Need ruling from Juvenile Court

[Abroad]

Dear all

First, here's the background story. Have kids with Thai women, kids are born in Thailand, we were not married. Married recently and went to my embassy to apply for citizenship for my kids. Embassy denies applications and says I need to go to Juvenile Court.

According to Thai law, I am now legally the father after marriage. However, I need a document from Juvenile Court as getting married was not enough according to the laws of my country (Sweden). They give me two documents, one is a sample of the document required and one is how to get said document. My wife calls number on document and get no useful answers. They seem equally confused as, I suppose, all is well according to Thai law and they don't understand why I would want any more documents. I spoke to one lawyer and he sounds unsure as well. While waiting for a reply from him, I have attached the document here for you to see.

I've spoken to Mario2008 previously on this matter and have read his posts on this subject but I am unable to find them again.

I'd like to know the best way to proceed now as time and funds are limited. I am currently in Bangkok.

[Sheryl]

Moving this to family & children forum for better response.

[Mario2008]

I would advise to contact a lawyer or children right organization in Sweden for advise, as your problem is with Swedish law. In some countries it is indeed not enough to legitimize the child at the amphur, but a court order is needed.

That could also be a court order from a Swedish court. Normally there are two options to achieve that the children get your nationality, you legitimize the children or (on behalf of) the children a paternity suit is filed against you.

Legitimization and a paternity suit can have different consequences, all depending on Swedish law. Also the cost for the procedure might be different. It are things you can ask about.

A Thai court ruling is as said indeed sometimes required and might be quicker and cheaper. But no idea about how to go about it. You could ask advise from isaanlawyers, they should have experience with this if no other member can give you advise about their own experience.

[Abroad]

Sheryl: Thanks for moving thread to the appropriate forum. I've now found Mario2008's thread with great info.

Just to clarify, the embassy gave me the sample document attached in my post. Once I have that document, they will accept my application. I'm just a bit confused as to what exactly that document says and how to ask for it at the court. As I mentioned, wife called earlier and did not get any clear answers either.

[Arkady]

Sheryl: Thanks for moving thread to the appropriate forum. I've now found Mario2008's thread with great info.

Just to clarify, the embassy gave me the sample document attached in my post. Once I have that document, they will accept my application. I'm just a bit confused as to what exactly that document says and how to ask for it at the court. As I mentioned, wife called earlier and did not get any clear answers either.

The document seems to be incomplete. The Thai portion from the court is just a preamble explaining the procedure for a father to acknowledge paternity of a child born out of wedlock and without the need to get married. There is a list of personal documents needed and it lists a B200 fee plus B500 for an advertisement. There is no ruling in the document but since it seems to have been legalised by a Thai consular official, I assume there was a ruling after the preamble but it has not been included.

Why not go with your wife or a another Thai speaker to the court and ask how to go about things? They will probably tell you for free what a lawyer would charge an arm and leg for. I am sure Thais, who can't afford lawyers, are doing just that every day of the week. Nothing to lose, if you have the time. It seems to be a rather simple and inexpensive legal procedure but it might take some time to become final.