What is the law on child support in Thailand? Under Thailand’s Family Law, the parents of a child are obliged to support or maintain the child’s welfare until reaching the legal age of 20. If the child lives with both parents, even after separation or divorce, which is a very rare scenario, then issues concerning child support are quite uncommon. In Thailand, when a couple separated or ending its marriage, child support issues arise.

Law on Child Support

Thailand child support and child Custody among married couples can be agreed by mutual written conformity or by court order. The claims on monetary child support are strictly to be used for the expenses of the child, and not for personal use of the parent claiming child support. This child support is duly for food, shelter, clothing, education and medical necessities.

If the parents cannot come up through a settlement between themselves, then the process will be handled by the court. It is filed and arranged by the court, also decided alone by the judge for the best interest of the child. The court orders and make sure that child support is strictly implemented and followed. This child support to be paid is based on the condition of the child, for the good of the child and the financial capability of the parent who is obligated to pay financially for child support.

By law, in reference with unmarried couples, the biological father out of a child born outside marriage will not be obligated for child support, unless the issue regarding the legitimation of the child in Thailand is brought to court which can be filed by the mother in any case. The father is not forbidden from making an agreement regarding child support payment with the mother of the child, wherein such agreement can be enforceable, once it is registered with the local district office.

The failure to pay child support in Thailand would allow the parent in custody to file a petition in court for it to be enforced.