Child custody

Legal term (legal custody) which is used to describe the legal and practical relationship between a parent and a child. In Thai law, “child custody” generally refers to parental power (อำนาจปกครอง): the legal right and duty to raise the child, decide residence, education, medical care, travel, and to manage the child’s property

Child Custody (Parental Power in Thailand)

In Thai law, what is commonly called child custody is legally known as parental power (อำนาจปกครอง).

Married parents normally exercise parental power jointly. On divorce or separation, a court may assign custody to one parent or order joint custody based on the best interests of the child. For a child born out of wedlock, the mother exercises parental power unless the father legitimates the child and a court allocates custody.

For the legal framework, see the Thai Civil and Commercial Code (Family Book). For financial support obligations, see our guide on child maintenance.

Parental Power and Child Custody in Thailand

In Thailand, the term “child custody” is commonly used by foreigners, but Thai law primarily refers to parental power (อำนาจปกครอง). Parental power includes the legal authority and duty to care for the child, determine residence, make decisions about education and medical treatment, and manage the child’s property.

Custody issues usually arise after divorce, separation, or disputes between parents. The court may assign parental power to one parent or allow joint parental power, depending on the best interests of the child and the practical circumstances of the family.

© ThailandLawOnline 2026 / พ.ศ. ๒๕๖๙ — All rights reserved / สงวนลิขสิทธิ์