thailand
Ask question

Is there only one Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Thailand, and can agents assist with marriage document processing?

Thai Ministry of Foreign AffairsMarriage Registration in ThailandVisa and Immigration ProcessesDocument NotarizationThai Marriage DocumentsExpat Resources Thailand
Oct 4, 2023
a year ago
Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
1) is there only one "ministry of foreign affairs" in Thailand? I've heard nightmares about getting in at Bangkok.

2) are there agents that just handle this step for marriage process?
1,237
views
1
likes
39
all likes
29
replies
2
images
9
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Thailand has only one main office located in Bangkok, where marriage documents must be co-notarized after translation and notarization by your embassy. Appointments are necessary for any service there, and there are also translation companies and agents available that can assist with the process. Services for notarization can also be found at other locations like MBK Mall, and some users report being able to obtain necessary stamps at different government offices or by postal mail. Due to the complexity and long waits at the MFA, many expats prefer to hire agents for convenience.
Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Okay talked to a guy who took his translated docs to this place not the MFA. What is it?
a year ago
Like
Reply
Mick *********
@Jack ***************
 that's the mfa at mbk mall in Bangkok. 5th floor just after the passport office.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Mick *********
You need to make an appointment to take your translated documents. Pay at the same appointment and they will give you a receipt with the date you can collect.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Mick *********
Reply
Nongnuch ********
@Jack ***************
 it seems to be an office subordinate to the MFA. somebody mentioned it above
a year ago
Like
Reply
Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nongnuch *******
 what I am wondering is if "whatever it is" exists in other cities too.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 do you know what this is and if it's a thing I can find in other cities? I think this may be the Keystone.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Alistair **********
@Jack ***************
********************************************
%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%96%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%B5%E0%B9%88%E0%B9%83%E0%B8%AB%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%93%E0%B9%8C%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3
a year ago
Like
Reply
Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Alistair *********
 so a dept of consular affairs is the name for the places that can do the counter stamp?
a year ago
Like
Reply
Alistair **********
@Jack ***************
 the department of consular affairs would be one of the departments of the MFA. They deal with consular issues, Passports, etc. You'll need to go to a specific location that offers legalisation services, as most branches they have would be only passport offices. You need to book an appointment, they don't accept walk in anymore (at least not in the two Bangkok offices)

Otherwise just pay for an agent to do it if you want a hassle free option.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
@Jack ***************
 no clue but I'd imagine most official government things you're only going to find in Bangkok
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am being told by other agent types you can actually get the stamp at other government offices. It does seem weird that every foreigner marriage involves a face to face at that one location (other than through agents). I've also been told now you can do it by post.

Any input?
a year ago
Like
Reply
Nongnuch ********
that's the advantage of registering the marriage in Thailand. Then you only need a fresh marriage certificate from the local Amphur , which costs 20.- Baht and will get printed the same day
a year ago
Like
Reply
Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nongnuch *******
 I am not understanding sorry. I hate to be dense. It's looking clear that this stamp can be given in other locations, I just want to unravel wtf is going on
a year ago
Like
Reply
Nongnuch ********
@Jack ***************
 the MfA "over-authentication" is what it is, many expats and married couples need one every year If Immigration wants to see, then there is no way around it (except you move to another location and try your luck with another immigration office).
a year ago
Like
Reply
Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nongnuch *******
 I've heard some have trouble with the annual renewal and I gather Chang Rai is one of the worst. But I'll burn that bridge when I get there.

It looks like some people are able to get the second notarisation (?) At passport offices. But the story is not very clear
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Jack ****************
Reply
Jim **********
Its a long day!!
a year ago
Like
Reply
Gary ****
There's a couple of agents at Trendy building soi 13 that do this. We'll worth paying them to save a day of your life at CW. I went once, never again.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Steve *******
Plenty of agents around the Foreign Embassies that will translate documents and get certification from the MFA.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Alistair **********
There's two locations to get documents notarized by MFA in Bangkok. One in Changwattana, the other at MBK. You need an appointment.

