Divorce Statistics in Thailand

Divorce statistics in Thailand or the divorce rate in Thailand, are not always well published. The divorce rates in Thailand are not well known as the Thai courts do not distinguish if it is Thai-Thai or a Thai-Foreigner divorce. We do however know that in rural Thailand in the Isaan region the divorce rates tend to be very high. This should not come as no surprise that the Thailand divorce rate for mixed couples are so high. It was in 2007 that The Nation a large and well-respected newspaper wrote an article about the divorce rates in Thailand.

The article notes that in the district of Khon Kaen during a 3 month period. There was a total of 143 divorces occurred which was between a Thai and a foreigner. From there we have to estimate the divorce rate in Thailand for foreigners. The judge noted that most of these cases had been filed by the Thai wife and not the foreigner. The main reason for these divorces had been that the Thai women did not get the marriage they had expected.

This is not uncommon and the reason why it is always advisable to ensure that you have a prenuptial agreement before you get married in Thailand and ensure that this agreement is attached to your marriage registration here when you go to the Amphur office.

Isaan might not be the best place to figure out the divorce rates in Thailand for foreigners. It does however give a glimpse given by the Thai courts as to the rates of divorce for foreigners. Isaan tends to be the poorer part of the country with lower levels of education and most marriages to foreigners tend to — well not turn out as expected.

The official divorce rate for Thailand is very low on average. Much lower than the US or even Australia for that matter. The official divorce rate for Thailand is 0.058 per 10,000 people. This is low compared to the US with 53 per 10,000 people or 2.5 per 10,000 people in Australia. You should however also understand that the cultures are different. The loss of face from a failed marriage might not be good. Couples then separate and live as if they are no longer married, while still legally married.