Polygamy in Thailand


Polygamy in Thailand could be freely practiced before 1 October 1935. Polygamy was recognised under civil law. The old family law assigned wives to three categories, in accordance with the way they became wives.
Children of these unions were recognised as legitimate.
While polygamy has since been abolished, it is still alive in Thailand and, according to some, widely accepted. The King of Thailand may for example still designate "consorts" other than the Queen. Such unions are not recognised under Thai law in accordance with the law that states "A man or a woman cannot marry each other while one of them has a spouse."