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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?
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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
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Mick *********
@Jack ***************
 that's the mfa at mbk mall in Bangkok. 5th floor just after the passport office.
a year ago
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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
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Mick *********
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Nongnuch ********
@Jack ***************
 it seems to be an office subordinate to the MFA. somebody mentioned it above
a year ago
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Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nongnuch *******
 what I am wondering is if "whatever it is" exists in other cities too.
a year ago
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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
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Alistair **********
@Jack ***************
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a year ago
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Jack ****************
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@Alistair *********
 so a dept of consular affairs is the name for the places that can do the counter stamp?
a year ago
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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
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Brandon ************
@Jack ***************
 no clue but I'd imagine most official government things you're only going to find in Bangkok
a year ago
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Brandon ************
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Jack ****************
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Jim **********
Its a long day!!
a year ago
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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
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Steve *******
Plenty of agents around the Foreign Embassies that will translate documents and get certification from the MFA.
a year ago
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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
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Steve **********
Some translation companies will go there for you.
a year ago
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Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve *********
 conceptually or you have one?
a year ago
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Steve **********
@Jack ***************
 the one I used did. I forget the company though
a year ago
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Steve **********
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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!
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a year ago
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Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nongnuch *******
 I am a bit dumb, but I don't see any way to make an appointment.
a year ago
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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
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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
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Nongnuch ********
@Jack ***************
 they know how to "grease the wheels" and you will be helped within a fair amount of time
a year ago
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Nongnuch ********
@Jack ***************
 yes that's why you will need the service of an agency
a year ago
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Nongnuch ********
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Michael ********
a year ago
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Michael ********
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