Affirmation of freedom to marry

[milicano007]

Hello

In order to get married in Thailand to a Thai lady I understand I have to provide an affirmation of freedom to marry.

I think this is a statement to declare I am single and free to marry, this is usually obtained in Bangkok from the British Embassy (I'm British) and costs around 3000 baht, then I think translated into Thai and stamped at the goverment office at Chaeng Wattana.

My question is can I get this document in the UK before I fly to Thailand? Can someone please explain what exactly the British Embassy and the Thai goverment office do at Chaeng Wattana ?

Thank you

[wooloomooloo]

You download a template from the internet and fill in the blanks yourself and take it to the Embassy. Very simple process.

[beano2274]

It must be certified by the British Embassy in Bangkok, otherwise it will not be accepted by the MFA.

The British Embassy just check the details that you supply as far as I am aware they do no background checks.

The MFA will just certify it after it has been translated into Thai, nothing else

[theoldgit]

Keep in mind that you need to make an appointment for the British Embassy for Notarial and documentary services

[blackcab]

No checks unless you have been married. Then they want to see the divorce papers or the death certificate.

[blackcab]

Hello

In order to get married in Thailand to a Thai lady I understand I have to provide an affirmation of freedom to marry.

I think this is a statement to declare I am single and free to marry, this is usually obtained in Bangkok from the British Embassy (I'm British) and costs around 3000 baht, then I think translated into Thai and stamped at the goverment office at Chaeng Wattana.

My question is can I get this document in the UK before I fly to Thailand? Can someone please explain what exactly the British Embassy and the Thai goverment office do at Chaeng Wattana ?

Thank you

The British Embassy check the layout and contents of the document you provide for obvious errors (spelling mistakes, wrong date of birth, etc.) They will ask if you are single, have children or have been previously married. If all is good then the Vice Consul signs the bottom of the document you provide, then adds 2 ink stamps and embosses it. That's it.

They also scan the document and keep a copy. When the MFA contact them (later in the process) they will confirm the document as genuine.

The MFA receives this document and also the translation you have obtained. The MFA checks the translation is absolutely correct. If it isn't (and it often isn't) they return it to the translator for amendments. The MFA also contacts the Embassy to confirm the document has a genuine signature of the Vice Consul on it.

After this the 2 pieces of paper are joined together, stamped and a sticker is added to the back of each page (the same type of sticker as used in Hague Convention countries).

When you go to the District Office to arrange the marriage, one of the things the officer needs to make a note of are the serial numbers on each sticker.

[blackcab]

You download a template from the internet and fill in the blanks yourself and take it to the Embassy. Very simple process.

I have been to the Consular section at the Embassy three times in the last month. The last time was this morning. On every occasion there was a different English guy there with his Thai partner. On every occasion they were sent away empty handed because they properly messed it up.

On one occasion the guy didn't even get through the front gate. He had downloaded a sample form, edited it with his own details, then printed it with the huge word 'SAMPLE' left in the background.

Today the guy had downloaded a form a couple of years out of date and tried to use that.

Sometimes I think some people need saving from themselves.

[IraqRon]

Is this affirmation of freedom to marry form required of foreign nationals getting married to each other here in Thailand.

Don't think it is required of Thais marring Thais so shouldn't be for foreign nationals, but with Thai logic wouldn't be surprised if it is needed.

[blackcab]

Is this affirmation of freedom to marry form required of foreign nationals getting married to each other here in Thailand.

Don't think it is required of Thais marring Thais so shouldn't be for foreign nationals, but with Thai logic wouldn't be surprised if it is needed.

It is needed, from both parties. That could potentially mean visits to two different embassies before going to the MFA together.

Thai people don't need to do this because the government keeps a database of the marital status of Thai people which is checked when Thai people marry (the records are only kept for marriages registered in Thailand).