Your translation company can normally handle this for you if you want. You can send documents in via post as well to MFA
a year ago
Like
Reply
Steve **********
Some translation companies will go there for you.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve *********
 conceptually or you have one?
a year ago
Like
Reply
Steve **********
@Jack ***************
 the one I used did. I forget the company though
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Steve **********
Reply
Nongnuch ********
there is only ONE Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok. It's where your marriage documents need to be "co-notarized" after they have been translated and notarized by your embassy in Bangkok. You need an appointment!
******************************
a year ago
Like
Reply
Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nongnuch *******
 I am a bit dumb, but I don't see any way to make an appointment.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Nongnuch ********
@Jack ***************
 Maybe just visit them and see what happens –

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

443 Sri Ayudhya Road Bangkok
*****


Office Hours : Monday - Friday, 08.30 - 16.30

(Except public and offcial holidays)
a year ago
Like
Reply
Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nongnuch *******
 another member said there are always about 100 people waiting when they open and they only take 20 a day. I'm looking for a better strategy.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Nongnuch ********
@Jack ***************
 they know how to "grease the wheels" and you will be helped within a fair amount of time
a year ago
Like
Reply
Nongnuch ********
@Jack ***************
 yes that's why you will need the service of an agency
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Michael ********
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Michael ********
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
What steps should I take to get marriage documents translated and certified in Thailand?
35 comments
3 months ago
How can I book an appointment for document translation and stamping at the MFA in Thailand?
8 comments
6 months ago
How can I find an agent to assist with document legalization at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Thailand?
4 comments
9 months ago
Does the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in Thailand only legalize documents translated into Thai for visa processing?
3 comments
a year ago
Where can I get my documents officially translated for immigration in Bangkok?
5 comments
a year ago
Where can I get my marriage certificate notarized in Bangkok for my non-O visa extension?
14 comments
a year ago
What are some recommended wedding agents in Bangkok for expats marrying Thai citizens?
11 comments
a year ago
What is the current process and timeline for getting married at an Amphur in Bangkok for foreigners?
19 comments
a year ago
Do you need to book an appointment at the MFA for document translation and certification in Thailand?
7 comments
2 years ago
What are the steps and contacts for arranging marriage documentation in Thailand?
10 comments
2 years ago
Does the Ministry of Foreign Affairs certify translated documents on the same day in Thailand?
6 comments
2 years ago
Is it possible to get translation and certification from the Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs in one day before my appointment at the American Embassy?
22 comments
2 years ago
Do I need to get my marriage documents certified by my embassy to register my marriage in Thailand?
14 comments
2 years ago
What is the process for obtaining a marriage affidavit and passport certification as a US citizen at the US embassy in Bangkok?
5 comments
2 years ago
Is there a service that can handle my documents at the MFA on my behalf?
7 comments
2 years ago
Can I get my 'freedom to marry' translation certified in Chiang Mai?
31 comments
3 years ago
What are recommended services for marriage registration in Bangkok for Thai and foreign couples?
6 comments
3 years ago
Can I go to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok in person for document stamping related to my visa extension?
6 comments
4 years ago
Is it possible to get same day translation and stamp from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for my visa application in Thailand?
9 comments
5 years ago
What documents do I need to register my marriage in Thailand after marrying in the US?
10 comments
6 years ago
What is the process and cost for legalizing English translations of Thai birth certificates at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok?
13 comments
7 years ago
How can I authenticate my documents for marriage in Thailand if I am a foreigner?
18 comments
7 years ago
What are the current requirements for legal documents when getting married in Thailand as a foreigner?
58 comments
7 years ago
What are some recommended translation companies in Bangkok that can assist with English to Thai translations and notarization at the MFA?
3 comments
7 years ago
Can I legalize my affirmation to marry in Chiang Mai, or do I need to go to Bangkok?
20 comments
7 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.