Hi,

My wife and I have been married for nearly 8 years. Married as in we had the monk ceremony at her home. We have never been to Bangkok to obtain the marriage cert, or acquired it in the province where we got married.

Eight years later, we have the time to go, and it can affect our life together (visas, tax etc.)

I am English. My wife is Thai.

Can someone explain the procedure we need to follow to acquire the marriage certificate?

Many thanks in advance.

The good news is that you are not and never have been legally married !

Ask your girl friend to check with the local amphur what their requirements are. As a minimum you will have to obtain an affidavit of freedom to marry from your Embassy.

Marriage certificates are only issued following due legal process.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/421426/Publication__Marriage_Guidance_-_Feb_2015.pdf

Edited April 24, 201511 yr by nzexpat

You will first need to get an affirmation of permit to marry from the UK embassy. Info: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/information-for-british-nationals-intending-to-marry-in-thailand.

You then have to have it translated to Thai and the translation certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The translation service can do the certification for you.

When you have the above you can then register your marriage at any Amphoe.

Here's a start:

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

Here's more info from the U.S. Embassy, I didn't see similar for the UK's:

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

Mac

Thank you all very much for your informative replies. I shall now endevour to get married.