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Marriage Registration in Thailand

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For foreigners, getting married in Thailand can be a complicated affair. This is especially true if you require your marriage to be registered in the country of your residence or for it to be recognized abroad.

For the purpose of marriage registration, both parties must present themselves in person with their passports at their home embassy in Thailand to complete declarations that they are single and free to marry under Thai law. Then the embassy documents are brought to a local district office for legalization.

Affirmation of Freedom to Marry

If you’re planning to get married in Thailand, there are some important steps you need to take if you want your Thailand marriage to be legal under Thai law and internationally recognized. The first step is to obtain an Affirmation of Freedom to Marry from your country’s embassy in Bangkok. This document proves that you are free to marry in Thailand and must be countersigned by your embassy before it is accepted by the local registration office (also known as an amphur or khet).

You may need additional documents for registration depending on your situation, including passport biodata pages, visas, and proof of payment of any translation, legalization, or registration fees. You can also require two witnesses who are Thai citizens.

When you receive your affirmation, you’ll need to have it translated into Thai by a certified translator. Most embassy websites have lists of approved translators, or you can find one through a government-approved list of translation agencies. The translation must then be authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok or at a regional office.

You’ll also need to bring your Affirmation of Freedom to Marry, a copy of your passport, and all the other required documents to your local district office (also called an amphur or khet). The registration officer will verify that you meet all the requirements and sign your marriage certificate. You can then make any necessary arrangements to have your wedding ceremony at the venue of your choice in Thailand.

Documents Required

A legal Thai marriage consists of the two parties registering their union with the local Amphur (Thai district office, similar to a county office). All foreigners wishing to marry in Thailand must first obtain official certification from their country’s embassy that they are free to marry. Each embassy has its own procedure for issuing this documentation. This process can take several days and requires a passport, arrival card, and certified translations of various documents.

In addition to the above documentation, a letter of consent must be presented by either party’s parent or guardian. The couple must also show a doctor’s certificate affirming that they are both not pregnant. For women who have been married previously, a divorce certificate or court’s judgment must be provided. Under Thai law, a woman may not remarry until 310 days have passed since the end of her previous marriage, except in cases of childbirth or death.

The registrar will verify all documentation and will issue the couple their marriage certificate. This is usually done within two working days of receiving all required documentation. After the marriage certificate is issued, it must be translated and legalized in order to be recognized by embassies abroad. If you have any questions about the above or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our marriage specialists, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Legalization

Getting married in Thailand can be a time consuming and confusing process. To make the process easier and less stressful you can hire a wedding planning service to help with all of the legal aspects. They can assist with the preparation of documents needed to register the marriage and make sure all paperwork is properly filled out and submitted. They can also help you obtain a visa to live with your wife in Thailand.

The first step is to obtain a letter or certificate of no impediment to marry from your country’s embassy in Thailand. The requirements vary by embassy, so it is best to contact them in advance for specific instructions. The embassy-issued document must then be translated into Thai by a recognized translation service and then taken to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for legalization.

After the translation and legalization process is complete, the couple can apply for their marriage registration at any district office or “Amphur” in the country. The registrar will then issue the official Marriage Certificate, which is valid worldwide.

The couple can request to have a short marriage registration ceremony at the office of their choice. The couple may then take the Marriage Certificate to their local embassy for further legalization if required in their home country. If the marriage is registered in the district office of the woman’s birthplace, the registrar will change her title used with her forename and last name to reflect the change in her house registration certificate.

Registration

If you are looking for legalize your Thailand marriage, you’ll need to go through a process known as “marriage registration.” This will require you to have a letter of affirmation as well as MFA certification. This is necessary because you can’t apply to live in Thailand as a spouse without it. Moreover, the marriage is only valid in Thailand and your home country if it’s registered here. Therefore, it’s best to have your Thailand marriage registration completed before you start planning your dream wedding or acquiring a Thai visa.

