Law prohibiting marriage to foreigners over the age of 50 proposed to Thai Cabin

[Prakhonchai Nick]

Law prohibiting marriage to foreigners over the age of 50 proposed to Thai Cabinet

BANGKOK: -- The Ministry of Interior are bringing a new proposal before the Cabinet prohibiting foreigners over the age of 50 from marrying Thai nationals.

According to a Ministry spokesperson, statistics show that many older foreigners are marrying much younger Thai women, which is not appropriate and often leads to many problems.

"Many older foreigners seem to marry Thai women so they can stay in Thailand under less strict requirements. Instead of needing to meet the requirements of 800,000 baht in the bank they only have to show 400,000 baht a year when married to a Thai. Additionally, many of these people seem to come to Thailand simply to marry much younger girls. In many cases they are old enough to be their father. I am concerned that these people are attempting to circumvent the rules by marrying innocent Thai women. If these people don't have enough money to retire then they shouldn't be here and become a burden to Thailand," Tawatchai Suksoom of the Ministry of Interior stated.

He added that the measure is not discriminatory as it will apply to both men and women, but admitted that the proposal would mainly affect Thai women and foreign men.

Thai nationals cannot be prohibited from marrying older foreigners abroad, however Thai embassies will warn them of the possibility that Thailand will not recognize the marriage if they return to Thailand, he noted.

It is expected that the new law will be brought before the Cabinet for approval at the beginning of next month where it will then be proposed to Parliament. The law will not apply retroactively but only to marriages that take place after the new law comes into effect. Tawatchai advised Thais living overseas to provide proof to their Embassies that they were married before the law came into effect so as to avoid any potential problems.

The new law is in line with similar laws in Cambodia and Laos as part of the upcoming ASEAN integration in 2015 and is expected to pass Parliament with ease and should take effect on May 1st, 2011.

The unmarried golden oldies (including Nookie and CC) have just one month to do the deed! Only costs 40bt down at the amphur!

[nookiebear]

Nookie will remain a 'Batchelor Boy'

[Prakhonchai Nick]

This proposed law is being introduced at the behest of ASEAN, and all ASEAN countries are expected to follow suit by 2015. Much the same as the EC who insist that all member countries abide by the same laws. What a load of Bollocks!

Whilst I can see some merit in the proposed law, it would perhaps be more appropriate to place a limit on "age differences" -maybe 15 years, unless both parties are aged 50 or more.

Most couples banned from marrying will continue to live together, raise children, but when the man dies, in many cases his foreign pension cannot be transferred to his lady unless they are married. In the UK, widows receive significant financial help, but this does not include women in unmarried partnerships.

I note also that even though this planned law has yet to be discussed by parliament, there is talk of it becoming law within 1 month. Strange that the recently enacted law allowing "living wills"  is not in force for 6 months after having been signed by His Majesty.

[boloa]

It's  April the 1st isn't it Nick 

[Prakhonchai Nick]

Indeed it is Alan, but this law has already been enacted in both Cambodia and Laos.

If it is an April Fool prank, it is only a matter of time..........

[isanbirder]

Presumably these oldies could marry the Thai women in their home countries, so it wouldn't make much difference (except perhaps to weed out the more impoverished ones!).

[Prakhonchai Nick]

Presumably these oldies could marry the Thai women in their home countries, so it wouldn't make much difference (except perhaps to weed out the more impoverished ones!).

They could, but the Thai government is suggesting that the marriage might not be recognised in Thailand. An overseas marriage would also cost a lot more than 40bt!

[boloa]

My wife said there would be riots in the streets ..........again 

[Prakhonchai Nick]

I think Boloa is correct in suggesting this is an April Fools prank. The info came from the "other" large forum where I note that any post even suggesting this might be a hoax is unceremoniously removed within seconds.

[mike]

I also think it's a hoax as there is no original news article in the Newspaper that is associated with that "other" large forum.

[Pee Nuu]

It's  April the 1st isn't it Nick 

Yep...more than likely!