What steps do I need to take to legalize documents for marriage in Thailand if I am outside the country?

Question

Good evening 😊
Me and my (becoming to) wife have a child together and want to marry. She is thai. Last month when I was in Thailand I got a "certified true copy" of my passport and that Single confirmation letter from the embassy. We Translated it then by a company. However for the next step those documents need to be legalized by the Ministry of foreign affairs (MFA) in Central World at which she got the appointment date only today. Just in case I gave her a signed Power of attorney and went back to ehrope as my stamp was about to expire.

However as she went there they said that this basically means nothing, the power of attorney has to be certified by my embassy as well, which they dont do when I am not present.

Seems quite an overkill just to legalize 2 sheets of papers. Anyone ever was in a similar situation? Was she just unlucky with the officer? I am confused when I read that other just pay 1000-1500 for translation and they will do all the paperwork without any power of attorney. But I didnt find an agent yet.

Any help would be appreciated ☺️

Thank you!

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user is seeking guidance on legalizing documents for marriage in Thailand while being in Europe. They have a Thai partner and already obtained a certified true copy of their passport and a single confirmation letter from their embassy, which need to be legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). However, they encountered issues as their power of attorney was not recognized without being certified by the embassy, which cannot happen while the user is abroad. The community responses offer various suggestions, including utilizing translation agencies that provide MFA services, the necessity of having notarized documents, and the potential need for the user to return to Thailand to fulfill some legal requirements. Users stressed the importance of understanding local procedures and the possibility of experiencing delays.

Don ******** · Answer

My wife and I were there just yesterday. It isn't a matter of the individual agent. You will not be able to bypass either a legitimate POA or your presence. Perhaps you could get the POA certified at an embassy in the US and send to your wife.

Just so you know, after the MFA legalizes your paperwork, you still have to have your marriage registered - that will 100% require your presence. The queue currently in BKK is out until August for that process. My wife has connections in Rayong, and we were able to get an appointment for the 28th to register our marriage. Going through an Agency in BKK will cost about 13,000-15,000 baht for that part of it. But my understanding is they have the connections and can get it done.

Richard ****** · Answer

It’s, my wife and I.

Not, me and my wife.

Try putting her and her culture first and things will come easier.

Don't *********** · Answer

I've used this office to handle the Thai part of marriage certificate. Excellent. Didn't need to go the ministry, just Ampur to sign the documents. They also gave my wife a flower bouquet when done

[url redacted]

Kev ********* · Answer

In order for a third party to legally present a third party's documents to Thai MFA for confirmation of being a true and accurate translation you need to raise a POA I believe.

Michael ******** · Answer

I used express translations to do the mfa stuff

Steven *************** · Answer

Just went through a similar situation, I need my daughter to act on my behalf and get some documents for me in the USA.  I had to take letters of authorization and powers of attorney to the USA Embassy in Bangkok to get them notarized. In Your case if your original documents were certified the company doing the translation should have gotten the translated documents certified. Possibly go back to them. If they can't or won't do it you can try another translating company. Failing that you'll either have to come back to Thailand or possibly she can send the papers to you and you can go to the Embassy in the UK. Its absolutely ridiculous they require certifications and notarizations from the embassy. You'd think any lawyer or licensed notary would be sufficient.  Good luck.

Kyle ******** · Answer

Try having a child in Thailand, then getting their US birth certificate.   It took 9 months, and untold trips as the rules seemed to change everytime we returned.

Bart *********** · Answer

For me Sawadee translations  in Bangkok took care of all of this a few years ago, including the legalization

John ********** · Answer

It might be worth asking the agency that did the translation if they can help with the MFA, otherwise it will have to wait until you're back in Thailand

What steps do I need to take to legalize documents for marriage in Thailand if I am outside the country?

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