Adopting a child in Thailand is possible for foreign residents and for families living abroad, but only through the official channel: Thailand applies the 1993 Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption, and private adoption is strictly prohibited. This guide sets out the legal framework, the eligibility criteria, the content of the adoption file, the procedure step by step, the cost and the timeline. A longer version is available in French: adoption en Thaïlande.
Domestic and intercountry adoption
Domestic adoption concerns Thai nationals adopting a Thai child. It is faster and cheaper than intercountry adoption, because it involves no visa or residence formalities; Thai applicants deal with an accredited local adoption agency.
Intercountry adoption concerns couples or individuals residing outside Thailand who wish to adopt a Thai child. It is longer and more expensive, because it involves complex legal steps and exchanges between the two governments. Applicants must comply both with the law of their country of residence and with Thai law, and must act through an accredited intercountry adoption body. Foreign nationals residing in Thailand should check with the central authority which route applies to their situation before starting.
The legal framework
Adoption in Thailand is governed by:
- the Civil and Commercial Code (sections 1598/19 to 1598/37);
- the Child Adoption Act of 22 April 1979, as amended, and the 1993 Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption;
- the Child Protection Act of 2003;
- the 2000 ministerial regulation implementing the Child Adoption Act and the 2003 guidelines on the intercountry adoption of Thai children.
The Civil and Commercial Code requires the adopter to be at least 25 years old and at least 15 years older than the child. Married couples may adopt jointly; one spouse may adopt alone with the other’s consent. The adopter must be found fit to raise the child. The Child Adoption Act adds more specific criteria: good character, a stable financial situation, a rigorous selection process and a training programme.
The 1993 Hague Convention, which Thailand has ratified, protects the rights of children in intercountry adoption. It requires that the adoption be in the best interests of the child and that all possibilities of adoption within the child’s country of origin be considered before an intercountry adoption is contemplated (the subsidiarity principle). Under the Convention, every application must be submitted to the Thai central authority through an accredited body recognised in Thailand, including adoptions within the family. In France this means the Agence Française de l’Adoption (AFA) or an authorised adoption body (OAA); other countries have their equivalent. An adoption that bypasses this procedure may be refused a visa and may not be recognised in the applicants’ home country. Before applying, French applicants should check with the child welfare service of their département that the body they have chosen is authorised to act there.
Private adoption is formally prohibited in Thailand. It is impossible to file an application directly with a nursery, an orphanage or the central authority.
Eligibility criteria
The criteria are strict and aim to guarantee the welfare and safety of the child.
Children already in the home. Thai law sets no limit, but in practice the Department of Children and Youth is unlikely to accept applications from couples who already have two or more children, except for projects involving children with special needs.
Age. Applicants must be at least 25 and at least 15 years older than the child, with a maximum gap of 48 years between the child and the applicants. The authorities want parents old enough to assume their responsibilities and young enough to care for the child until independence.
Marital status. Couples married for at least three years are given priority, as a guarantee of family stability. Single applicants may also be eligible if they meet the other criteria and can show a stable and loving family environment.
Financial situation. Applicants must have sufficient resources to provide for the child. The Thai authorities examine income, assets and debts; evidence of financial stability must be included in the file.
Criminal record. No record of violence, abuse or neglect towards children. Thorough checks are carried out.
Physical and mental health. Medical certificates are required to show that the applicants are able to care for the child and offer a safe environment.
Pre-adoption training. Applicants are generally required to follow pre-adoption training, delivered by the accredited body, to prepare for the specific challenges of adoption and the emotional, social and educational needs of an adopted child.
The procedure
Step 1: accreditation and the adoption body
Applicants residing in France first obtain the agrément en vue d’adoption, issued by the president of the departmental council of their place of residence. They then contact the AFA or an authorised adoption body (OAA), which guides them through the whole process: assembling the file, completing the documents and identifying a child who matches their wishes and situation. Once the file has been validated by the Thai Department of Children and Youth (DCY), it is placed on a waiting list shared by all countries participating in intercountry adoption from Thailand.
At this stage, ask about post-adoption follow-up: the body must offer follow-up services to help the family adjust and to meet the needs of the adopted child. Make sure the services offered match your expectations.
Step 2: the adoption file
The file is assembled with the adoption body. It allows the authorities to verify that the applicants meet the criteria and can provide a safe and loving home. It contains, among other things:
- personal documents: passports, birth certificates, marriage certificate where applicable, proof of residence, all up to date;
- proof of income and financial stability: pay slips, bank statements, tax returns;
- medical certificates of physical and mental health;
- letters of reference from people who know the applicants well (friends, family, colleagues, health or education professionals);
- a home study report by an accredited social worker, covering the family, the home, lifestyle, support network and motivation to adopt;
- proof of pre-adoption training.
