I found out a few weeks ago that an American friend of mine in Bangkok had passed away last year. He was in his late 60's but had a Thai girlfriend and they had a son back in 2015. Checking with her and the American Embassy it appears that for whatever reason he never registered the son with the American Embassy. The wife is a bit clueless but if the son is registered as a citizen he would be entitled to half of whatever my friend was receiving in Social Security payments until he is 18. And that would be very helpful to them.

 

I have been in contact with the Embassy and they sent me a link of all the needed documentation - but it all assumes the man (or the US Citizen) is alive and doing this. And the wife again is in no position to fill out documents and some of the information clearly has to come from his family back home, who have so far been helpful and know the situation.

 

I was just wondering if anyone here had had an experience such as this and how difficult was this? I am thinking of hiring a Thai lawyer to manage the process as I will be leaving Thailand in a week for a few months. My friend's death was registered with the Embassy and the birth certificate of the son shows my friend's name on it which hopefully will help. If people think this is easily doable I will just wait till I get back and do it. But if people know of and can recommend an honest and competent Thai lawyer who handles these sorts of things that might be the best way to go.

 

Thanks

 

Brian

Afraid I can't help but just want to indicate my appreciation for the help you are giving to this family. Shows the kind of person you are. Good luck.

 

I have two boys who have been set up with UK passports as well as Thai. I would definitely encourage all that can pass on foreign citizenship to family members to do so. Do not delay otherwise the process will likely be far more difficult for those left behind.