Can a single foreigner adopt a child in Thailand?

Single foreigners can legally adopt children in Thailand under the Civil and Commercial Code: **Eligibility requirements:** - Must be at least 25 years old - Must be at least 15 years older than the child - Must be of sound mind and not under a court order of quasi-incompetency - Must not be the child's natural parent **Process for single foreign adopters:** 1. **Application** through the Department of Social Development and Welfare (DSDW) — foreign applicants typically apply through their country's Central Authority or an accredited adoption agency 2. **Home study** conducted by a licensed social worker evaluating suitability 3. **Child matching** by DSDW based on the child's best interests 4. **Trial custody period** of at least 6 months under DSDW supervision 5. **Court hearing** for the final adoption order 6. **Post-adoption monitoring** for at least 2 years **Important considerations for single adopters:** - The process may take longer than for married couples - Some children's homes may prefer placing children with married couples - Single male adopters may face additional scrutiny - Intercountry adoption requires compliance with both Thai law and your home country's adoption laws - If you later marry, your spouse does not automatically become the child's legal parent — a separate adoption would be required **Legal basis:** Civil and Commercial Code Sections 1598/19-1598/37