What documents do I need to register my marriage in Thailand after marrying in the US?

Question

Apologies if this is not specifically visa related, but it's sort of pre-marriage-based1-yr-visa related.  I don't know where else to get good info.

Wife and I married in the US 3-years ago.  Now, we're back in Bangkok and trying to get our marriage registered in Thailand.  I have already notarized an affidavit (at the US embassy), translated it, and had it stamped by the Thai MFA.

Getting ready to go to the Amphur, but we called to make sure that we had everything, and we're getting mixed stories. 
The Khet tells us that we need the following documents stamped by the MFA...

1. Surname change agreement (don't know what that is)
2. Marriage Certificate
3. US passport

First off, as far as I know, the US embassy will not notarize copies of the marriage license or passport.  And if they won't notarize those things, then I've got nothing to send to the MFA to stamp...

So, I'm wondering is a translation of the US marriage license and passport (without notarization and MFA stamp) all that's really necessary?  Is there some other kind of notarization of the translations that we need to do (not at the embassy and MFA)?

Regarding, the surname change agreement...the US embassy has no forms that resemble that.  We found one surname agreement form from the Canadian embassy, but nothing on the US embassy site (in BKK or in DC).

Does our notarized affidavit that has passed through the embassy and the MFA suffice as the agreement?  Maybe the Khet is confusing us by saying that we need this form when actually what they want is the affidavit (that we already have), which states when and where we married and states her maiden name.  But does not state her new legal name.

Any help would be HUGELY appreciated.  Thanks in advance..

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user is seeking clarification on the necessary documents to register their US marriage in Thailand and obtain a marriage visa. They have already notarized an affidavit at the US embassy and are confused about additional requirements from the Amphur, specifically about a surname change agreement and the need for MFA stamps on their marriage certificate and passport translation. Responses indicate that only a translation of the marriage certificate and passport (stamped by the MFA) is needed, and the surname change agreement may not be mandatory for all cases.

Tod ********* · Answer

your wife doesn't have to change her last name to yours. What you're trying to do it get what's called a Kor Ror 22 <- that's a paper from the Amphur that a thai married abroad gets.

Most Amphurs want you to have your data page of your passport and your marriage certificate translated into thai, certified as an accurate translation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Or at least that's my experience with getting a marriage of a thai national registered in Thailand.

More and more immigration offices are requiring that thais married to foreigners abroad have the Kor Ror 22 form to get visas and extensions  based on marriage.

Biff ******* · Answer

For the MFA stamps you don't need the US embassy to get involved. Just have them translated into Thai and then that translation is what is verified by the MFA and stamped as being accurate.

As far as I'm aware, the Amphur office won't issue you with a Thai marriage certificate (as you are already married) but those translated and  MFA stamped documents can be used at Immigration for your extension based on being married to a Thai national.

The name change document is what the Amphur office DOES issue when a Thai national changes their name, so you should do that. It will show that your wife is the person who changed her name from what it is in their records to what it is now (assuming she has changed her surname).

I think you're done with the US authorities, for now. :)

Robert ******* · Answer

Do I understand that the wifes name on the US marriage certificate is another (your) surname than her Thai Passport?

Adrien ****** · Answer

Your marriage is recognised in Thailand and vice versa. You only need to have your US Marriage Certificate Translated into Thai and you make the application at an Immigration Centre. The best advice would be is to ask your Wife to go into your local Immigration Centre and ask the Question.

Barry *********** · Answer

Why do you want to register your marriage in Thailand since you are already married.  Thailand recognizes your marriage even though not in thailand

Glen ********* · Answer

Try Bangkok Expats Group 🙂

What documents do I need to register my marriage in Thailand after marrying in the US?

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