Child Adoption in Thailand

Child adoption in Thailand is a legally recognized process that allows individuals or couples to become the legal parents of a child who is not biologically theirs. It is governed by Thai law, primarily the Child Adoption Act of 1979, and involves both domestic and intercountry adoptions. The Department of Social Development and Welfare (DSDW) plays a central role in overseeing and regulating all adoption processes in Thailand.   

Types of Adoption in Thailand

Thailand recognizes two main types of adoption:   

  • Domestic Adoption: This involves adoptive parents (either Thai or foreign nationals) who are domiciled in Thailand adopting a Thai child. Applications are submitted directly to the Child Adoption Center of the DSDW in Bangkok or the provincial DSDW office where the applicant resides.   
  • Intercountry Adoption: This process is for foreign individuals or couples who wish to adopt a Thai child and raise the child in a country outside of Thailand. These adoptions are handled in cooperation with the competent authorities or licensed child welfare organizations in the prospective adoptive parents' home country.   

Requirements for Prospective Adoptive Parents

The qualifications for adopting a child in Thailand are detailed and aim to ensure the well-being of the child. General requirements include:   

  • Age: Adoptive parents must be at least 25 years old and at least 15 years older than the child they wish to adopt.   
  • Marital Status: For intercountry adoptions, applicants typically need to be a legally married heterosexual couple. Single applicants may be considered in some cases, particularly for children with special needs. The marriage should generally have lasted for a significant period, often at least two to three years.   
  • Domicile: Foreign applicants living outside Thailand must work through an approved adoption agency in their home country that is partnered with the DSDW. Foreigners residing permanently in Thailand need to provide proof of residency. Those residing temporarily with a valid work permit for at least six months may also be eligible.   
  • Financial Stability: Applicants must demonstrate the financial capacity to raise a child. This often involves providing financial statements and proof of income.
  • Health: Prospective parents need to be in good physical and mental health, supported by medical reports.
  • Criminal Record: Applicants must undergo background checks and provide criminal record clearances.
  • Home Study: A comprehensive home study conducted by a licensed social worker in the applicant's country of residence is a crucial part of the process. This assesses their suitability to adopt.
  • Other Considerations: Factors such as existing children in the household, history of divorce, and any serious health conditions are also considered. Childless couples or those with documented infertility may be given priority.   

The Adoption Process

The adoption process in Thailand involves several key stages:

  1. Application and Home Study: Prospective adoptive parents contact an authorized adoption agency (if residing abroad) or the DSDW (if residing in Thailand) to begin the process and undergo a home study.   
  2. Document Submission: A detailed dossier of documents is prepared, including proof of identity, marriage certificate, financial statements, medical reports, letters of reference, and a statement of intent. All foreign documents must be authenticated and translated into Thai.   
  3. Submission to DSDW: The completed application and home study report are submitted to the DSDW for review.
  4. Approval as Prospective Adoptive Parents: The Child Adoption Board reviews the applicants' qualifications. If approved, they are officially recognized as prospective adoptive parents.
  5. Matching: The DSDW identifies a child who is legally available for adoption and whose needs match the profile of the prospective parents. Information about the child is provided to the applicants.   
  6. Acceptance and Pre-Adoption Placement: If the match is accepted, the case is submitted to the Board for approval of a pre-adoption placement, which may involve a period of fostering within Thailand.   
  7. Legal Registration: The adoption is legally registered either at the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in the adoptive parents' home country (if residing abroad) or at the local District Office (Amphur) in Thailand (if residing in Thailand).

The timeframe for completing an adoption in Thailand can vary significantly, often taking between one to three years, depending on various factors such as the child's age and health, and the responsiveness of all parties involved.   

Children Available for Adoption

Children available for adoption in Thailand range in age, with many being toddlers or older. Some children may have minor to moderate physical or developmental special needs. Sibling groups are also sometimes available. Thai authorities prioritize placing children within Thailand before considering intercountry adoption.   

Intercountry Adoption Statistics

Intercountry adoptions from Thailand to the United States, for example, have shown fluctuations over the years. According to the U.S. Department of State, there were 49 adoptions in 2022, 43 in 2023, 38 in 2021, 23 in 2020, and 38 in 2019. These numbers reflect a general trend of decreasing intercountry adoptions globally.   

Conclusion

Adopting a child from Thailand is a significant undertaking that requires patience, thorough preparation, and adherence to the legal processes outlined by Thai authorities and the relevant agencies in the prospective adoptive parents' home country. The primary goal of the process is to ensure that children who cannot remain with their biological families find safe, stable, and loving permanent homes.


Visit our website for more information: https://www.siam-legal.com/legal_services/thailand-adoption.php

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