Reviewed by ThaiLawOnline, a licensed Thai law firm practising in Thailand since 2006. Thai lawyer of record: Wichuda Atthamethakon, LL.M., Thai Bar Licence 3149/2556.
Last updated on September 16, 2026
Written by Mr. Sebastien H. Brousseau, LL.B., B.Sc., Attorney and Managing Director at ThaiLawOnline. Sebastien is a Canadian lawyer based in Bangkok with 30 years in law, 20 of them in Thailand. He has been managing law firms in Thailand since 2006 and leads a team of Thai attorneys focused on family, property, and corporate law. He studied both Civil and Common Law before moving to Asia in 2002. He has been helping hundreds of foreigners about Thai divorces. Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for advice on your specific situation. Full Profile | LinkedIn.
For where the certificate fits in the divorce process as a whole, see our guide to Thai family law.
If you’re a foreigner living in Thailand, navigating the legal process of divorce can be confusing, especially when it comes to obtaining and understanding your Divorce Certificate Thailand. This guide simplifies everything you need to know about your Divorce Certificate Thailand, clearly and practically, without confusing legal jargon.
Understanding the Divorce Certificate Thailand is crucial for foreigners navigating the legal landscape in Thailand. For foreigners, knowing how to acquire your Divorce Certificate Thailand is essential for ensuring your divorce is legally recognized.
Table of Contents
Last reviewed: 16 September 2026. The registration steps on this page were read in Thai against the Ministry of Interior Regulation on Family Registration B.E. 2541, as amended by Regulation No. 2 B.E. 2544 (which replaced the Kor Ror 7 form) and Regulation No. 3 B.E. 2561 (identity checks, database checks and English-language register extracts): clauses 6, 8, 8/1, 20, 21, 22, 36, 46, 47 and 49. Sections 1514, 1515 and 1531 of the Civil and Commercial Code were read in Thai for what a divorce by consent requires and when each kind of divorce takes effect. The legalisation steps follow the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Regulation on the Legalization of Documents B.E. 2568, as read for our guide to legalising documents in Thailand, and the Apostille date is taken from the Hague Conference status table. Not verified, because they are practice rather than law: processing times, fee amounts, and which foreign authorities accept which documents.
Your Divorce Certificate Thailand will serve as crucial documentation for various legal and administrative purposes.
What is a Divorce Certificate in Thailand?
In Thailand, a divorce certificate, known in Thai as ใบหย่า (Bai Yah), is the official document proving your divorce is legally recognized. This certificate is crucial for various legal activities such as updating marital status, visa changes, property transfers, or remarriage. Thai Name and Official Form Number for a Divorce Certificate There are two primary forms related to divorce certificates in Thailand:
- Divorce Certificate (ใบหย่า Bai Yah), formally known as Kor Ror 7 (ค.ร.7).
- Divorce Registration (ทะเบียนหย่า Tabien Yah), known as Kor Ror 6 (ค.ร.6), which is the official record of divorce registration.
When and Where to Get a Divorce Certificate
Obtaining your Divorce Certificate Thailand is typically a straightforward process if all documentation is in order. Once you have completed the divorce proceedings, you can apply for your Divorce Certificate Thailand at the local district office. Important documentation needed for your Divorce Certificate Thailand application includes your marriage certificate and identification.
You can obtain a divorce certificate in Thailand at a local district office (Amphur), immediately following a successful uncontested divorce registration.
You do not have to go back to the district office where you married. A family registration can be requested at any district office (clause 6 of the Ministry of Interior Regulation on Family Registration B.E. 2541), and each spouse receives a certificate (clause 20). If you cannot both attend the same office, each of you can sign at a different one, including a Thai registry abroad, and the divorce takes effect when the second office registers it (clause 21).
Required Documents for Divorce Certificate Registration:
Whether you need an uncontested or contested Divorce Certificate Thailand, knowing the difference is vital for your situation.
| Document | Required by | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport or ID | Both spouses | Original and copies. A foreigner shows a passport or another official identity document (clause 8 of the Ministry of Interior Regulation on Family Registration B.E. 2541, as amended in 2018). |
| Marriage Certificate | Both spouses | Translated into Thai if in foreign language |
| Divorce Agreement (if applicable) | Both spouses | Must be bilingual if foreigners involved |
| House Registration (Tabien Baan) | Thai spouse | Since 2018 the registrar checks government records on the central database instead of asking you for copies (clause 8/1) |
| Power of Attorney (if applicable) | Representative | Certified translation necessary |
Differences Between Contested and Uncontested Divorce Certificates
Your Divorce Certificate Thailand must be translated and legalized if you plan to use it internationally. In Thailand, divorces are categorized into uncontested (mutual agreement) and contested (court-based). Here’s how certificates differ:
| Aspect | Uncontested Divorce | Contested Divorce |
|---|---|---|
| Where issued | Amphur Office | Family Court, then registered at Amphur |
| Certificate issued | Kor Ror 7 (Bai Yah) | Court Judgment first, then Kor Ror 7 |
| Timeframe | Immediate upon registration | The divorce takes effect when the judgment becomes final (Section 1531); the certificate follows when that judgment is registered |
| Simplicity | Simple and quick | Complex and lengthy |
To register a court divorce, either spouse can go to the district office alone with a certified copy of the final judgment. The registrar records the court, the case number and the date of judgment in the divorce register, and keeps the other spouse’s certificate until that spouse collects it (clause 22). Register it even though the divorce is already in effect: until it is registered, the judgment cannot be relied on against a third party who acted in good faith (Section 1531).
