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You will note that the traditional Thai Buddhist wedding is deeply rooted in the cultural and religious heritage of Thailand. These marriages are however not legally binding and they will need to be registered. This is the same as traditional Islamic marriages in Thailand. Both of these have a series of elaborate rituals. Likewise, the customs and ceremonies involved in a traditional Thai Buddhist wedding are designed to bring blessings as well as prosperity.
Traditional Thai Buddhist Wedding Customs
When getting engaged with a traditional Thai marriage. It starts with the engagement process which in the Thai language is call the “Khan Maak”. This is a significant pre-wedding event. Much like other traditional marriage this first step starts with the groom and his family presenting gifts. Traditionally this would be a presentation of fruits, desserts, and money. This is presented to the bride’s family. The importance of this ceremony is to show the groom’s ability to provide for the bride. A Buddhist monk may also be present to bless the marriage union during this stage.
The traditional Thai marriage is similar to the traditional Muslim wedding in Thailand.
So, before the wedding day, there are several important rituals:
– Sai Monkhon: This is the sacred thread ceremony. You will see this on the internet where there is a white thread which is then tied around the couple’s heads to symbolize unity and spiritual connection.
– Hae Kruang: Then there is also the procession to the bride’s house. Normally this is led by the groom’s family as well as their friends. They walk while carrying the Khan Maak trays. In a traditional wedding they will have this procession accompanied by music as well as dance.
The following step in a traditional wedding is the “Rod Nam Sang” ritual. This is the ceremony for the wedding. The process takes place at the bride’s home and includes several key components as part of the ceremony:
– Merit-Making: Firstly, the couple makes merit by offering food and alms to monks. This is the first step and the act is for brining good karma as well as a blessing on the marriage.
– Monk Blessings: Secondly, the Monks will then start by chanting prayers. Like other blessings the monks will then sprinkle holy water on the couple to purify and bless them.
– Rod Nam Sang: Lastly, the most iconic part of the ceremony is where the couple kneels together. Then their hands are bound with a sacred string. This is followed by the elders and guests who each come forward and pour holy water over their hands from a conch shell, wishing them well. Even though most of the traditional wedding rituals are not practiced today, the Rod Nam Sang is the part which is still very common in Thailand.
The reception occurs after the religious ceremony. This is where they will have a party. This is very common even in today’s more modern society. Much like any other wedding in the world. Everyone has a party after the ceremony. Photo taking is usually done after the Rod Nam Sang. Most use those photos for their marriage visa requirements to prove the marriage with the registered marriage certificate.
Intercultural marriages, where one spouse is Thai Buddhist and the other comes from a different religious or cultural background. These comes with their own issues. There are two types in Thailand. These will either be an expat marriage or someone getting married to a Thai Muslim in the country. See also the requirements for a Muslim marriage as well.
If this is going to be a cross cultural marriage or where a religious conversion is going to occur. It is always best to take proper advice so that everyone understand each other cultures. These can also be difficult when you are going to live in these communities. Cultural issues do occur and we all can recall the ringing of the Temple bell in the morning that foreigners complained about a few years back. The cultural backlash ran for weeks in the Thai media. Ensure that both of you fully understand what it is that you are getting into.
Like many expat weddings in Thailand when it comes to intercultural couples. They tend to blend their wedding or they have two types of weddings. Most simply have the basic Buddhist wedding ceremony. You can also add in certain traditions for the West such as the throwing of the flowers over the shoulder of the bride. Those are also common. When it is a Muslim wedding then there will also be no pork or pork products at the wedding.
This is rare but not uncommon when the non-Buddhist partner decides to convert to Buddhism. You will need to speak to a monk at the temple about this process. It is very rare however it does occur. Learning the Buddhist teachings and participating in rituals such as ordination and merit-making. Most in Thailand however do not convert.