First, you must obtain a letter of affirmation from your home country’s embassy in Thailand that states that you are free to marry (see your embassy’s website for details). Once you have this, take it to a translation office where the affidavit is translated into Thai and then authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Once the translated documents are verified, you can go to any district office in Thailand known as an “Amphur” or a “Khet” to register your marriage. This is a fairly simple process and once done, you’ll have a legally binding marriage that will be recognized in the US, Australia, and other countries around the world. In addition, you can also opt to have a prenuptial agreement that will be registered at the same time as your marriage.

Buying Property in Thailand

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Buying Property in Thailand is a great way for foreigners to enjoy a luxurious holiday home or make a sound property investment. However, you need to be aware of specific local laws regarding property ownership before making any purchases.

Thailand has relatively strong property ownership laws and a secure computerized land title system. A title search is a critical part of due diligence when purchasing property in Thailand.

Types of Property

There are many different types of property that can be bought in Thailand. These include condominiums, apartments, villas, and townhouses. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. The best one to choose depends on your lifestyle and reasons for moving to Thailand. If you plan to live and work in a city center, a condo may be better suited for you. However, if you want to enjoy the tranquility of a suburban neighborhood, a detached house or villa is a good choice.

Condominiums are the most popular type of property for foreigners to purchase in Thailand. They are essentially a large building that has individual owner units with shared facilities, such as swimming pools, gyms, and reception areas. Under Thai law, up to 49% of a condo can be owned by a foreigner. This is a much more straightforward and hassle-free method for foreigners to own property in Thailand than purchasing a freehold land home.

When buying a condo, be sure to look into the developer’s track record and past projects. It is also a good idea to have a specialist real estate lawyer review your contracts before you sign them. This will help ensure that your rights are protected in the event of delays or construction problems.

Buying a Condominium

Buying property in Thailand can be a complicated process. Enlisting the help of professionals is highly recommended. A real estate agent will conduct research on your requirements, offer suggestions, organize viewings and transportation and give a history of buildings, developers and areas. They will also translate with sellers and help negotiate prices and conditions.

A lawyer who is well versed in Thai law should be your second professional. They can do the legalities for you, including title searches & checking. They will review your contract ensuring all the i’s and t’s are crossed. They will also assist with the statutory fees and taxes required upon transfer.

Before settling on a condo, be sure that it is available for foreign ownership and can be registered under the foreign quota. This should be double checked by a lawyer and the condo office. Also make sure that you can obtain adequate insurance.

Once the Sale & Purchase Agreement is signed and all fees and taxes are paid, the condo will be transferred to you. During this time your lawyer will also register the transfer at the land office. Upon completion you will receive a tabien baan (blue book) showing your resident status as well as the title deed for the unit. Then you can enjoy your new condo! If you are purchasing off-plan, it is common to pay an initial deposit followed by small monthly payments during construction.

Buying a Villa

If you’re looking for a larger residence to enjoy as your primary home in Thailand or as a holiday retreat, a villa may be the right choice for you. Like condominiums, a villa can either be built by a developer in a condominium development (Primary Market) or purchased from a private seller (Secondary Market).

Aside from the purchase price, there are other expenses to consider including recurring property taxes and maintenance fees. Considering that these charges tend to be on the high side, it’s crucial to budget accordingly.

As a foreign buyer, it’s also important to verify the authenticity of the title deed – known as a ‘chanote’ – before signing any documents. This will help ensure that the land is free from encumbrances and liens. A qualified Thai lawyer or legal representative specializing in real estate transactions can assist you with this process.

Another thing to take into consideration when purchasing a villa is the possibility of obtaining financing for the property. It’s recommended that you consult with a mortgage broker familiar with the property market in Thailand and the country’s banking regulations and tax requirements to better understand your options. Lastly, don’t forget to consider any potential fluctuations in the exchange rate between your home currency and the Thai baht. This can dramatically affect your buying capacity.