How to Use a Thai Divorce Certificate Overseas
For your Thai divorce certificate (Kor Ror 7) to be valid overseas, it typically needs translation and legalization:
- Have your Kor Ror 7 translated, usually into English. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs then legalises the translation.
- Obtain certified translations from an accredited translator.
- Legalize documents at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA กรมการกงสุล).
- Authenticate the document at your embassy or consulate in Thailand.
Thailand has acceded to the Apostille Convention with effect from 28 February 2027. From that date, for a country that is also a party and has not objected to Thailand’s accession, a single apostille replaces the embassy step. Until then the chain above applies. You can also ask the district office for an extract of the divorce register in English (see the FAQ below).
Understanding potential issues with your Divorce Certificate Thailand can help you avoid complications when dealing with foreign authorities.
Why Some Certificates May Not Be Accepted Abroad
Sometimes foreign countries reject Thai divorce certificates due to:
- Uncertified translations.
- Missing legalization or embassy authentication.
Always confirm what the receiving authority requires before you start, because each country sets its own rules for foreign documents.
What to Do If Your Divorce Certificate is Lost or Incorrect
Losing your divorce certificate or finding errors can be stressful. Follow these steps to rectify:
- Go to any district office. If that office did not register your divorce, the registrar traces it through the central registry (clause 47 of the Ministry of Interior Regulation on Family Registration B.E. 2541).
- Bring your identification documents and the original marriage certificate.
- Ask for a certified copy of the entry in the divorce register (Kor Ror 6), which is the service the Regulation provides, at a fee set by ministerial regulation (clause 46).
- Pay the required administrative fee (usually minimal).
- Collect the certified copy, usually issued within one working day.
If your Divorce Certificate Thailand is lost, it is important to know the steps to obtain a replacement quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Divorce Certificate in Thailand
What exactly is a Kor Ror 7 divorce certificate?
Kor Ror 7 is Thailand’s official divorce certificate (ใบหย่า), issued at Amphur offices after divorce registration.
How long does it take to get a Thai divorce certificate?
Typically, it is issued immediately after an uncontested divorce is registered. Contested divorces take longer due to court procedures.
Can I use my Thai divorce certificate abroad?
Yes, once translated, legalized at MOFA, and authenticated by your embassy.
Can I get a Thai divorce certificate if married abroad?
Do not assume so. Section 1515 makes registration the step that completes a divorce by consent where the marriage was registered under the Civil and Commercial Code, and a marriage made abroad was not. A marriage made abroad can be recorded at a district office as a family-status record, but only if at least one spouse is a Thai national when asking (clause 36 of the Ministry of Interior Regulation on Family Registration B.E. 2541), and a record of that kind is not a registration under the Code. Take advice on your own facts before going to the district office.
Where do I get a divorce certificate translated into English?
Ask the district office first. Since 2018 a person with an interest can ask the registrar for an extract of the family register in English, certified on request, in the form the Department of Provincial Administration sets (clause 49, second paragraph, added by Regulation No. 3 B.E. 2561). Otherwise use a certified translation, which must then be legalized.
What is the difference between divorce certificate and divorce registration?
Divorce certificate (Bai Yah, Kor Ror 7) is the proof document. Divorce registration (Tabien Yah, Kor Ror 6) is the official record stored at Amphur.
What if the Amphur refuses to issue a divorce certificate?
This typically happens if your documents are incomplete or your foreign marriage was never officially registered in Thailand.
Is online divorce registration available in Thailand?
No. A divorce by consent is registered at a district office. The spouses need not attend the same one: each can sign at a different office, including a Thai registry abroad, and the divorce takes effect when the second office registers it (clause 21 of the Ministry of Interior Regulation on Family Registration B.E. 2541).
Conclusion and Next Steps
Getting your divorce certificate correct from the outset can save you considerable hassle, especially if needed overseas. If you’ve lost your divorce certificate, need help translating it, or verifying its validity abroad, our experienced English-speaking legal team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today for straightforward, professional assistance tailored specifically for foreigners and expatriates in Thailand. Ensuring the accuracy of your Divorce Certificate Thailand is crucial to avoid delays and complications. When asking FAQs about Divorce Certificate Thailand, keep in mind the specifics of your situation can greatly affect your answers.
Obtaining your Divorce Certificate Thailand is just the first step in navigating your life post-divorce. For assistance with your Divorce Certificate Thailand, consult with legal professionals familiar with the process in Thailand. Contact us today for expert advice regarding your Divorce Certificate Thailand and ensure that all your legal needs are met.
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