Thailand is known not just for its geographical beauty but more for the distinctiveness of its rich culture. It is undeniable that the Land of Smiles boasts very colorful and impressive customs and traditions.
A practice that proves the uniqueness of Thailand among other cultures is the marriage celebration. From the pre-wedding to the main ceremony, a Thai wedding is unique, symbolic and astonishingly beautiful. The ceremony is quite traditional and usually exhibits how much the Thai people value their ancestors.
Pre-Wedding Process
It starts with the engagement process. Unlike in other cultures, it is not the groom who asks for the hand of his bride in Thailand. One of his closest friends does this act on his behalf. The friend goes to the bride’s father and formally asks her hand in marriage.
Once the father approves, the dowry is then discussed. Dowry in Thailand is the amount of money or gold which the groom ought to pay his future in-laws for raising the bride well. It depends on the social status, educational background and personality of the bride. It even depends on the woman’s virginity. In cases where the bride has been previously married and with kids, her family does not have a right to ask for a dowry.
The date of a wedding in Thailand is decided through the help of an astrologer. It must be favorable to both parties for good luck. Usually, the best month to marry in Thailand is in August.
Once the date is set, a Buddhist ceremony led by nine (9) monks is held on the eve of the wedding. This ceremony aims to pay respect to the couple’s ancestors.
The Main Ceremony
The wedding rites start at around 6 o’clock in the morning. Nine (9) monks are again invited to grace the ceremony. A symbolical string binds the bride and the groom during the ritual. At the close of the ceremony, the couple usually prepares a light lunch for the monks as well as the visitors. Before the monk leaves, the couple usually gives a cash donation for the local temple or “wat” for an abundance of blessings in return.
The main event of the Thai wedding happens in the afternoon. This practice is called the Rod Nam Sang. During the ceremony, a flower chain connects the hands of both the bride and the groom, as a Thai symbol of respect called “wai.”
Usually, it is the eldest member of either the group or the family who presides this part of the marriage ceremony. Wishes of good luck and blessings are bestowed on the couple. After the blessing, the parents, close friends and some important guests soak the hands of the newly-weds in water.
The reception takes place during dinner. Take note that as part of the Thai culture, wedding receptions must be extravagant. The couple should prepare a banquet for approximately 100–300 guests and serve them whiskey and wine since Thai people love drinking together for celebrations.
To conclude the event, the elders send off the newly-weds to their honeymoon in a traditional manner, using decorated roses.
A Thai wedding may seem costly, especially on the part of the groom but he should not think twice about it since it is nothing compared to the lifetime he will share with the person he loves.
Marriage Registration vs. Wedding Ceremony
What adds up to the uniqueness of the Thai culture, is the fact that Thailand marriage registration is much more important than the wedding ceremony. A couple may undergo a ceremony for a number of times but if none of those marriages is registered, then they are not considered legally married under Thai laws.
Note must be taken that the legality of a marriage solely depends on the Thailand marriage certificate issued by the Amphoe.
Dennis Ramm is the Managing Partner for Siam Legal International, Thailand’s largest legal service network with offices in Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai and Samui. The firm has international locations in London and Los Angeles. Siam Legal is a full-service law firm and provides a wide range of legal and visa services.
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