Thai marriage

A traditional wedding in Thailand.

A Thai wedding generally consists of two parts: the legal and the ceremonial. These are done separately. There is no requirement of government documentation to have a religious ceremony, which is most common with Thai people. This is considered by many to be the real wedding. Normally, weddings in Thailand are Buddhist. A bride token is still common, but arranged marriages[1] are rare.

The legal part is performed at a local Amphoe where the marriage is registered. It is not a chattel marriage, but a contractual marriage. The marriage certificate is in the Thai language.

Two type of gifts from the husband to be, are considered cultural requirements: khong mun and sin sod.[2] (Sin sod is a bride price—often described less accurately as a dowry—given to the bride to be's parents.[2] "It is given at the wedding ceremony in front of all the gifts."[2] Khong mun is a gift of gold jewelry that is given when the wedding is announced, or later—before the wedding ceremony.[2])

See also

References

  1. ↑ Phraya Anuman Rajadhon, The story of Thai marriage custom, Thailand Culture Series; no. 13, National Culture Institute, Bangkok 1954
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Cultural aspects within marriage