mht

What are the Pros and Cons of registering a marriage at the Amphur?

My observation in registering a Thai marriage with the Ampur is that it 'restricts' the Thai spouse from certain services. In addition, a Thai spouse who wishes to have several Rai of land has to forego purchasing because of the 'foreign' last name. Cannot help but wonder what other problems there may be for a registered marriage of a Thai wife and 'foreign' husband?

This site has many pages and comments regarding Land Ownership and Leasing. It is my opinion that it would be much easier to have a Lease Agreement with a Thai spouse 'without' the foreign last name?

Some may say that you can inherit land from a Thai spouse therefore it would be much better to have a Registered marriage. I go back to some of the opinions regarding 'inheritance'. A 'foreign' spouse can inherit from a Thai spouse BUT Cannot remain on the land beyond 1 year, because we cannot own the land?

As I see it, the reality of registering a marriage is the following: You restrict the Thai spouse from obtaining land, Thai health care (30 Baht system), and I do not what else she could possibly be loosing out on?

I would like to hear from others that have an opinion regarding Registering and NOT Registering a Thai marriage at the Ampur? And, is there a benefit in having a Land Lease agreement with a non-registered marriage.

1. There is no restriction on the amount of land a thai married to a foreigner can own. There is however a 1 rai restriction on land which can be inherited.

2. Having a foreign name makes no difference to holding or offering a lease.

3. You can inherit as a "Statutory Heir" in certain circumstances! A good lawyer should ensure the will is drafted correctly.

Many people think that by not changing the wife's name, or not registering the marriage, they can get around the law. However No. Mor. Thor 0710/Vor 792 dated 23 March 1999 clearly states that Lawful or unlawful marriages are to be treated in the same way, and are both required to follow the same Land Laws regarding foreigners.

If a Thai spouse takes a European surname land/ property be registered in both names. In the name of both husband and wife