Adopting a Child in Thailand as a Foreigner: Eligibility, Process and Timescales

Last reviewed: 2 October 2026 · By Dr. Sarun Amatyakul, Amatyakul Law Firm

Many foreigners living in Thailand, and many abroad, ask whether they can adopt a Thai child, whether they must be married, and how long the process takes. This article explains the legal framework and the main practical steps, with particular attention to children in the care of the Department of Children and Youth (DCY). The correct route depends on your residence, the child’s circumstances and whether the adoption is domestic or intercountry.

Key points

• An adopter must be at least 25 years old and at least 15 years older than the child.
• Marriage and residence requirements must be checked for the applicable adoption programme. Single applicants should obtain confirmation of their eligibility before preparing a full dossier.
• Adoption placement must follow the authorised process through the DCY or an appropriately licensed organisation.
• A trial care period of at least six months normally applies, subject to statutory exemptions, followed by the required approval.
• Published Thai government guidance estimates a matching wait of about two years for the relevant DCY programme. This is an estimate, not a guaranteed completion date.

The legal framework

The Civil and Commercial Code sets the basic conditions. Under Section 1598/19, a person aged at least 25 may adopt, provided they are at least 15 years older than the adoptee. Under Section 1598/27, adoption is complete only when registered. If the adoptee is a minor, the requirements of the Child Adoption Act must first be met.

The Child Adoption Act B.E. 2522 (1979), as amended, governs the administrative process for adopting a minor. It provides for assessment, preparation, authorised placement, trial care and approval. Section 19 includes exemptions from trial care, so the six-month requirement should not be described as applying to every adoption.

Applicants domiciled in Bangkok or abroad apply to the Director-General under Section 20; those domiciled in other provinces apply to the provincial governor. In practice, applicants should confirm the correct receiving office and submission route with the DCY before applying.

Taking a child out of Thailand for adoption purposes requires the permission prescribed by Section 18. Under Section 29, the registration deadline is generally six months from receipt of notification of the relevant approval or court order, subject to the statutory provisions on extension.

Intercountry cases may also require compliance with the Hague Adoption Convention and the receiving country’s adoption and immigration procedures. The order of those steps matters.

Who can apply, and where

Foreigners living abroad generally begin with the competent authority or an accredited adoption agency in their country of residence. That body coordinates the application with Thailand.

Foreigners living in Thailand may contact a law firm that handles adoption matters for help preparing documents and coordinating the process, which involves several stages and can take years. Applications and decisions must still follow the procedures of the competent authorities.

Married or single?

Applicants should obtain the current marriage requirements for their particular programme directly from the DCY and the relevant authority abroad. Published guidance differs between programmes and jurisdictions, so a single minimum marriage period should not be presented as a universal rule for every foreign applicant.

Single applicants may be considered under applicable procedures, but eligibility and placement remain subject to assessment. Current U.S. government guidance describes prospective applicants as single or married and states that married applicants must have been married for at least two years. Applicants using other routes should confirm the conditions that apply to them.

Applicants able to care for an older child or a child with additional needs should discuss their experience, support network and suitability with the competent authority. This is an assessment of the child’s needs and the family’s capacity, rather than an assurance of a faster or successful application.

Before investing in documents from abroad, ask for confirmation of the applicable eligibility criteria and document list.

Adopting a specific child versus being matched with a child

A known child, such as a spouse’s child or a relative, requires examination of parental authority and the legally required consents. Certain relatives, guardians and other qualifying applicants may fall within trial care exemptions. The exact exemption must be checked against the facts.

An unrelated child in DCY care is placed through the authorised assessment and matching process. Families should avoid private intermediaries or any arrangement involving payment or improper benefits to obtain consent. A private agreement does not replace official approval or registration.

Documents usually required

The final checklist depends on the route and the authorities involved. Documents commonly requested include:

• Passport, evidence of residence and, where applicable, a Thai work permit.
• Marriage certificate, divorce documents and relevant custody arrangements.
• Confirmation from the competent authority that the applicant is eligible to adopt. For some foreign residents, embassy documentation may be required; confirm which authority can issue an acceptable document.
• Confirmation of the child’s ability to enter and reside in the receiving country, where applicable.
• A home study report prepared by an authorised person or agency.
• Medical certificates covering physical and mental health, and a psychological assessment where required.
• Criminal record and child protection checks.
• Evidence of employment, income, financial position and assets.
• Personal references.
• Photographs of the applicant and the home.
• Evidence of adoption preparation or training where required.
• The prescribed application form and the applicant’s biography.

Confirm document validity periods, certification requirements and Thai translation requirements before obtaining documents abroad.

The process step by step

The following is an overview of a DCY placement. Intercountry cases require additional steps coordinated with the receiving country.

1. Confirm eligibility and the correct route. Establish which authorities must be involved and obtain the applicable checklist before submitting a letter of intent and personal background information.
2. Assessment. The responsible social worker or authorised agency assesses the applicant, including the home environment and suitability to care for a child.
3. Full document review. The completed dossier and home study are reviewed through the prescribed process.
4. Matching. The competent committee considers a suitable family for the child. Published Thai government guidance gives an estimated wait of about two years for the relevant programme, depending on the children available for placement.
5. Introduction and authorised placement. The family meets the child and proceeds with placement after the necessary authorisations. Intercountry cases also require the receiving country’s approvals at the correct stage.
6. Trial care. Where required, trial care lasts at least six months, with supervision and progress reports under the applicable arrangements.
7. Approval. The Child Adoption Board considers the assessment and trial care reports.
8. Registration. Complete registration through the appropriate channel within the statutory deadline, generally six months from receipt of notification. Foreign registration or recognition requirements should also be checked.

How long does it take?

Allow for a process that may take several years. Preparing and authenticating documents, assessment, matching, trial care, approval and registration each take time. A published estimate for one stage should not be treated as a promise for the whole process.

Thai government guidance expressly excludes matching and certain external or committee consideration periods from its internal processing estimates. Ask the responsible authority for the current estimate for your particular route.

Practical considerations for foreign residents

• Residence and work status. Plan for continuity of lawful residence and any work permission relevant to your application. Tell the responsible authority about a planned move or material change in circumstances.
• Travel. Obtain the required permission and documents before taking a child out of Thailand for adoption purposes.
• Your home country’s law. Thai adoption does not automatically establish foreign citizenship or immigration rights. Obtain advice about recognition, immigration and nationality early, especially if you may relocate.

How we can help

We review an applicant’s circumstances and documents, prepare letters of intent and supporting correspondence, coordinate translation and certification, and assist with communications with the responsible authorities. Matching, placement and approval remain with the competent authorities and authorised organisations.

To discuss your situation, contact us by email, through LINE or our contact form.

Service details (in Thai): Child adoption service for foreign nationals

This article provides general information on Thai law and practice as at the date of review. It is not legal advice. Requirements may change, and the outcome of any application depends on its particular facts and the decision of the competent authorities.