I am curious as to what is the actual Thai definition of 'Wife' The Thai police and lawyers are of a view that if you live with a woman for 6 months that they are considered to be your wife thus entitled to 50% of your wealth? Thus in the eyes of the law she is entitled if she so wishes to sell your motorbike or car?

I really doubt this because else there would be no marriage registration or need to marry at an amphur. I think they have been telling you some lies.

As far as I know, Thailand does not recognize de facto. The marriage must be legally registered in order to apply for a visa, obtain tax breaks, etc etc.

Only someone registered as married are married. Hence only then is she your legal wife for purpose of tax breaks etc.

Of course she and her lawyer will tell you something else when they try to fleece the shirt off your back.

http://www.huahinlawonline.com/index.php/family-law-marriage-prenups-wills/85-thai-common-law-marriage-/

The only marraige that is reconised by the Thai governemt is that which is done at the Government amphur office

you need this for a visa based on Marriage as well as many other government benifits as well as taking her home to your country

Thai women get treat very badly. they seem to have no rights when it comes to civil law.

Thai women get treat very badly. they seem to have no rights when it comes to civil law.

Ah yes but judging by the "stories" on here they seem to more than make up for it!!

Marriage requires a registration at the amphur.

There are countries where a persons living togeher for a certain time gain rights if they decide to part. Thailand is as far as I know not one of them and 6 months seems a short time.

Under Thai law when one divorces you only share what was acquired during the marriage, not what one already had before the marriage. (And that inlcudes the debts). Also there is no alimony in Thailand, only child support.

Unlike in the West, partnerships known as common law marriages are not recognised in Thailand.

This has advantages and disadvantages.

For example under Thai law a registered married couple are both entitled to 50% of all assets in equal shares belonging to each partner. However, this rule can still be open to a judge’s discretion during a divorce case.

Regarding a live in partner or girlfriend, although she has no claims on any assets belonging to the boyfriend, whatever is given or placed in the name of the girlfriend can be regarded as a gift, unless there are some forms of pre- legal contracts or agreements, which state otherwise. If in the case of a farang where he uses a Thai girlfriend as a front for purchasing of property or a business that he is not legally entitled to own, and then the relationship turns sour, he could have big problems and stands to lose all. This may also be the case even when legally registered as married.