What is required for a marriage to be considered legal in Thailand?

A marriage in Thailand is considered legal when it is registered at a district office. This registration process is crucial because it formally documents the marriage and provides legal recognition under Thai law. Without this official registration, the marriage does not hold legal weight, even if a traditional ceremony is performed or there is approval from family members. While community blessing and approval from family are culturally significant aspects of marriage in Thailand, they do not fulfill the legal requirements necessary for the marriage to be recognized by the state. Conducting a traditional ceremony is meaningful and may be an important cultural practice, but it cannot replace the necessity of official registration at a district office. Therefore, the registration is the key element that validates the union legally.