Buying a Land

The land buying process in Thailand can be a bit tricky for foreigners. The country has strict laws in place that essentially forbid titling of land in the name of a foreigner. It’s best to accept this as fact and seek professional advice before attempting to circumvent the law.

The first step is to find a property that you’re interested in purchasing. The next step is to hire a lawyer to act as your advocate and ensure that the purchase is a legal one. They can also help you to avoid any problems that may arise during the process. They can review the official records from the Land Department to ensure that the seller has a clear title and that the property is free of any debts or liabilities.

It’s also a good idea to get a building survey done before completing the sale. This is a relatively inexpensive service and can help you to avoid any unexpected costs down the road. You can find a qualified surveyor by using the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) website and searching for surveyors in Thailand.

Once the purchase is complete, you’ll need to pay a transfer fee and Withholding Tax. The Withholding Tax is typically 2% of the purchase price. This is paid to the government and is considered like a prepayment on the property.

Civil and Criminal Cases in Thailand

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Like all jurisdictions, Thailand distinguishes between civil and criminal cases to ensure justice is served and that the law is upheld. Knowing how these cases work in Thailand is essential for foreign businesses that may face alleged violations of the country’s laws.

In criminal cases, defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty. However, it can take a while for litigation to commence and witness hearings to be conducted.

Torts

Torts in Thailand are a broad category of cases that include any action or omission that violates a person’s rights, including physical health, privacy and property. They also can include negligence that injures a person’s reputation or credit, and defamation. Torts can be remedied by a lawsuit seeking damages and/or an injunction.

Court procedures in Thailand typically begin with the plaintiff filing a complaint. The court may then schedule proceedings to identify the issues and facilitate a compromise between the parties. In some cases, courts may require mediation, particularly in labor disputes in Thailand. In other cases, the judge will determine whether to order a witness hearing and/or a trial.

As a general rule, the burden of proof is higher in civil than criminal cases. In a criminal case, the plaintiff must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, while in a civil case the plaintiff must provide evidence that the defendant’s conduct was unjust or unreasonable.

A prevailing party in a civil dispute can claim attorney’s fees. However, a client’s legal fees must be documented and supported by a bill from the lawyer to be awarded these damages. The prevailing party is not normally granted moral or punitive damages, unlike in many Western countries. In some cases, the court may award a lump sum of damages rather than an ongoing payment plan.

Contracts

A contract is a juristic act that creates mutual legal obligations. When a party breaches its contractual duties, it can be sued for civil damages. Breach of contracts can occur in many areas, including business and property disputes, employment actions, intellectual property conflicts, and divorces. Disputes can be resolved through various formal and informal processes. However, if all other measures have failed to resolve a dispute, filing a lawsuit may be necessary. Understanding how the Thai legal system works and available options for recourse is important for businesses looking to protect their interests in Thailand.

Civil lawsuits in Thailand typically begin with the plaintiff filing a complaint. The court will then schedule witness hearings where both parties present their evidence. Depending on the type of case, the court may also require participants to undergo mediation before proceeding to trial.

A successful civil case will often result in a monetary compensation for the complainant. This compensation is designed to restore the aggrieved party to the position they would have been in had the breach not occurred, and includes actual financial losses incurred. In addition, the court may award punitive damages to deter future similar breaches. These damages are referred to as stipulated or liquidated damages, and can be adjusted by the court if deemed unreasonable.

Property disputes

In Thailand, property disputes arise from a variety of situations. Some involve ownership of land or property rights, such as encroachment. This can occur when one person builds over another’s property boundary, invading their privacy or ruining their view. The law allows for a judge to determine the case based on evidence adduced by the plaintiff and defendant.

Courts typically encourage settlement through mediation, especially in labour disputes and general civil cases. However, in some circumstances, the courts may choose to conduct a preliminary or investigative hearing to examine the claim and decide whether it has merit. The court also imposes fines to penalise parties that violate the terms of a judgment or order.

