Divorce in Thailand: Procedures and Steps to Know
14 January 2025, Bangkok – Marriage can be a complex journey, especially when it involves individuals from different cultural backgrounds. In the case of marriages between foreigners and Thai nationals, these differences can add both excitement and challenges. Over time, what starts as a fresh and engaging relationship can sometimes evolve into difficulties that may lead to divorce. In Thailand, divorce can be processed either through mutual consent or through a court judgment. Each method comes with specific steps and requirements that must be met.
Mutual Consent Divorce
A mutual consent divorce is the simplest and least time-consuming route if both parties agree on the terms. To initiate this process, both spouses need to visit the Register Office where the marriage was originally registered to file a divorce agreement. The necessary documents required include the original marriage certificate, identification cards, and other supporting documents such as birth certificates or passports. Both parties must also bring at least two witnesses to sign the agreement. Once everything is in order, the divorce will be processed and officially registered.
Court Divorce
If mutual consent cannot be reached, divorce can also be processed through the court. For court divorce, specific grounds must be proven to justify the divorce. These grounds include:
- Adultery by one spouse.
- Misconduct that brings shame or harm to the other spouse.
- Physical or mental abuse inflicted by one spouse.
- Desertion for over one year.
- Imprisonment for over one year for a crime not involving the other spouse.
- Separation of more than three years.
- Disappearance of one spouse.
- Failure to provide financial support leading to an inability to live together.
- Serious mental illness or physical incapacity making cohabitation impossible.
To begin a court divorce, the petitioner must file a divorce case at the Family Court. After the initial hearing, both parties may be sent for mediation to try and reach an agreement on the divorce terms. If mediation is successful, the court will approve the divorce based on the agreed terms. However, if no agreement is reached, the case will move to trial, where evidence will be presented, and witnesses will be called. After the trial, the court will make a final judgment within 30 days.
Given the complexity of legal proceedings in court, it is highly recommended that both parties seek the assistance of an experienced family lawyer to guide them through the process effectively.
SEAProTI: Role in Supporting Divorce Proceedings
The Southeast Asian Professional Translators and Interpreters Association (SEAProTI) plays an essential role in supporting individuals navigating divorce processes, especially when it involves foreign nationals who may need translation and certification of legal documents. SEAProTI ensures accurate translation and legal understanding, helping both parties to overcome language barriers and legal complexities. Their expertise contributes significantly to making the divorce process more manageable and efficient for all parties involved.
About SEAProTI’s certified translators, translation certification providers, and certified interpreters:
The Southeast Asian Association of Professional Translators and Interpreters (SEAProTI) has officially announced the criteria and qualifications for individuals to register as “Certified Translators,” “Translation Certification Providers,” and “Certified Interpreters” under the association’s regulations. These guidelines are detailed in Sections 9 and 10 of the Royal Thai Government Gazette, issued by the Secretariat of the Cabinet under the Office of the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, dated July 25, 2024, Volume 141, Part 66 Ng, Page 100.
To read the full publication, visit: the Royal Thai Government Gazette
