Adoption in Thailand
There are many reasons for adopting a child. A mother cannot give a birth, but she really want to have a child, or some family feel pity for an orphan. In Thailand, most people adopt a child from only his or her cousin.
Under Civil and Commercial Code, section 1598/19 “ A person who is not less than twenty five years old may adopt another, provided he is at least fifteen years older than the adopted person.” Therefore, a child who can be adopted must have the age of at least ten years old. And if the person to be adopted is not less than fifteen years old, such person must give consent. Furthermore, if a person to be adopted is a minor (less than 20 years of age), an adoption can take place only with the consent of his or her parents. In the case the minor has been abandoned and been under the supervision of an institution for child, the institution can give consent on behalf of his parents. In addition, if a person who is to adopt or is to be adopted is married, a spouse must give consent.
Please note that a minor who has been adopted cannot be adopted to another person at the same time, except an adopted of the spouse of the adoptor. An adoption takes effect by law upon the registration.
When an adoption is valid, an adopted child becomes a legitimate child of an adoptor. That means the adopted child has rights and duties under family law to the adoptor. For examples, an adopted child is bound to maintain his parents; an adopted child cannot enter an action, either civil or criminal, against the adoptor’s ascendants. On the contrary, the adoptor also has rights and duties to the adopted child. For an example, the adoptor is bound to maintain the adopted while the adopted is still a minor. However, the adoptor does not have the right to inherit the adopted.
However, an adopted does not lose his rights and duties in his family, but his parents lose their control power over the adopted since the child is adopted
Can an adopted marry an adoptor? Yes, why not! Just the adoption will become dissolved. In addition, the dissolution of adoption can take place by order of the Court. For examples, either party does not maintain the other; one party seriously insults the other.
Even though an adoption can fulfill someone’s mind, you are bound under family law.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. No warranty is expressed or implied.
Before taking any legal action, persons are advised to seek the advice of a lawyer qualified in the area of law concerned.