The Thai judicial system does not utilise juries, and judges decide the outcome of a trial based on their judgement of the evidence presented by both parties. In cases where the plaintiff and the defendant are not satisfied with a judge’s verdict, they can file an appeal to the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court.

In Thailand, a decision of a foreign court may be used as evidence in a trial if the judgment is authenticated by the relevant embassy or consulate and translated into Thai. The same goes for the decision of a domestic court, which can be used in a legal proceeding.

Defamation

Defamation is an offence under Section 423 of the Thai Penal Code, which defines defamation as “a statement made publicly that damages another’s reputation or credit in any way”. It can be a criminal or civil offence depending on the severity of the defamation. Defamation can be done through written or spoken words, and in addition to the penalties outlined in the Penal Code, offenders could be ordered to pay compensation to the victim.

In recent years, defamation cases have become commonplace in Thailand and have been used to target individuals who raise concerns about human rights violations, labour laws, corruption, or government or corporate failures. In fact, one company alone has been responsible for 39 cases, many of them concerning civil or criminal defamation, against a wide range of people including migrant workers, human rights defenders, journalists, and academics.

For example, a pineapple processing company was involved in a long-running legal battle with British labour activist Andy Hall after he exposed the mistreatment of the company’s workers. He faced repeated charges – sometimes guilty, and sometimes not – for over seven years until he decided to leave Thailand because the endless court appearances were too stressful.

The defamation laws in Thailand are strict and can have serious consequences for foreigners living or working in the country. It’s essential to be aware of the laws and the cultural norms before launching into any public comments. It’s also worth looking for a lawyer who has experience in out-of-court mediation to help you avoid lengthy legal proceedings.

Dispute Resolution in Thailand

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While Thailand is not considered to be a litigious society, many disputes still end up in Thai courts. To unclog court dockets, the Thai government has implemented policy initiatives to encourage the use of alternative dispute resolution methods.

In a mediation, parties select an arbitrator or panel who reviews evidence and arguments to make a binding decision. This provides a more predictable and quicker route to resolution than litigation.

The Judicial System

The judicial system in Thailand is adversarial with the courts handling both civil and criminal cases. There are three tiers of courts in Thailand: Courts of First Instance, the Courts of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

In the case of a criminal matter, the presiding judge has sole discretion to decide guilt or innocence as well as impose a sentence on the defendant. The jury system does not exist in Thailand. The courts in Thailand are mandated to operate impartially and there are many laws in place that protect judicial independence. Judges are not permitted to have vested interests in a case and are also subject to a code of ethics governing their conduct with disciplinary proceedings if they breach this code.

Court proceedings are conducted in the Thai language and witnesses must attend to affirm their testimony as well as be cross-examined. In some proceedings, the judge will actively participate in examining witnesses to ensure impartiality.

Generally, hearings are scheduled in a series of consecutive days and will continue until all evidence has been heard by the court. Alternatively, the judge can use an e-Hearing system which allows witness examinations to be conducted via video and audio recording systems.

In class action proceedings, the court will utilize an inquisitorial system which allows the court to search for additional facts. The court will render a decision at the end of the case and will issue a judgment setting out its findings.

Pre-Action Protocols

The general organisation of Thailand’s courts is adversarial. However, some courts, such as the Administrative Court, Labor Court, Constitutional Court, and Criminal Court for cases involving corruption and misconduct, operate under an inquisitorial system. This means that the courts can order investigations and gather evidence in a non-adversarial manner.

The courts’ jurisdiction in civil matters is determined by applying the principle of actor sequitur forum rei. This means that a claimant can only commence proceedings in the defendant’s court where: (i) the cause of action arose in the jurisdiction of the defendant’s forum; and/or (ii) the defendant is domiciled in the jurisdiction of the defendant’s forum.

