I am a Singaporean who had been living with my Thai wife for 17 years. We have a 9 years old son. We never register for marriage but have been living together harmoniously. My son is holding a Thai passport. I want to bring my son to Singapore to celebrate Chinese New Year for 1 week and my wife dont want to join us. My son have my surname. I would like to know or seek advice on what documents I need to show Thai immigration for them to allow my son to exit Thailand with me? thank you.

I'm not an expert, but I thought that Thai citizens (e.g. your son) are allowed to pass through the border freely with valid travel documents. With or without you.

Normally, his Thai passport should be valid for at least 6 months, and a return ticket (if he has one). I assume he does not have a Thai ID yet (?) - but if he has, might as well bring it too. And to be kia-su, his address in Singapore (although the Sing Immigration would need this more than the Thai).

There is a form you have to obtain from your local thai government office. For any child under the age of 18. You will also need the mother signature with this.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

thank you for all your valuable information.

We had to also show my sons birth certificate but this was his first time leaving Thailand.

Hi Malcoml, thank you for the additional information. My son had traveled overseas many times and his passport had China visa and Schengen Visa with many visits to Singapore. however, this will be the first time we both travel without his mother.

When leaving for first time, birth certificate is recommended.

Also recommended is bringen a note with copy of ID-card from the mother giving you permission to travel abroad with the child. Normally it is only checked if the child has a different surname than the person travelling with, but have seen recent reports of immigration asking it even with the same last name.

Hi Mario, I think you are right. It is better to prepare all those neccesary documents you recommended. My son have the same surname as me.

i have in the past (1996-2008) traveled with my thai/american daughter all over Asia an back an forth to the states,

was never asked for anything other than her passport ,flying out of Bangkok, Phuket and crossing various land borders.

never had any paper from "her mom"

More and more countries are becoming aware of child abduction issues and are taking steps to try and prevent same.

Better to have the paperwork suggested by members above and not need it than to need it and not have it!

yes, I think it will be a case of "better be safe than sorry" situation. My son speak perfect English, Mandarin and Thai and we really look alike. Then again, all it take is a grouchy immigration officer who has a bad mood to spoil everything.

I took my 6 yo daughter to HKG - it wasn't the 1st time for us to travel, but this time was the first (of many) time it was only the 2 of us. Wasn't asked anything at immigration here nor at HKG. If you want to feel safer, just get your wife's ID copy with her writing she allows your son to travel with you alone. I suggest NOT to show this at immigration (nor any other document like birth certificate) if not asked for.