The age for Islamic marriage and the age for civil marriage registration in Thailand may differ slightly. However, at what age can a person both perform a nikah and register a civil marriage in a way that is consistent with, and does not conflict with, Thai law? Let’s take a closer look at the legal provisions on marriageable age under Thai law in the table below.
Table Showing the Age Ranges in Which a Couple Falls Under the Authority of the Court and Their Parents/Guardians
| Age Range | Court Permission | Parental/Guardian Permission |
|---|---|---|
| Under 15 years | Court permission is required in all cases | Parents/guardians have no right to give permission |
| 15–17 years | Court permission is required in all cases | Parents/guardians must also give permission jointly |
| 18–19 years | No permission required | Parental/guardian permission required |
| 20 years and above | No permission required | No permission required |
Additional Explanation
1. Court permission:
- Anyone under the age of 18 must obtain permission from the court in order to register a marriage, and must have a reasonable ground for doing so, such as pregnancy
- Court permission is a mandatory step, even if the parents/guardians have already given consent, if the person is under 18 years of age
2. Parental/guardian permission:
- Anyone under the full age of 20 must obtain written consent from a parent/guardian
- If there is no consent from a parent/guardian, a person under 18 years of age must instead seek permission from the court
3. Exceptions for marriage:
- A person who registers a marriage lawfully, even if under the age of 20, is considered to have reached majority immediately under Section 20 of the Civil and Commercial Code
ARAYA performs nikah for those aged 20 years and above. For those in the 18–19 age range, a nikah can be arranged, on the condition that a lawful parent/guardian must attend on behalf of both parties. For further details about arranging a nikah, please contact ARAYA Nikah, a social enterprise.
Planning a legally-recognized Nikah in Thailand? Start here →