Birth Certificates, Legitimation and Nationality of Children Born in Thailand

Report the birth at the local district office where the child was born within 15 days, using the hospital's certificate of birth (Tor Ror 1/1), the Thai mother's ID card and the foreign parent's passport. Then obtain an English-language birth certificate or certified copy for the consular report of birth at the other country's embassy.

Three routes: (1) subsequently marrying the mother; (2) registering legitimation at the district office, which requires the consent of the mother and of the child as the law prescribes; or (3) applying to the court where consent cannot be obtained. Legitimation affects parental power, inheritance rights and visa applications for the child.

Spouses may agree on parental power and record it in the annex to the divorce register. Where they cannot agree, the court decides on the basis of the child's best interests. Maintenance terms should state the amount and payment method precisely, because vague wording is hard to enforce later.

The German Embassy issues a certificate of no impediment only after reviewing German records such as a full birth certificate, a residence registration extract and any divorce judgment. That review can take several weeks to months, so start early. Once issued, the certificate must be translated into Thai and legalised by the Department of Consular Affairs before filing at the district office.