A Primer On Thailand Marriage
A Thailand marriage can be both ceremonial and legal.
Ceremonial marriages exemplify the country's wedding rituals, traditions and practices which are heavily influenced by Buddhism.
Meanwhile, the legal aspect of a Thailand marriage involves its registration at the Amphoe, more commonly known as the local civil registry office.
Unregistered ceremonial marriages are not recognized as legal.
Therefore, in order to legitimize the union and make it binding in other countries, registration is a must.
Thailand dowry A Thailand marriage is unique due to the practice of giving dowries.
This ritual is popularly known as the sinsod.
"Sin" pertains to riches, while "sod" signifies the act of storing.
Dowries, aside from showing respect and tribute to the bride's parents represent the groom's economic capacity.
It serves as a form of assurance that the bride can expect a good life with her future husband.
In the ancient times, farm lands and cattle are given as dowry but nowadays, it comes in monetary forms.
Dowries have no exact amount.
In general though, it is pegged at THB50,000 to THB100,000.
A few of the factors that affect its amount are the woman's social and economic stature.
Single, educated, Thai women who come from good families are given higher dowries.
At present, the giving of dowries can already be waived.
Some of it are even returned to the newly-weds right after the wedding.
Prenuptial agreements A Thailand marriage allows the execution of prenuptial agreements.
These agreements provide for the ownership and management of the properties of the couple during their union.
Prenuptial agreements must be registered before the marriage in order to be valid.
Other requisites for the registration include: 1) the presence of two witnesses during the registration at the Amphoe; and 2) the submission of the written agreement.
After registration, these prenuptial agreements cannot be changed without court approval.
Thailand divorce A marriage in Thailand is perceived as a contract rather than a religious obligation; thus, divorce is recognized in the country.
There are two types of divorce in Thailand: the contested and uncontested.
Contested divorce is availed of when one of the parties refuses to end the marriage.
This is often a long and painful process compared to uncontested divorce.
The latter only requires a day to process since the couple already agreed upon its terms.
The only thing left to do is to file the divorce at the Amphoe.
Ceremonial marriages exemplify the country's wedding rituals, traditions and practices which are heavily influenced by Buddhism.
Meanwhile, the legal aspect of a Thailand marriage involves its registration at the Amphoe, more commonly known as the local civil registry office.
Unregistered ceremonial marriages are not recognized as legal.
Therefore, in order to legitimize the union and make it binding in other countries, registration is a must.
Thailand dowry A Thailand marriage is unique due to the practice of giving dowries.
This ritual is popularly known as the sinsod.
"Sin" pertains to riches, while "sod" signifies the act of storing.
Dowries, aside from showing respect and tribute to the bride's parents represent the groom's economic capacity.
It serves as a form of assurance that the bride can expect a good life with her future husband.
In the ancient times, farm lands and cattle are given as dowry but nowadays, it comes in monetary forms.
Dowries have no exact amount.
In general though, it is pegged at THB50,000 to THB100,000.
A few of the factors that affect its amount are the woman's social and economic stature.
Single, educated, Thai women who come from good families are given higher dowries.
At present, the giving of dowries can already be waived.
Some of it are even returned to the newly-weds right after the wedding.
Prenuptial agreements A Thailand marriage allows the execution of prenuptial agreements.
These agreements provide for the ownership and management of the properties of the couple during their union.
Prenuptial agreements must be registered before the marriage in order to be valid.
Other requisites for the registration include: 1) the presence of two witnesses during the registration at the Amphoe; and 2) the submission of the written agreement.
After registration, these prenuptial agreements cannot be changed without court approval.
Thailand divorce A marriage in Thailand is perceived as a contract rather than a religious obligation; thus, divorce is recognized in the country.
There are two types of divorce in Thailand: the contested and uncontested.
Contested divorce is availed of when one of the parties refuses to end the marriage.
This is often a long and painful process compared to uncontested divorce.
The latter only requires a day to process since the couple already agreed upon its terms.
The only thing left to do is to file the divorce at the Amphoe.
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