Much like Muslim areas in Thailand, acceptance of intercultural marriages varies across Thai Buddhist communities. You will however note that while many families are open and supportive, some may have reservations.
If you have lived in Thailand then you will note that intercultural couples often celebrate both Buddhist and non-Buddhist festivals. Likewise, they also observe traditions from both cultures. These tend to be mainly the cultural colorful ones such as Songkran. Most expats also adopt such practices as meditation as well as merit-making. These practices are also all central to Thai Buddhism.
So, the most common question is the status of a tradition Thai wedding. The government does not see it as legally binding unless it has been registered. This is the same with traditional Muslim marriages. Normally it is done twice much like in a Christian church. You will have the traditional marriage and then register this afterwards.
Much like all traditional weddings, Thai Buddhist marriages must be registered with the local civil authorities. This is the local District Office or Amphur office in Thailand. This process involves submitting necessary documentation. You will need your passport as well as a letter of no impediment that you get from your local Embassy, also, identification card(s) of your Thai wife or husband. Finally see also the Thai marriage process on this website as well. See also the article on marriage registration.
In Thailand, a Buddhist wedding ceremony alone does not constitute a legally binding marriage. Likewise, as you have noted that as a couple you must also register their marriage with the local district office (Amphur) to be legally married. This dual process ensures that the marriage is recognized both religiously and legally.
Once registered, Thai Buddhist marriages are granted the same legal rights and protections as any civil marriage in Thailand. This includes rights related to property ownership, inheritance, as well as with regard to child custody. It is essential for couples to complete the legal registration to secure these rights. Lastly, also see the article on here called the child legitimation.
The documentation required for marriage registration includes a marriage license application. Likewise, also your passport and the letter of no impediment (freedom to marry) certified from your embassy and being translated into Thai. Likewise, an original divorce decree which you cannot get at the Embassy.
Speak to our family lawyer in Bangkok for assistance. One challenge faced by couples is navigating the bureaucratic process of marriage registration. Most couple do not wish to go with the red tape in the country. It does become frustrating and not worth the effort having to deal with it. Many simply hand over their documents to us and we complete all the leg work for them. It is time consuming.
When comparing Islamic marriages in Thailand with traditional Thai Buddhist weddings, several similarities and differences emerge. Likewise, you will also see that both types of marriages reflect the deep cultural and religious roots of their respective communities. You can see the comparison on this website as well.
Lastly, you will also see that both Islamic and Thai Buddhist marriages are deeply rooted in religious traditions. Likewise, the Islamic marriages focus on the Nikah ceremony. This is view as a contractual agreement. This while the Thai Buddhist marriages emphasize merit-making and monk blessings.
Likewise, when it comes to Islamic marriages. It often includes a simple Nikah ceremony followed by a Walima (wedding feast). In contrast, Thai Buddhist weddings are more elaborate, involving pre-wedding rituals, a Buddhist ceremony, and a grand reception.
Intercultural marriages in both communities require couples to navigate religious and cultural differences. Pre-marital counseling, blending traditions, and community acceptance are common themes in managing these differences.
Note that both Islamic as well as Thai Buddhist marriages must be registered with civil authorities to be legally recognized. This goes for all traditional weddings. The legal processes involve submitting documentation and ensuring compliance with both religious and civil laws.
Lastly, traditional Thai Buddhist weddings and Islamic marriages in Thailand showcase the rich religious as well as cultural diversity in the country. This from Northern to Southern Thailand. Likewise, each type of marriage brings unique customs, ceremonies as well as legal considerations. With the change in same sex marriage in Thailand. This diversity will only increase.
You can also find other articles on our immigration lawyer Thailand or our lawyer in Bangkok and see how to retire in Thailand with the retirement visa Thailand option. We can assist you living your dream in the Kingdom. Likewise also see the articles on passport lost in Thailand as well as the page on the tm30 Thailand. Likewise see the Thai marriage and also the Marriage visa in Thailand as well as the financial requirements as well.
