I am a Thailand Work Permit holder and I have been advised that although it is better to be a holder of a marriage certificate Thailand Law recognises "common law marriages".

My "Wife" is Filipina and we have been together for 3 years living as Man & Wife. Tying the knot legally is going to be delayed for Philippine documentation permitting her to have her annulment recognised (for me is no problem) and we wish to avoid the trips out of the country on a two monthly basis to get her visa renewed.

Can anyone advise the legality and process to resolve this matter?

I am a Thailand Work Permit holder and I have been advised that although it is better to be a holder of a marriage certificate Thailand Law recognises "common law marriages".

My "Wife" is Filipina and we have been together for 3 years living as Man & Wife. Tying the knot legally is going to be delayed for Philippine documentation permitting her to have her annulment recognised (for me is no problem) and we wish to avoid the trips out of the country on a two monthly basis to get her visa renewed.

Can anyone advise the legality and process to resolve this matter?

Most laws in Thailand, including Immigration, do not recognise "common law" marriages.

You are not married. Until you have either a valid marriage overseas or one that is registered at a District Office in Thailand you will not be regarded as married here.

Agreed, legal advise i've recieved and first hand experience says they don't recognise Common Law relationships in Thai family law courts.

Edited March 9, 200620 yr by Farma

Thanks to all for prompt replies. I was also of the opinion that the information could be incorrect hence my question. There are other avenues of resolving the visa trips but I will ensure they are reviewed carefully.

I highly advise you reconsider any such consideration if you mean what it appears you mean. Or the next false information may not be resolved in a forum message.