I am married to a thai girl and we are planning to move from the uk and live in thailand.(she has lived in the uk for the last 4 years) will we need a thai marriage certificate to apply for the relevant visa's

A translated copy of the Brit certificate is all you'll need.

Applying for a Tha marriage certificate would probably amount to Bigamy,

as you are already married to her.

A translated copy of the Brit certificate is all you'll need.

Thanks for the info Dr

Applying for a Tha marriage certificate would probably amount to Bigamy,

as you are already married to her.

Asral projection

did you think that one up while your mind was on another plane

Would the translation have to be an official document from a thai consulate

You probably won't even need to translate your marriage certificate into Thai to get your 'relevant visa.' (Which, I assume, would be a NonImmigrant 'O" based on marriage to a Thai.)

In my case, all's I've had to do at the Thai Embassy in Wash DC is provide a copy of my marriage certificate (non-translated English version), copy of wife's Thai ID card, and a letter from her stating we're still married (the latter when she did not accompany me to the Embassy -- and it too was in English). I've done this several times, with no problems. I would imagine this would be the case in the UK too, English being the host language and all.

I'd certainly check this out before going to time and expense getting official certification and then translation. Then, when you get to Thailand, you can more easily translate and certify your marriage certificate, which you'll need if and when you visit Thai Immigration for annual visa extensions based on marriage. I haven't done this yet, but Dr PP knows the details on translation and certification procedures.

Having said all this, you might just meet a jerk clerk who will insist on Thai translation. From what I've read on this forum, Hull Consulate is a much better choice to obtain hassle-free your NonImm 'O" than Embassy in London. Believe you can do all this via mail too (maybe a Brit can confirm this). Or maybe you already live in Hull, based on your moniker(?).

Thanks for the tips jim. I will take a trip to the thai consulate in hull....Yes I am from hull but I now live in leeds (60 miles away). I didnt even know there was a thai consulate in hull untill I came across this forum

Would the translation have to be an official document from a thai consulate

An accredited translator will do the job. You can use a translator in Thailand when you are here. The Consulate in Hull will accept the Brit certificate. Immigration may want a translation when you extend your visa in Thailand.