he may want to opt out now without strings

All advice welcome

[Arlo]

I believe your understanding is correct. A village wedding means nothing without visiting his embassy and some other Thai government offices. There is paperwork that needs to be filled out, translated and a little money paid here and there. I think he can still back out.

[caller]

In the eyes of the law he's not legally married, its as simple as that. For a foreigner, it's the registration at the Amphur that counts.

How that's viewed by his 'wife' is another matter.

[kendo]

Hi Richard
A legal village wedding has to be done at the Amper's office i think the village wedding is more of a status thing and the opportunity for all to get the big free party for days on end they really do come out of the wood work from my experience.

I done the village thing then bought my Mrs over on a fiance visa for six months and got married here.

Kendo.