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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
March 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.
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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
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Sammy *******
Google is your friend!
4 years ago
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Oliver *******************
A yellow residence book, marriage certificate nd passport I did it yesterday that's all I needed
4 years ago
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Eric **********
And the bank account in your name only.
4 years ago
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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
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Eric **********
@Gregory ********
 For a retirement visa.. your name only.
4 years ago
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Andy ********
@Eric *********
 or a marriage visa.
4 years ago
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Andy ********
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Steve **********
open a direct deposit account.

Get a Thai drivers license

Mailing address
4 years ago
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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
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Steve **********
@Gregory ********
 both Thai mail and EMS are excellent
4 years ago
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Steve **********
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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
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Steve **********
@Gregory ********
 when you return have a VALID licence from your own country. It's a snap.
4 years ago
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Steve **********
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Paul *******
Thai ID and Thai House book.
4 years ago
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Greg *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
OK thanks
4 years ago
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Greg *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ******
 What IS this "house book" I keep hearing about?
4 years ago
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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
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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
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Barry **********
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Paul *******
+
4 years ago
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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
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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
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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
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Greg *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Han *******
 The goal would be to live in Thailand, though, so translation probably not needed
4 years ago
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Greg *********
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Bim *******
In which country did you marry
4 years ago
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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
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Greg *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I also mentioned that in my OP, Bim
4 years ago
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Greg *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thailand
4 years ago
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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
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Greg *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bim ******
 Thanks, but I mean post-marriage.
4 years ago
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Bim *******
@Gregory ********
 open a bank account. Some banks will allow it even on a tourist visa
4 years ago
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Bim *******
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