Adoption in Thailand

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"Adoption" is a way for a child to become part of a new family, with all the legal rights and responsibilities.
This also creates the status of parent and child in Thailand.
This page serves as a knowledge base for those interested in adoption, as well as parents who wish to give a child a new home.
Growup. provides legal consultation and step-by-step guidance on adoption, ensuring that both the child and the adoptive parents are protected by law and fully informed of their rights.

Legal Meaning and Importance of Adoption

"Adoption" means the legal process in which an adopted child becomes the lawful child of the adoptive parents, with all rights and responsibilities as if they were a biological child.
Adoption creates an official parent-child relationship under Thai law.

In Thailand, adoption is protected by law to ensure the well-being of both adoptive parents and children.

Laws and Conditions for Adoption

Adoption in Thailand is governed by the Civil and Commercial Code, Section 1598/19 and the Child Adoption Act B.E. 2522 (1979).

Key conditions:

1. The adopter must be at least 25 years old.
2. The adopter must be at least 15 years older than the adopted child.
3. The adopter must be eligible and have good character as determined by Thai authorities.
4. The adopted child must not be married (unless there are special circumstances).

Case of a Thai Female Spouse and Foreign Male Spouse

For cases where a Thai woman is married to a foreign man and both wish to adopt a child, the adoption process will have additional steps and specific documentation, such as:

• Marriage certificate (if the marriage was registered in another country, it must be translated and certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Thailand).
• National ID cards or passports of both spouses, including certified copies and translations as required. (Passports must be valid for at least 6 months on the date of submission.)
• Financial evidence, such as income statements, salary slips, or bank statements of both spouses.
• Medical certificates of both spouses and the adopted child, issued by government or private hospitals and certified by a doctor.
• Proof of residence in Thailand of the foreign spouse.
• Other supporting documents (if applicable), such as house registration, proof of income, etc.

After preparing all required documents, officers will review, interview, and assess the suitability of the applicants before submitting the application to the court. If everything is in order and the court grants permission, the couple will receive a Certificate of Adoption and can proceed to register the adopted child.

Case of Foreign Spouses Adopting a Thai Child

For foreign spouses who wish to adopt a Thai child in Thailand, the process and required documents are more complex and must be strictly followed:

1. The adopter must meet the qualifications under Thai law, including being at least 25 years old and at least 15 years older than the child to be adopted.
2. Marriage certificate and proof of marital relationship.
3. Evidence of financial status and employment.
4. Certificate from the competent authority or adoption agency in the adopter's home country certifying eligibility to adopt, and a Home Study Report from the Adoption Board.
5. Proof of residence, and evidence of contact with the child or the adoption agency in Thailand.

Timeframe:

The adoption process for foreign spouses adopting a Thai child usually takes about 1-2 years, due to document verification and the home study process in both Thailand and the adopter's country.

• Adoption services are available at the Department of Children and Youth, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security.

Steps and Timeframe for the Adoption Process in Thailand

1. Document preparation and application submission:
   Prepare and gather all necessary documents for submission to the Department of Children and Youth or the relevant agency. Estimated time: 1-2 months
2. Home study and suitability assessment:
   Officers will interview, visit your home, and assess your suitability as adoptive parents. Estimated time: 3-6 months
3. Matching with a child:
   Officers will match the prospective adoptive parents with a suitable child.Estimated time: 1-2 months
4. Trial placement: The child will live with the adoptive parents under a trial period as required by the law. Estimated time: 1-2 months
5. Legal process and finalization: The case will be reviewed and finalized in court or by the relevant agency, and the child will be registered as the adoptive child. Estimated time: 2-6 months

Summary:

In total, the adoption process in Thailand generally takes about 1-2 years.
The timeframe may vary depending on the complexity and completeness of the documentation.

Rights, Duties, and Legal Consequences of Adoption

1. The adopted child is entitled to inherit from the adoptive parents.
2. The adopted child becomes a legal child of the adoptive parents.
3. The adopted child will be cared for and receive maintenance and education from the adoptive parents as if they were a biological child.
4. Adoption is permanent: the adopted child cannot be given away, and the adoptive parents cannot renounce their rights and obligations.

Cautions and Recommendations

1. Prepare complete and accurate documents to avoid complications.
2. The adopter must be of good character and eligible under the law.
3. Avoid providing false information, forged documents, or withholding information during the process.
4. Consult with legal experts or adoption agencies for guidance and information throughout the adoption process.

Consultation and Adoption Services by Growup.

Growup. is ready to provide consultation and support for every step of the "adoption process" We offer:

• Consultation and initial assessment of eligibility
• Step-by-step legal guidance, including the preparation of all necessary documents for submission
• Coordination with relevant authorities, both in Thailand and abroad, until the process is complete

If you are interested in adopting a child in Thailand, contact Growup. Our legal experts are ready to assist you.