Marriage Registration

[skytraining]

Hi

I have renewed my Non-Imm 'O' on basis of a Thai spouse twice now, but last year they told me that our UK wedding certificate (which has been given the official stamp of approval by the UK embassy) was no longer sufficient, and that we would need to register our marriage with the local "khet" office too. What does this mean in real terms? We are legally married in the UK, but not here in Thailand (my wife is still a Miss in Thai).

Has anyone else had to do this/heard of this rule?

Thanks!

[caf]

I have not heard of that rule, and as you say you have renewed with no problems before.

It is also not logical. If for example you divorced in the uk and obtained embassy confirmation, would you have to get "divorced" again in Thailand.

You are right to seek clarification. Western logic does not usually apply in Thailand

If you were told that information by an officer who misread the rules you still have the problem of he/she admitting it without losing face. Just try another officer and make no fuss.

But let's see if any further light can be thrown on this.

[lopburi3]

It is required that you register your marriage certificate (translated) with a district office and obtain the copy of the page it is listed on from that office. All persons who use marriage extension of stay are now being asked for this extra paper (if not on file) - not just those with foreign marriages.

Edit: you are married regardless - so no last minute reprieve by not doing so.

[Mario2008]

You don't marry again, it is only a notification to the Thai government that you are married and the Thai government will now have that on file.

It also doesn't mean that you have to divorce twise, if it comes to that. But you might need to notify both countries if you divorce.