I was thinking of getting married,not because I want to but I need to.

I am an old age pensioner from the UK and I have a private pension which is more than enough (with my government pension) to live here comfortably with my girlfriend. I am 67 (and dont plan to die just yet) and the girlfriend is 48. The problem is that when I die my pensions finish.

Unless I'm married, in which case 2/3rds of my private pension goes to my wife as long as she lives. Which would give her enough to live comfortably.

So I need to get married. What I am looking for is advice on how to do it as cheaply and as easy as possible with just enough paperwork to satisfy my Pension Company that I am married.

Thanking you all in advance

Roger

Here is a good place to start.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/information-for-british-nationals-intending-to-marry-in-thailand

Thanks LB, thats a start but its the Thai end I need to know about.

Thanks LB, thats a start but its the Thai end I need to know about.

The Thai end starts with the paperwork you need from the embassy, the affirmation letter, as described in the link.

Once you have this letter from your embassy you need to have it translated into Thai, many translation agencies near the embassy and should not be more than 400 baht. Next step is to have the embassy letter and the translation legalized by the Thai ministry of foreign affairs, consular department. The check the document and stamp it. 800 baht for same day service if you bring it before 12:00 hours and 400 bah for regular service, they will send it to your home for an additional 65 baht and you have it within 7 days.

(make a copy of the affirmation letter from the embassy, the Thai translation and the legalization by the Thai ministry in case you ever need it).

When you have the document legalized you can go to any amphur with your wife to be to get married. (They might require that you bring two witnesses). You bring your passport and affirmation letter and she brings her Thai ID-card. At the amphur they will check the documents and enter the marriage in the wedding register and you both get a flowery wedding certificate. Now you are officially married.

Since you wan to use the marriage certificate or the English pension, contact your pension provider which document confirming the marriage they might want to see. Easier to arrange while you are still alive and kicking.

Many thanks Mario, most helpful.