I appreciate that this topic may have risen many times before. But help is required.

About a year ago I applied to adopt my Thai wife's daughter ( I am resident in Thailand) having been to the adoption office we were given a list of documents required for this action. After 9 months my wife went to the office again only to be given our documents back and further documents added. One is a letter from the the British Embassy ( I have already received a email from the Embassy saying that Thailand is NOT a designated country, so the embassy is not interested. The second task was for me to get a lawyer, who would guide me to a physiatrist for him to say I am sane enough for adoption. I have been informed on good authority that this is a scam to take the work load off the adoption office and that it is the adoption office to access me.

CAN ANYONE GIVE ME FURTHER ADVICE IN THIS MATTER.

Decide first what you actually want, a Thai adoption according to Thai law and recognised by Thailand OR an international adoption according to both Thai and UK law. The last is more difficult, but could result in the child getting your nationality.

Thank you, for this information Mario. I have no intention of returning to the UK to live. So a Thai adoption is what I am after, BUT. If this finally gets approved, would we be able to change my step daughters surname.

Yes, she could than have your name.

I have heard of a case of where the Thai social welfare department insisted on an inetrnational adoption, as they deemed that better for the child.

Some mebers should be able to give you some advise as they have gone through it themselves. Make sure you get a lawyer that knows about adoption laws.

There is some info here: http://thailawonline.com/en/family/children/adoption.html