Q: Does Thailand allow adoption of Thai Children by foreign adoptive parents?
A: Yes. However, there is a screening process. Further, the process can be lengthy and there is a great deal of investigation and documentation involved.
Q: Can Thailand adoptions be conducted through both private and public agencies?
A: Although adoption in Thailand involving Thai nationals is a relatively straightforward procedure, adoption involving non-Thai nationals is a more complicated process. When foreigners seek to adopt children in Thailand, the procedure is dealt with by the Child Adoption Center of the Department of Welfare (DPW).
There are no legally authorized private adoption agencies that authorize adoption of Thai children to foreign parents. All applications of foreign adoptive parents are processed by the DPW, though there are non-government agencies that work directly with the DPW and are licensed to recommend placement of children with international adoptive parents. There are also non-governmental agencies that assist with home studies outside Thailand.
Q: What are Thai adoption requirements for foreign adoptive parents?
A: In general, the legal requirements to adopt are lengthy and quite detailed. In general, the following are some basic requirements:
1) Adoptive parents must be married at least 6 months.
2) Both adoptive parents must be at least 25 years of age.
3) Both adoptive parents must be significantly older than the child to be adopted.
4) Prospective parents must be legally qualified to adopt in their own country.
5) Prospective parents must receive confirmation from an authorized agency in the foreign country that the adoption will be legalized before the DPW will begin the application process.
Q: How long until I can take my child home?
A: The length of time from the commencement of the adoption application until the time when the adoption procedure has been completed can vary. In general, the process involves multiple government offices and bureaucratic staff.
