Mattd

Just posting to see if I can gain a useful understanding of the Thai marriage laws that were in force in 1999, as my Thai Female partner and I are experiencing differences that are pretty much beyond redemption and it will more than likely end in separation.

Some background first, we met in 1997 and had our first child in May 1999, in order for the child to qualify for a British passport, then we had to legalize the relationship and get married, so we utilised the services of one of the many law firms close to the British Embassy and went to the registrar to marry at the end of June 1999 after completing all the task required previously required to do this.
The registry office was in Bangkok Metropolitan area.

As stated above, our differences are so much now then I really do see no option but divorce.

When the registrar issued the marriage certificates in 1999, then my 'wife' was told that she must change her surname and get a new ID card within 60 days of the date of the marriage, this could be done only in the province her ID card was issued and she was registered as residing, which at that time was Chonburi if my memory serves me right.  (my understanding is that this was a legal requirement for her to do in 1999)
This was stamped on the back of each marriage certificate.

However she did not go to do this and has never actually changed her surname or marital status with any Thai authority.
Every bit of official documentation that she has had issued since the date of the marriage addresses her as Miss and with her surname of birth, this includes her ID card, Passport etc.

To the official Thai governmental world she remains unmarried.

So now to my question, has anybody ever experienced this and well are we actually married or not?

I'll be seeking legal advise after Songkran, but I am interested to hear opinions on this.

I should add that we both reside in Thailand and I work here as well, so subject to applicable Thai laws in this case.

Cheers!

Just thought I would post a friendly warning for those members (or guests) who ride motorbikes on Soi Siam Country Club, especially in the hours of darkness, or as is now, the rainy season.<br>Last night another poor unsuspecting soul nearly lost their life whilst traveling from the reservoir area towards Pattaya, where the motorbike he was riding struck a deep pothole that is just around a bend and is extremely difficult to see before it is too late. <br>Luckily he only suffered what appeared to be a broken collar bone, had there been a car coming in either direction then it could have been a lot worse.<br><br>This pothole is virtually opposite to the Outback bar and as stated before on the Pattaya bound carriageway, so if you or your family / friends travel on this road, then please warn them accordingly.<br>

As Benson and Hedges are no longer available to buy in the shops here, then I am considering bringing in lots (3,000) when I return from a business trip next week. I would go through the customs, declare them and pay the duty on them no problem, but am a little unsure, as worried the customs may just confiscate them instead. Has anybody tried to do this before? Duty payable, any idea what it is per carton?