Thailand is on the cusp of making history with the impending legalization of marriage equality. This monumental change, announced recently, will grant same-sex couples the same legal rights as heterosexual couples. The move is a significant milestone for LGBTQ+ rights in the country, long hailed as a progressive and inclusive society in Southeast Asia. As this legislation takes shape, it is vital for same-sex couples to understand their new rights and the legal protections available to them. At TFL (Thailand Family Law Partners), we are ready to support couples with expert guidance on marriage, prenuptial agreements (prenups), and inheritance matters tailored to the needs of the LGBTQ+ community.

Our law firm was recently featured in an article on marriage equality and same sex marriage in Thailand, which can be found here: https://www.humanresourcesonline.net/thailand-s-marriage-equality-bill-to-take-effect-on-22-january-2025

Funeral Directors in Thailand: A Comprehensive Guide

In Thailand, the role of a funeral director is pivotal during the challenging times following the loss of a loved one. Handling the arrangements with sensitivity and respect, funeral directors assist both locals and foreigners through the intricate process of bidding farewell. This article aims to guide you through the services provided by funeral directors in Thailand, from locating the body to repatriating the ashes, and even preparing for probate if necessary.

In Thailand, probate is the legal process of administering the estate of a deceased person. It involves verifying the validity of the deceased’s will and distributing their assets according to Thai inheritance law. For foreigners with assets in Thailand or Thai nationals with complex estates, understanding probate is crucial.

Initiating Probate

Probate starts when a person passes away, leaving behind assets in Thailand. If the deceased had a valid will, it would generally name an executor responsible for managing the estate. The executor must file for probate through the Thai courts, which will verify the authenticity of the will and appoint the executor to act on behalf of the estate. If no will exists, the estate is distributed according to intestate laws, where Thai law dictates the hierarchy of heirs.

Thailand’s Marriage Equality Bill, endorsed by His Majesty the King, is now law, allowing same-sex couples to legally marry starting January 22, 2025. This landmark legislation makes Thailand the third country in Asia to recognize same-sex marriage, using gender-neutral language and granting same-sex couples rights to adoption and inheritance. LGBTQ+ advocates celebrate this as a significant step toward equal rights. The bill is part of ongoing legal reforms to ensure comprehensive protections for the LGBTQ+ community in Thailand.

New law to be Passed in 2024

Thailand is on the brink of a historic transformation with the imminent legalization of same-sex marriage, a groundbreaking step that positions the country as a leader in LGBTQ+ rights in Asia. This change, anticipated to take effect 120 days after royal endorsement, promises to provide equal marriage rights to same-sex couples, making Thailand a beacon of hope in a region where LGBTQ+ rights are often restricted.

One of the most common questions we get asked is, “Can I file for divorce in Thailand if my marriage was not registered in Thailand?” Surprisingly, the answer is “yes” even though many lawyers will advise differently. There is a special law that handles the relationship between laws in your home country and those in Thailand. For example, we recently had a case involving two American citizens. They were both born in the US and had registered their marriage in the US. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, they relocated to Thailand. Due to serious issues in their relationship, the couple desired to get divorced. Under the special code in Thailand, the Family Court awarded the divorce. This is evidence (no matter what others may say) that you can get divorced in Thailand even if you did not register your marriage in Thailand. Of course, each case is

Did you know that you can file for a restraining order in Thailand? Most people are not aware of this, thinking that it is more of a Western concept. However, according to the Civil and Commercial Act of Thailand, you can file for a restraining order against someone else in Thailand. The reasons for this can include assault, abuse, threats, constant harassment, or other similar acts. In order to successful get a restraining order from the court in Thailand, you will need to have an expert lawyer (like our family law experts at TFL) draft an indictment and attach the relevant evidence. Then, the court will hold a hearing to determine if the restraining order should be granted. If so, then the court will grant the restraining order, which protects you from the abusive behavior of the person you are filing against. Below is our guide to restraining orders in Thailand.

It is one of the inevitable parts of life – our loved ones, both friends and family, will one day pass away. Many people have chosen to make Thailand their home, and it can be stressful and intimidating to try to process the shock of the death of a family member along with trying to plan a cremation in Thailand. If you had a family member pass away in Thailand and do not know about cremation in Thailand, you can contact our experts at TFL to manage the entire process for you. This includes identifying the body, making funeral arrangements, cremation, spreading of the ashes, probate / inheritance, settling of assets, and

Probate, a term often associated with the legal process of transferring assets after someone’s death, is a concept that varies from one jurisdiction to another. In Thailand, as in many countries, probate is a crucial process that ensures the deceased’s assets are distributed according to their wishes and in line with the country’s legal framework. This article delves into the intricacies of probate in Thailand, offering insights for both locals and foreigners with assets in the country.

This news post is a statement from one of our clients from 2023 who wanted to share her experience working with our experts at TFL and the cremation / funeral experience in Thailand overall. All personal details have been removed, and we have published this with the permission of our client. Please read below for more information. If one of your loved ones has passed away in Thailand, please contact TFL, so that we can suggest the best way to proceed. Our experts know the best way to go about this, whether or not you are able to travel to Thailand.