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Adopt a Child in Thailand as a Foreigner
Foreign adoption in Thailand is regulated under the Child Adoption Act B.E. 2522 and the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption. Process is administered by the Department of Children and Youth (DCY).
Last reviewed: 2026-06-15 · by Anglo Siam Law Editorial Team · How we research this topic
TL;DR
Foreign adoption: home-country approved adoption agency + Thai DCY (Department of Children and Youth) liaison + 6-month minimum trial-parenting period + Family Court adoption order. Total 12-24 months.
Overview
Foreign adoption in Thailand is regulated under the Child Adoption Act B.E. 2522 and the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption. Process is administered by the Department of Children and Youth (DCY). This guide explains what to expect, your rights, and the steps you should take to protect yourself in this situation.
Immediate Steps to Take
Engage your home-country Hague-accredited adoption agency.
Home study + dossier preparation per Hague Convention.
DCY (กรมกิจการเด็กและเยาวชน, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security) matches with eligible child.
Trial-parenting period in Thailand (minimum 6 months).
File adoption petition at Family Court covering DCY case area.
Court hearings + Hague final-decision certificate.
Adoption order issued; child's home-country naturalisation begins.
Legal Considerations
Important legal points to understand about this situation:
Child Adoption Act B.E. 2522 (1979) governs.
Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption applies (Thailand is a contracting party).
Family and Juvenile Court has jurisdiction.
DCY background check on prospective adopters is rigorous.
Key Statutes
| Statute | Reference | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Child Adoption Actพระราชบัญญัติการรับเด็กเป็นบุตรบุญธรรม | B.E. 2522 (1979) | |
| Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption | 1993 |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Bypassing DCY — Thailand requires DCY oversight of foreign adoption.
- Choosing a non-Hague agency — Hague-compliance is required.
- Skipping trial-parenting period.
- Assuming step-parent adoption (foreign spouse of Thai parent adopting Thai-citizen step-child) follows the same Hague track — it has a separate pathway.
Embassy Assistance
What Your Embassy Can Do
Home-country embassy issues post-adoption documents (passport, visa) for the child to enter the adoptive home country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Same-sex adoption?
Following the Marriage Equality Act effective 22 January 2025, same-sex married couples can apply on the same basis as opposite-sex couples; agency interpretation may evolve.
Step-parent adoption?
Separate, simpler pathway under CCC §1598/27 onward; consult Family Court.
Expected Timeline
12-24 months end-to-end including trial-parenting period.
Related Topics
Get Professional Help
When Legal Representation Matters
If you are experiencing adopt a child in thailand as a foreigner, immediate professional legal assistance is essential to protect your rights and navigate this situation effectively.
Anglo Siam Legal provides experienced legal services across Thailand for both Thai nationals and foreigners.
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