Litigants can seek interim relief by filing a petition with the court. The court will examine the request and determine whether it is appropriate to grant such relief. Interim relief can include ordering a freeze on assets or orders to seize property. The court will also consider whether it is appropriate to grant security for costs.

The courts’ powers to render rulings on: (i) damages according to the circumstances and gravity of the breach; (ii) default interest as accrued from the date of committing the wrongful act or due date of the debt; (iii) litigation costs including witness fees, lawyer’s fees and other costs payable by law; (v) specific performance; and/or (vi) injunctions on actions are extensive.

Mediation

Achieving a satisfactory resolution to disputes can take time and money. It is also important to preserve relationships, and mediation is often a better solution than lengthy litigation, especially where it does not involve adversarial proceedings.

As such, it is a key tool in our ADR toolbox, and is particularly effective for Thailand dispute resolution with clients in the commercial, energy, construction, insurance, hotels, real estate, telecommunications, media technology and other sectors where relations can become complex. At DFDL, our team has extensive experience in advising and conducting mediations in the context of disputes across all these industries.

Both out-of-court and court-annexed mediation is available in Thailand. The courts, embracing the culture of the wider Thai society, strongly encourage mediation. Judges often order that the parties to a case attend court-annexed mediation before commencing a full hearing of the matter and they also frequently facilitate conciliation between disputing parties.

In addition, the Dispute Mediation Act 2562 (2019) has introduced an out-of-court mediation process for civil disputes with a value of not more than THB 5 million. If the dispute is resolved by mediation, an enforceable compromise agreement can be filed with the court. This enables parties to save time and money and avoid the long-term impact of litigation on their business relationship. In addition, the enforceable compromise agreement can also protect the rights and interests of disputing parties.

Arbitration

In Thailand, arbitration is one of the most common dispute resolution mechanisms in international commercial transactions. Arbitration is especially favored in the energy, mining and infrastructure sectors due to the preponderance of cross-border business. Arbitration proceedings are similar to litigation, with the disputing parties appointing an arbitrator or arbitration panel to hear evidence and make a decision, in accordance with rules agreed upon by the disputing parties.

While negotiation and mediation are often the preferred methods of alternative dispute resolution in the energy, mining and construction industries, most real estate and construction contracts in Thailand would contain a structured arbitration clause in case a conflict arises. The courts have not been a favored method of dispute resolution in these sectors in Thailand, and the courts are largely adversarial.

However, there are several hindrances to the adoption of arbitration in Thailand that need to be addressed. First, the legal profession and businesses need to be trained on what arbitration is, how to include an arbitration clause in a contract and the benefits of using an arbitration procedure.

Second, the Thai Arbitration Law has not been amended to align with international standards and best practices, which hinders efficiency in arbitration procedures. Third, there needs to be greater effort by the TAI and THAC to promote a culture of international arbitration in the country through training, seminars/webinars and activities with various industry sectors.

Trade Disputes in Thailand

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Trade Disputes in Thailand can arise from many causes, including differences in international and domestic trade agreements. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to resolve such disputes outside of the court system.

Depending on the type of case, courts may require mediation before witness hearings. This is the case for labor cases and some general civil cases.

Intellectual property laws

Businesses operating in Thailand face a variety of legal disputes, from contractual disagreements to intellectual property violations. Developing strategies for anticipating and addressing these disputes can help businesses avoid costly repercussions. Engaging experienced legal counsel familiar with Thai trade laws and international regulations is crucial. Including clear dispute resolution clauses in contracts is also advisable, and maintaining thorough documentation of commercial transactions, correspondence, and compliance can support claims or defenses if required.

Intellectual property (IP) disputes often involve allegations of infringement, such as trademarks, copyrights, and patents. IP protection can be enforced through civil and criminal proceedings.

The establishment of the Intellectual Property and International Trade Court demonstrates Thailand’s commitment to safeguarding intellectual property rights and promoting fair international trade practices. The specialized court has the authority to investigate and resolve disputes related to international trade. In addition, the court can impose fines and/or imprisonment.

