Government mayhem? Maybe, then again if it ain't broken why change it!
To a farang, an Amphoe (or Amphur depending on how you like to spell it) is an undermanned government office set up to service the needs of the citizen and account for the population that live in it's particular district.
They do just about everything, a 'jack of all trades' generally speaking.
- Birth, deaths and marriages
- Divorce
- Change of name
- New or renewed ID cards (now monks are no longer excluded)
- Motor vehicle licenses
- Land title certificates
The list goes on, however a Thai national can not apply for a passport.
You should expect to 'take a number' and wait if you have to do anything in one, but hey, what's new, your in Thailand!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
4 steps and a leap of faith
So you've decided to get married. Here's how you do it.
1. Front up at your national embassy in Bangkok and fill out a Statutory Declaration declaring that you are 'free' (which means you are not currently married, are divorced or your previous wife is deceased. Note that if you are divorced or a widow, you will require a divorce or death certificate) to marry a Thai native. The embassy will charge a nominal fee for certification. Make sure you don't make any mistakes in relation to your passport information and number.
2. Seek out a translation service to translate the declaration into Thai. Reputable translation services charge around 500 Baht and complete the job in around 1 hour.
3. Make your way out to the Ministry/Department of Consular Affairs in Khet Laksi and lodge the documents with a copy of your passport and a passport photo. They will charge you 800 Baht for certification and you will get the paperwork back on the same day. They only charge 400 Baht if your not in a hurry and are willing to come back another day. Make sure you check every page is stamped and signed.
4. Head to an Amphoe/District office with your sweetheart and two of her friends, who will be required to act as witness and translator, sign your life away and pick up your marriage certificate. Sounds easy, well yes it is as long as you are organised and everyone has an ID card which will be photocopied for the Amphoe's records. The Amphoe won't charge a cent, however your new wife's friends will probably want to eat something and need some money for a taxi.
Alas, you are now legally married without even having had a Thai wedding. I've basically described the entire process which will cost about 2000 Baht excluding your time, food and taxi's.
Good luck.
1. Front up at your national embassy in Bangkok and fill out a Statutory Declaration declaring that you are 'free' (which means you are not currently married, are divorced or your previous wife is deceased. Note that if you are divorced or a widow, you will require a divorce or death certificate) to marry a Thai native. The embassy will charge a nominal fee for certification. Make sure you don't make any mistakes in relation to your passport information and number.
2. Seek out a translation service to translate the declaration into Thai. Reputable translation services charge around 500 Baht and complete the job in around 1 hour.
3. Make your way out to the Ministry/Department of Consular Affairs in Khet Laksi and lodge the documents with a copy of your passport and a passport photo. They will charge you 800 Baht for certification and you will get the paperwork back on the same day. They only charge 400 Baht if your not in a hurry and are willing to come back another day. Make sure you check every page is stamped and signed.
4. Head to an Amphoe/District office with your sweetheart and two of her friends, who will be required to act as witness and translator, sign your life away and pick up your marriage certificate. Sounds easy, well yes it is as long as you are organised and everyone has an ID card which will be photocopied for the Amphoe's records. The Amphoe won't charge a cent, however your new wife's friends will probably want to eat something and need some money for a taxi.
Alas, you are now legally married without even having had a Thai wedding. I've basically described the entire process which will cost about 2000 Baht excluding your time, food and taxi's.
Good luck.
Lust, love and marriage
Whilst not always a forgone conclusion to make when observing farang's on holiday in the land of smiles, extremely common. More often than not the farang will experience a 'bumpy' ride before reality sets in and the serious decisions start to be made.
I could go on and on discussing the pitfalls of 'brain explosion' decisions made by men, however, who really cares. What really needs to be cleared up is how to marry your Thai sweetheart legally. There are too many contradictory stories posted on Thai forums and although probably written from experience, mind bogglingly confusing.
In reality the whole process is simple, inexpensive and quick if you are motivated. I'll explain in more detail in my future posts.
I could go on and on discussing the pitfalls of 'brain explosion' decisions made by men, however, who really cares. What really needs to be cleared up is how to marry your Thai sweetheart legally. There are too many contradictory stories posted on Thai forums and although probably written from experience, mind bogglingly confusing.
In reality the whole process is simple, inexpensive and quick if you are motivated. I'll explain in more detail in my future posts.
Bar fines and the 140 Baht beer
It seems some farangs just don't get it. I'm talking about those greedy bar owners, not the punters.
Down Soi Cowboy one particular ago go consortium is charging overs for both the bar fine and the beer, yet the staff don't seem to be benefiting from the price hikes. The latest hike targeted draft beer on tap which rose a staggering 20 Baht a glass and it's now the low season. No wonder the girls are off in search of greener pastures where punters actually don't mind drinking and paying the bar fine.
Down Soi Cowboy one particular ago go consortium is charging overs for both the bar fine and the beer, yet the staff don't seem to be benefiting from the price hikes. The latest hike targeted draft beer on tap which rose a staggering 20 Baht a glass and it's now the low season. No wonder the girls are off in search of greener pastures where punters actually don't mind drinking and paying the bar fine.
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This Blog is currently under construction. Back 2 Bangkok intends to make observations, express opinions and provide information. Stay tuned for something new coming soon.
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