Thai Marriage

Hi All ,

I was married to a Thai in Thailand a year ago now , is there any benefit to us by registering the marriage in the uk ( for visa or ? . We are both living in the Uk , but intend to come back at some stage .

Thankyou for your help .

you married a Thai....you live in UK....surely you needed to register the marriage at the embassy to get a visa for her to live in UK already., is that right..?
Thanks.

A Thai marriage (and indeed divorce) is 'recognised' by the UK authorities and registering it in the UK (or at the UK embassy in Thailand) is an option but not a requirement. (The affirmation from the UK embassy before marriage though IS a requirement).
For who and for where is the visa? you refer to?

Your wife obviously already has one as she is in the UK and if its for you - being married and registered or not won't matter one ounce in relation to your visa for Thailand.

Are you talking about a long term non-immigrant visa on the basis of marriage to a Thai citizen (Cat 'o') ?

Get a 3 month visa first, then once here after 60 days apply for an extension based on marriage. The they WILL want to see your marriage documents but only the Thai ones.

So no, not really any benefits in registering a marriage in the UK.

It used to be (cannot say if it still applies though) that a Thai marriage can be ended in a UK court procedure, providing a UK marriage certificate of registration is produced. (Hopefully not something you will need to experience in the future)

What about the wife getting the percentage of hubbies UK pension should he pass away before her and be receiving a state pension. Should the marriage be registered in the UK for her to be eligable.

Sorry if I sound rude but was it a "Village" wedding ??

Aard Village wedding are not recognized by our Governments you can not get a marriage visa on a village wedding that is my understanding

I never registered a (proper Thai registered) marriage at either the British embassy or any British institution in the UK.
My wife received a National insurance number, tax credits, tax claims, a UK passport and a Naturalisation certificate, and open a joint bank account as Mr & Mrs without ever having to register the marriage.

I guess what helped was her having her passport changed (whilst still in Thailand) into the 'farang' surname with just a need to show the Thai marriage certificate here in Bkk.

Being quite a few years off the pension, I am not sure of the position regarding pension payments for the spouse - however as all the other tax-associated matters (tax, and tax credits etc) have been duly given (and received) - one 'assumes' that the pension will be as forthcoming as the tax credits etc.

Perhaps one of our more 'mature' members could enlighten us of the real situation - first hand ?

A marriage registered in Thailand is an official marriage and will be recoginized as such - I believe the advantage of registration at UK Embassy is that you then do not need to obtain translations/legalization for the marriage paperwork if needed for UK reasons later as it will already be on record.

lopburi3 wrote:A marriage registered in Thailand is an official marriage and will be recoginized as such - I believe the advantage of registration at UK Embassy is that you then do not need to obtain translations/legalization for the marriage paperwork if needed for UK reasons later as it will already be on record.

Yes, indeed.
The British Embassy, Bangkok website explains what is necessary if you want your official (Amphoe marriage certificate) recorded at the appropriate registry office back in the UK.
My understanding, is that it’s a case of ‘noting’ the Thai marriage, rather than registering it, in the same way a UK marriage would be, but appreciate I may be playing with words.
I don’t work here, nor plan to return to UK with my wife, so do not have issues of tax credits, N.I. numbers, UK passport for my wife etc.
BUT, one can’t be sure what tomorrow might bring and I have had the Bangkok Embassy forward the Thai marriage document and certified English translation to the UK (England) Registry Office. My reason for that is to ensure my wife can receive death grants, widow’s pensions when I depart this world (hopefully later, than sooner! ). Having been in contact with my pension providers, they will certainly require proof of my Thai marriage and MIGHT query anything sent direct from Thailand.
So, whilst my wife speaks fair English, communication between her and UK offices, when I’m no longer here, would not be easy. My eldest son back in UK has my basic will and is the executor, but he will have to ‘call up’ copies of the marriage certificate from the UK Registry Office to satisfy pension providers, banks etc. These documents are, therefore, already recognised as genuine.

Hi,
A Thai marrage has to be reg. in U.K., or British Con., to entitle wife to death grants, widows pensions etc. And you to tax relieve. I have two pensions, 170 approx from state and 120 from other employment. I used to pay 10 GBP a week tax at 10p in the pound, now i save this, only 10 GBP but what the heck 520 GBP a year. Cost of my trip home every year. Plus if i pass away she gets a 2,000 GBP death grant a widows pension and 50 percent of my other pension.
I think it is worth it. I'm 70 next birthday and have had a good life and would like the wife to have a bit as i have paid into it all my working life.
Cheers Doug.

Hi, wonder if anybody can enlighten me on the uk pension situation regarding spouses.
I am currently receiving a govt, pension as a single person. In the near future i will be getting married to my thai girlfriend, does anybody know what paperwork i need apart from the marriage licence to enable me to claim the pension as a married man, and if i can do this.
I am not sure whether the uk govt. recognises marriages between a uk citizan and Thais. for pension purposes.
Any information would be gratefully received
Peter

Peter,
I suggest that you start here.
http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/ipc ... ailand.asp
I have found that an email to most UK Government departments asking them a personal situation question will usually result in an informative response back......unless it is a question that is clearly answered on their web site, in which case they will just refer you to that general answer....

You are legally married already this is recognised under UK law or you would not have gained entry clearance.