Answered6 years ago
What checklist items should I consider while living in Thailand if I am married to a Thai citizen?
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.
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.
29 repliesnewest first
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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,
Get your marriage license recognize here at local Amphor office.
Get Thai pink ID and Tabien ban,
Sammy *******
Google is your friend!
Oliver *******************
A yellow residence book, marriage certificate nd passport I did it yesterday that's all I needed
Eric **********
And the bank account in your name only.
Greg *********
OP@Eric *********
Okay, thanks for that tip. Wasn't sure if a jointly-owned account would be the right choice.Eric **********
@Gregory ********
For a retirement visa.. your name only.
Andy ********
@Eric *********
or a marriage visa. Steve **********
open a direct deposit account.
Get a Thai drivers license
Mailing address
Get a Thai drivers license
Mailing address
Greg *********
OPQuestion,
@Steve *********
: Is there any specific type of mail that I should have sent to this mailing address (e.g. utility bills?)?Steve **********
@Gregory ********
both Thai mail and EMS are excellent Greg *********
OPUnfortunately 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.
Steve **********
@Gregory ********
when you return have a VALID licence from your own country. It's a snap. 
Paul *******
Thai ID and Thai House book.
Greg *********
OPOK thanks
Greg *********
OP@Paul ******
What IS this "house book" I keep hearing about?
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. 
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.Paul *******
+
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.
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.
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.
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. Greg *********
OP@Han *******
The goal would be to live in Thailand, though, so translation probably not neededBim *******
In which country did you marry
Greg *********
OPI 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.
Greg *********
OPI also mentioned that in my OP, Bim
Greg *********
OPThailand
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. Bim *******
@Gregory ********
open a bank account. Some banks will allow it even on a tourist visa Greg *********
OP@Bim ******
Thanks, but I mean post-marriage.Activity
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