Customs Act

The Customs Act governs all imports and exports in Thailand. It includes provisions for audits, investigations and the imposition of fines for offences such as non-compliance with customs procedures and false declarations. However, an offender can avoid a fine by demonstrating that the offence was not wilful or reckless.

The primary basis for calculating the value of imported goods in Thailand is their transaction value declared by the importer. This value may be adjusted by removing or adding certain elements, such as royalties and license fees. It is also possible to add design or development fees that are related to the goods.

In this dispute, the Philippines claimed that Thai Customs had violated their substantive and procedural obligations under Article X:3(a). They claimed that the practice of having government officials simultaneously serve on the board of TTM was inconsistent with their obligation to administer their customs laws in a reasonable and impartial manner.

Negotiation

Trade disputes are an inevitable part of global business, but they can be resolved with a structured legal framework. Negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and litigation are available methods of dispute resolution in Thailand. By prioritizing open communication and compliance with trade rules, businesses can prevent disputes from arising and maintain smooth trading relationships.

Disputes can arise from a variety of causes, including disagreements over contract terms, intellectual property rights, and tariffs. These conflicts are regulated by Thai laws and international trade agreements. Understanding the causes of trade disputes and their resolution mechanisms can help businesses avoid conflict and maintain a competitive edge in Thailand’s marketplace.

To resolve a dispute, parties must first negotiate. Generally, this process is conducted in the presence of a third party to ensure fair and impartial proceedings. In addition, both parties must understand the legal and cultural context of their dispute to achieve a satisfactory resolution. The services of a legal advisor can be invaluable in this regard.

Mediation

While disputes are an inevitable part of the business world, they can jeopardize your business and hinder progress toward success. However, you can avoid these disputes by negotiating a settlement through mediation. This process is a highly effective method of Thailand dispute resolution, as it allows the parties to discuss their issues and find solutions that are mutually acceptable. It also reduces costs and provides flexibility for both parties.

A professional mediator is impartial and promotes productive conversation between the parties. They are also trained to help the parties identify their cases’ strengths and weaknesses. They can even help the parties resolve their disputes outside of court.

Mediation can be initiated before filing a case or at any stage of litigation. It is available in most civil and commercial disputes and some criminal disputes involving compoundable offences. It also helps preserve relationships between the disputing parties.

Arbitration

Arbitration is a form of dispute resolution that takes place outside of the court system. The parties select an arbitrator or panel of arbitrators to review evidence and listen to arguments before making a binding decision called an “arbitral award.” Arbitration can be less expensive and quicker than litigation. It also offers more privacy than a court trial and can avoid public disclosure of sensitive information. It is a good idea to discuss and stipulate arbitration clauses during the drafting of contracts.

Common commercial disputes in Thailand include debt collection, intellectual property, shareholder disputes and consumer disputes. Having a basic understanding of the different types of commercial disputes and their resolution mechanisms will help businesses navigate the country’s unique legal framework. Additionally, it is helpful to have a lawyer experienced in Thai commercial law to protect the business’ interests and ensure compliance with local laws.

Litigation

The court system in Thailand is adversarial and based on the submission of evidence. Judges play a critical role in case management, and often question witnesses directly during trial hearings. In addition, the winning party is usually able to recover a significant portion of its legal fees. However, the amount recovered varies from case to case, and is based on the complexity or simplicity of the case and lawyer remuneration guidelines set out in the judicial system.

Businesses may be involved in disputes with trading partners due to a variety of factors. For example, disagreements over pricing or quality can result in trade disputes. Intellectual property infringement, such as piracy and counterfeiting, can also lead to a dispute. Other common disputes include shareholder conflicts and consumer complaints. Resolving trade disputes promptly helps maintain positive trading relationships and economic stability, and ensures fair competition and market access.

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