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.