Thailand Question

[yailukmuu 26]

There is a form in Thailand for a mother/father to fill out, to be signed at the government office with two witnesses, stating that one person has sole custody of a child.

I have been told that since it is so easy for one person to just get two witnesses that immigration will not let a child leave Thailand unless the (in this case) birth father signs off on that or some other form.

Might anyone here know the details of how to proceed.

In this case the birth father has had nothing to do with the child since she was born. However his parents (the child's grandparents) have been supportive, both through visitation, and economically though it is tenuous since my fiancee essentially runs their rental van business, meaning is the support wages or gifts?

The father has no interest in the child. But the grandparents have extreme interest, so much so as to threaten to "take the child" from the mother if she attempts to take the child to America.

In Thailand the grandparents have no right to custody as would a birth parent. But since they are so possessive (and since, though I have asked to meet them, they refuse to meet me)it seems important that this form be done with long before my fiancee wants to bring her child to America. What I fear is that it might be easy to have the birth parent sign off now, but later a request to sign off might be met with claims that the father did economically support the child (though in reality he never did--his parents did) which could turn this thing into a multi-year lawsuit, which in Thailand is "iffy at best."

My fiancee is 38, the child is 8.

Thanks

[Ning 619]

There is a form in Thailand for a mother/father to fill out, to be signed at the government office with two witnesses, stating that one person has sole custody of a child.

I have been told that since it is so easy for one person to just get two witnesses that immigration will not let a child leave Thailand unless the (in this case) birth father signs off on that or some other form.

Might anyone here know the details of how to proceed.

In this case the birth father has had nothing to do with the child since she was born. However his parents (the child's grandparents) have been supportive, both through visitation, and economically though it is tenuous since my fiancee essentially runs their rental van business, meaning is the support wages or gifts?

The father has no interest in the child. But the grandparents have extreme interest, so much so as to threaten to "take the child" from the mother if she attempts to take the child to America.

In Thailand the grandparents have no right to custody as would a birth parent. But since they are so possessive (and since, though I have asked to meet them, they refuse to meet me)it seems important that this form be done with long before my fiancee wants to bring her child to America. What I fear is that it might be easy to have the birth parent sign off now, but later a request to sign off might be met with claims that the father did economically support the child (though in reality he never did--his parents did) which could turn this thing into a multi-year lawsuit, which in Thailand is "iffy at best."

My fiancee is 38, the child is 8.

Thanks

I have helped with 4 cases involving children. Three of those cases resulted in visas for the children. The fourth is pending & is similar to your case.

This is a very difficult subject & situation for anyone. To understand you must try to put aside the American perspective. That is difficult because the resolution will be done under American laws. The orders of a Thai court have no bearing on the outcome.

The concept of who provided X percent of support for the child will have nothing to do with the outcome. The only important aspect is about the father agreeing to sign. They could care less about the quality or content of the relationships.

The embassy in BKK will issue a sample letter to be signed by the father. They fail to indicate they want two copies; one in each language.

I understand the background as you explained it. This story of children left by the father is nothing new or different in Thailand. It is a way of life. Grandparents serving as parents is common.

The only way to get the childs visa is by having the letters signed by the father OR by proving beyond a doubt that he can not be found. If you think he will sign now you need to get the letter signed. I would caution you about having at least two plans to follow as you attempt to get this visa. Your fiance will have to have a total understanding of what has to be done to succeed. Thais do not see these things as you may. A mistake will be difficult to repair.

I would need more info to offer any more advise on this exact case. The outcome of some protracted court battle will have zero affect at the embassy.

Keep in mind as you decide what to do that you are dealing with people with the mindset of a child themselves. The father that doesnt care. The grandparents that dont want to accept the idea of what is best for the childs future. These are the same people that refused to meet you even after you married their daughter.

[yailukmuu 26]

I have helped with 4 cases involving children. Three of those cases resulted in visas for the children. The fourth is pending & is similar to your case.

This is a very difficult subject & situation for anyone. To understand you must try to put aside the American perspective. That is difficult because the resolution will be done under American laws. The orders of a Thai court have no bearing on the outcome.

The concept of who provided X percent of support for the child will have nothing to do with the outcome. The only important aspect is about the father agreeing to sign. They could care less about the quality or content of the relationships.

The embassy in BKK will issue a sample letter to be signed by the father. They fail to indicate they want two copies; one in each language.

I understand the background as you explained it. This story of children left by the father is nothing new or different in Thailand. It is a way of life. Grandparents serving as parents is common.

The only way to get the childs visa is by having the letters signed by the father OR by proving beyond a doubt that he can not be found. If you think he will sign now you need to get the letter signed. I would caution you about having at least two plans to follow as you attempt to get this visa. Your fiance will have to have a total understanding of what has to be done to succeed. Thais do not see these things as you may. A mistake will be difficult to repair.

I would need more info to offer any more advise on this exact case. The outcome of some protracted court battle will have zero affect at the embassy.

Keep in mind as you decide what to do that you are dealing with people with the mindset of a child themselves. The father that doesnt care. The grandparents that dont want to accept the idea of what is best for the childs future. These are the same people that refused to meet you even after you married their daughter.

Thank you!

It's about what I expected actually, and I take no offense, not even for the Grandparents for not visiting with me, "out of sight--out of mind." I agree to all you have said about Thai mindset. Several months living in Chiang Mai did a lot to teach me just how differently Thais and Americans "work."

That is why I tend to think that getting his agreement now is far better than later, or possibly never.

My fiancee, as might be expected sees no problem, though I see it as a huge (potential) problem.