BANGKOK — Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is preparing to provide equal marriage registration services starting January 23, 2025, following the “Equal Marriage” Act that was published in the Royal Gazette on September 24, 2024.
In previous years, Bangkok has processed approximately 40,000 marriage registrations annually. This year, during a trial run for equal marriage services, 164 couples participated in a mock registration, expressing their intent to officially register as soon as the law takes effect.
To ensure smooth implementation, the BMA will conduct a training event for civil servants on January 4, 2025, at Bangkok City Hall. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt recently held a meeting with the BMA executive team and key officials to discuss preparations for this historic change.
The law establishes clear guidelines for marriage registration, including age requirements (18 and above, with some court-authorized exceptions) and various restrictions regarding mental competency, familial relationships, and existing marriages.
A significant event is planned for the first day of implementation: Naruemit Pride and its network partners, in collaboration with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, will organize a historic mass marriage registration event for LGBTQIAN+ couples across Thailand.
They aim to register more than 1,000 couples nationwide on January 23, 2025, attempting to set a Guinness World Record. The main event in Bangkok will be held at Paragon Hall, 5th floor of Siam Paragon shopping center, from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Additionally, all 878 districts nationwide and 50 districts in Bangkok will be ready to process registrations for LGBTQIAN+ couples.
The document then details the registration process, which includes required documents for different scenarios such as:
- For Thai nationals: national identity card or proof of identity via ThaiD application.
- For one Thai national and one foreigner: Thai national’s national identity card or ThaiD proof of identity, foreigner’s passport and a certificate of marital status proving that the foreigner is single.
- For two foreigners: Passports and civil status certificates proving that both parties are single.
- Two adult witnesses are required for each registration. If one of the parties is 18 years old but not yet an adult, the written consent of the guardian must be presented. Premarital agreements may also need to be submitted.
- Foreign language documents must be translated into Thai and notarized by the Department of Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The marriage registration process begins with applicants submitting Form Kor.Ror.1 to the registrar, who will then verify their eligibility based on legal requirements and review the supporting documents.
Once the verification is complete, the applicants, along with any consenting parties (if applicable) and witnesses, must sign the family registration record. After ensuring the information is accurate, the registrar will sign the record and input the details into the computer system. The entire process usually takes 20–30 minutes, depending on the complexity of any premarital agreements.
Marriage registration at the registry office is free of charge. A fee of 200 baht is charged for registration outside the registry office, and applicants must provide transportation for the registrar.
If transportation is not provided, the applicant must pay for travel expenses. A fee of 20 baht is charged for registration at licensed marriage venues, while certified copies cost 10 baht each.
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