Marriage, divorce and children in Buriram

From registering a marriage at the amphur to divorce and custody in the family court, here is how family matters work for Buriram residents.

Registering a marriage

• The legal marriage is the one registered at the amphur (district office) — any amphur in Thailand, not just where you live. Ceremonies have no legal effect by themselves.
• Foreign partners need an embassy affirmation of freedom to marry, translated and legalised, first.
• A Thai prenup only works if registered at the amphur together with the marriage — it cannot be added later without court approval.

Divorce: two doors

1. Amphur divorce by agreement — both spouses attend in person and can register a settlement covering property and children. Fast and cheap when agreement is genuine.
2. Court divorce at the Buriram Juvenile & Family Court on statutory grounds — adultery, desertion, failure to maintain and others — with the court deciding property division, custody and support.

Property and children

• Property acquired during marriage (sin somros) divides equally in principle; pre-marriage property stays personal.
• An unmarried father has no automatic rights — legitimation (amphur registration with consent, or court order) creates them.
• Custody follows the child's best interests; support agreements registered at the amphur or ordered by the court are enforceable.

For deeper guides across every area of Thai law, see our companion site Anglo Siam Law.