A complete, well-organised file makes the Thai authorities’ examination easier and shows the applicants’ seriousness. Applicants should stay in contact with their adoption body and respond quickly to any request for additional information or documents.
Step 3: the legal procedure
Once the file has been submitted, the legal process begins. It includes approval by the Thai government, the matching with a child and the finalisation of the adoption before a Thai court. The whole process generally takes 12 to 24 months.
- Government approval. The Thai authorities assess the file. Every document must be complete and up to date to avoid unnecessary delays.
- Matching. The adoption body presents the applicants with a child who corresponds to their criteria and wishes. Applicants are expected to keep an open mind and to be prepared for the challenges of adopting a child with special needs or a difficult past.
- Visits. Before the adoption is finalised, the applicants travel to Thailand to meet the child and build a relationship of trust. These visits are essential to help the child feel safe with their future parents.
- Adoption before the Thai court. The adoption is finalised before a Thai court. Assistance from a lawyer in Thailand experienced in adoption ensures that the documents are in order and the formalities are respected, and avoids later legal complications.
- Nationality and passport. After the adoption, the child’s nationality and passport must be obtained; this can take several weeks or months.
- Visa and exit permit. Before leaving Thailand with the child, the applicants must obtain a visa for the child and an exit permit, in accordance with the rules of their home country.
Settling in as a family
Cultural challenges
Adopting a Thai child often involves cultural challenges. Parents should become familiar with Thai culture, shaped by Buddhism, Hinduism and regional traditions, and encourage the child to keep their cultural heritage. The Thai language can be a challenge for non-Thai parents; maintaining the child’s mother tongue helps preserve the link with their culture of origin. Adopted children may face stereotypes and prejudice; preparing them and teaching them pride in their heritage matters.
The transition to family life
The transition requires patience, affection and support. It helps to create a safe and welcoming home, with elements of Thai culture in the child’s room; to establish a clear daily routine; to communicate openly and honestly about the changes ahead; to remain patient with emotions and reactions that may stem from earlier traumatic experiences; to call on a psychologist or counsellor specialised in adoption when needed; to introduce the child gradually to their new social life, starting with close family; and to maintain ties with Thailand, through known members of the birth family, Thai traditions at home or Thai cultural events in the community. Therapy sessions, meetings with other adopted children and the support of specialised organisations can all help.
Cost
An adoption in Thailand costs between 10,000 and 30,000 euros, depending on the adoption body and the legal fees. The main items are:
- adoption body fees, covering file management, preparation of documents, coordination with the Thai authorities and often post-adoption follow-up; they vary from one body to another but run to several thousand euros;
- legal fees, covering the preparation and legalisation of documents and legal representation in Thailand;
- travel and accommodation, for at least one and often several stays in Thailand during the process;
- post-adoption costs, such as follow-up visits, post-adoption reports and support for the child’s adjustment.
Planning these expenses in advance, and looking for resources to help finance the adoption where necessary, is part of preparing the project.
Useful contacts
- Child Adoption Center, Department of Children and Youth (Thai central authority), Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, Ratchawithi Home for Girls, 255 Ratchawithi Road, Ratchathewi District, Bangkok 10400.
- Agence Française de l’Adoption (AFA), 63 bis boulevard Bessières, 75017 Paris, for applicants residing in France.
- The authorised adoption bodies (OAA) accredited for Thailand, listed by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
Adoption in Thailand is a demanding but rewarding journey. The firm assists applicants with the Thai legal phase of the procedure and with the recognition of the adoption in France. Contact us to discuss your project.
Frequently asked questions
Who can adopt a child from Thailand?
Applicants aged at least 25 and at least 15 years older than the child, with sufficient financial resources, a clean criminal record and good physical and mental health. Couples married for at least three years are preferred; single applicants may be accepted if they can offer a stable family environment.
How much does an adoption in Thailand cost?
Between 10,000 and 30,000 euros, depending on the adoption body and the legal fees, plus travel and accommodation in Thailand.
How long does the process take?
Generally 12 to 24 months from the submission of the file to the finalisation of the adoption before the Thai court, followed by the time needed to obtain the child’s nationality, passport, visa and exit permit.
Can I adopt directly through an orphanage or a nursery?
No. Private adoption is prohibited in Thailand. Every application must go through an accredited adoption body and the Department of Children and Youth; an adoption outside this channel risks being refused a visa and not being recognised in your home country.
Can single people adopt in Thailand?
Yes, provided they meet the other criteria and can show a stable and loving family environment; married couples are nevertheless given priority.
