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What is the process for legitimizing my half Thai children and obtaining parental responsibility in Thailand?

Thai citizenshipparental responsibilitylegitimization of childrencourt processdistrict office procedureshalf Thai childrenconsent from mother
Jul 4, 2025
10 days ago
Giles *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Please remove if not allowed.

I’ve two half thai children and I’m on the birth certificate but now I need to legitimise them and have parental responsibility and the mother gives her consent.

I read online I can go to the district office and submit paperwork to have this approved and a child certificate issued.

However the staff told the mum we need a lawyer and have to go to court.

Has anyone had any experience doing this?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The process to legitimize your half Thai children and gain parental responsibility involves legal steps. Although you initially sought to submit paperwork at the district office, staff indicated that a lawyer is needed and the matter must be taken to court. Community feedback confirms this requirement, especially if the children are younger than 7, necessitating a court order for legitimacy. Once they are older, a letter from the amphur may suffice.
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Chris *******
If the children are younger than 7 you require a court order.

Once older a letter from the amphur can be accepted.
10 days ago
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Giles *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Chris ******
 They’re 8 and 11 years old.
10 days ago
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Chris *******
@Giles ********
 well it may be that specific office requirements, cannot say.I would speak with a local lawyer about it.
10 days ago
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Giles *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Chris ******
 when I’m researching on Google quite a few people haven’t used a lawyer and the ones that have gone to court are the ones who’ve separated from their partner.But theirs not that much out there that’s not advertising.

However it may be the final decision is with the court?

I’m trying to save myself the 20k I was quoted by the lawyer at the district office this morning if ones not needed.

Thanks for your input.
10 days ago
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เดแคลน ***********
@Giles ********
 when it comes to thailand, Google is less than useless as everything differs province to province.
10 days ago
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เดแคลน ***********
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Tom ********
That's correct .
10 days ago
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Kool *******
Yes, it has to be finalized by the court. The Thai Citizenship Group can give you the details.
10 days ago
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Kool *******
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