thailand
Ask question

What checklist items should I consider while living in Thailand if I am married to a Thai citizen?

Thai CitizenshipLiving in ThailandExpatsThai VisaOpening a Bank AccountMarriage CertificateHouse Book (Tabien Baan)Thai IDDirect Deposit AccountThai Driver's License
Mar 11, 2021
4 years ago
Greg *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Assuming I'm married to a Thai citizen, can anyone give me a bullet-point checklist •✅ of other items to consider (in addition to opening a bank account) doing while in Thailand in case we decide to return to live here later? I'm looking for things that are harder to do when abroad.
1,551
views
1
likes
46
all likes
29
replies
0
images
11
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
If you're married to a Thai citizen and considering returning to live in Thailand, here are important items to consider: - **Open a bank account** in your name only. - **Obtain Thai ID** and a **House Book (Tabian Baan)**, which can be crucial for residency and visa matters. - **Get a Thai driver's license**; have a valid license from your home country to simplify this process. - Scan and keep copies of essential documents, like your **marriage certificate** and **children's birth certificates**. - Ensure the **marriage license** is recognized at the local Amphor office in Thailand. - Have a reliable **mailing address** in Thailand, and consider having utility bills sent there for proof of residence. - Depending on your situation, **translations** of legal documents may also be necessary.
RV *************
Get your children's Thai birth certificate in your country.

Get your marriage license recognize here at local Amphor office.

Get Thai pink ID and Tabien ban,
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Sammy *******
Google is your friend!
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Oliver *******************
A yellow residence book, marriage certificate nd passport I did it yesterday that's all I needed
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Eric **********
And the bank account in your name only.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Greg *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Eric *********
 Okay, thanks for that tip. Wasn't sure if a jointly-owned account would be the right choice.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Eric **********
@Gregory ********
 For a retirement visa.. your name only.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Andy ********
@Eric *********
 or a marriage visa.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Andy ********
Reply
Steve **********
open a direct deposit account.

Get a Thai drivers license

Mailing address
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Greg *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Question,
@Steve *********
: Is there any specific type of mail that I should have sent to this mailing address (e.g. utility bills?)?
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Steve **********
@Gregory ********
 both Thai mail and EMS are excellent
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Steve **********
Reply
Greg *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Unfortunately I ran out of time to get an IDP (which I understand can make it easier to get a Thai drivers license) so I guess I'll have to save that for a later visit.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Steve **********
@Gregory ********
 when you return have a VALID licence from your own country. It's a snap.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Steve **********
Reply
Paul *******
Thai ID and Thai House book.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Greg *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
OK thanks
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Greg *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ******
 What IS this "house book" I keep hearing about?
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Steve *******
@Gregory ********
 It's the 'blue book' stating your wifes registered address in Thailand. She'll know what it is. Signed copies of it needed for a non imm O based on marriage.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Barry **********
@Gregory ********
 The house book is called Tabian baan. Ask your wife she will be well aware. You won't get one until you live there permanently.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Barry **********
Reply
Paul *******
+
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Gareth ********
Nothing other than a bank account. It’s worthwhile scanning important documents so you can access them at any time. My wife will sign her name on any relating to her, prior to scanning.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Han ********
Maybe a (certified) translation of your wife's birth certificate, and marriage certificate. This may be needed for certain things in Western countries.

Although typically a translation can't be too old when using it, so unless you have plans to arrange specific things then it's probably not worth the bother.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Andy ********
@Han *******
 it is definitely worth the bother to have your marriage certificate translated. It will make things like pensions and property so much easier in your home country.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Greg *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Han *******
 The goal would be to live in Thailand, though, so translation probably not needed
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Greg *********
Reply
Bim *******
In which country did you marry
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Greg *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I saw that list and, wow, it's pretty extensive! Trying to figure out what jobs ARE allowed for farangs. 🙄 Any properties would be in her name.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Greg *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I also mentioned that in my OP, Bim
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Greg *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thailand
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Bim *******
@Gregory ********
 OK. If you have been married before get a court document from the court in your country where the divorce was done. This will need translating when you are here.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Greg *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bim ******
 Thanks, but I mean post-marriage.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Bim *******
@Gregory ********
 open a bank account. Some banks will allow it even on a tourist visa
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Bim *******
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 do I need to open a bank account in Udon Thani as a foreigner married to a Thai citizen?
31 comments
3 months ago
What should I prepare or do in the US before moving permanently to Thailand in 40 days?
131 comments
4 months ago
What documents do I need to apply for a marriage visa in Thailand?
2 comments
5 months ago
What is the best path for a US citizen married to a Thai national to obtain Thai permanent residency or citizenship?
15 comments
5 months ago
What documents are needed to remarry in Thailand after a divorce and change to a marriage visa?
36 comments
6 months ago
What is the recommended sequence of events when moving to Thailand for expats?
60 comments
8 months ago
How difficult is it for a US citizen married to a Thai resident to live in Thailand?
64 comments
8 months ago
What are the requirements for a foreign wife applying for a marriage visa in Thailand?
53 comments
9 months ago
What are the steps and considerations for applying for a long-term married visa in Thailand as an expat with a Thai spouse?
24 comments
2 years ago
What are the steps to move to Thailand from the UK when married to a Thai citizen?
10 comments
2 years ago
What documents are needed for a marriage-based visa extension in Thailand?
20 comments
2 years ago
What do I need to know about using my wife's Blue Book for my spousal visa application in Thailand?
19 comments
2 years ago
What should American men know about marrying a Thai national and US tax requirements?
16 comments
2 years ago
What are the steps and considerations for marrying a Thai national and obtaining a marriage visa in Thailand?
132 comments
3 years ago
What are the requirements for a Thai spouse visa if the husband is currently living abroad?
5 comments
3 years ago
What documents are required for a 1-year visa extension based on marriage to a Thai citizen in Koh Samui?
4 comments
3 years ago
What are the requirements for opening a bank account in Thailand for a Marriage Visa?
22 comments
4 years ago
What paperwork do I need to change from a retirement visa to a marriage visa in Thailand?
2 comments
4 years ago
What should I arrange in Thailand while marrying a Thai citizen as a tourist to prepare for future visits?
172 comments
4 years ago
What checklist is needed for extending a stay based on marriage in Thailand?
8 comments
4 years ago
What is the checklist for obtaining a Non-Immigrant O Visa extension based on marriage to a Thai citizen?
0 comments
5 years ago
What documents do I need to bring when moving to Thailand for my husband's retirement visa?
5 comments
6 years ago
What steps should I follow to marry my Thai girlfriend and obtain a marriage-based visa in Thailand?
34 comments
7 years ago
What are the steps to take for getting a Non-O visa and marrying a Thai citizen in Thailand?
61 comments
7 years ago
What are the key pieces of advice for couples moving to Thailand?
38 comments
8 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.