Question regarding how to register marriage in Thailand for American citizens

[mrjohndub]

Hello, I've recently gotten married and have done all of the steps of paperwork that I can find information about on various consular and legal services websites.

-I went to get an affidavit that I was not previously married

-Had it translated to Thai

-Went to the Amphoe, got the marriage certificate

-Had them translated to English

Now, I'm ready to head to the US Consulate (in Chiang Mai) with the intent of registering my marriage or having the documents notarized...except...

I don't see any further procedures listed. I do see that it basically says Thai marriages are not officially recognized by the USA. However, am I just interpreting this information incorrectly?

I do understand that there are procedures for getting spouse visas and all. My wife and I only plan to travel periodically to the States (such as at this Christmas) and will not soon be seeking to move there.

Is there some step or procedure I'm missing? I just want it to be as official as possible in the US, and make it easy for my wife to obtain travel visas from time to time. I hope I'm not wasing my time with a trip from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai tomorrow. I have a morning appointment and have taken leave from work.

Please forgive my ignorance, but I'm stunned not to see more clear information online as to what my options or responsibilities are.

Thank you for any advice!

[pmarlin]

From the American counselor service website , US Embassy.

A legal marriage in Thailand consists of both parties registering their marriage in person with the local Thai Amphur (Civil Registry Office). The United States does recognize the validity of such a marriage. For American citizens marrying either Thai citizens or another American citizen, the procedure is the same. For Americans marrying a third-country national, their prospective spouse must also follow a similar procedure with their own embassy.

http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/service/marriage.html

It is recognized and they don't register marriages.