Bride price, dowry and giftsSoutheast Asia
Polygamy in Thailand
The historical practice of multiple wives in Thailand and its legal status today.
Thailand allowed men to have multiple wives until civil law changed in 1935. The old system categorized wives by their social origin. Today, the practice is illegal for citizens but persists in some forms.
When is Polygamy in Thailand kept?
Polygamy in Thailand is kept on historically before 1935; currently restricted.
Polygamy was a legally recognized family structure in Thailand for centuries. Men could take multiple wives based on specific social categories. This custom ended with modern civil laws. It remains a contested practice today due to legal prohibitions and social shifts.
Historical structure
Before October 1935, Thai civil law permitted men to marry more than once. The family law divided wives into three distinct groups based on how they entered the household. The first wife, known as mia klang muang, was the official spouse chosen by the husband's parents. The second category included mia klang nok, or minor wives, whom a man took after his initial marriage. The third group consisted of mia klang thasi, who were formerly enslaved women acquired from their previous owners. Children born from any of these unions held legitimate status under the law.
Modern legal status
Current Thai law strictly prohibits polygamy for the general population. The statute states that a person cannot marry while already having a spouse. Despite this ban, reports suggest the practice continues in some circles and retains a degree of social acceptance among certain groups. A notable exception involves the monarchy. The King of Thailand may designate consorts other than the Queen. These royal unions are not recognized under standard civil law, creating a unique distinction between state regulations and royal traditions.
When and where
This custom originated in Thailand and was practiced nationwide under the old family law system. It remains relevant in discussions about Thai legal history and contemporary social norms.
Who takes part
- Husband: Takes multiple wives according to social rank and parental arrangement
- Parents: Select the official wife for their son
- King: Designates consorts outside of civil marriage laws
Then and now
The practice is largely suppressed by modern legislation. Civil marriages must be monogamous. Royal exceptions continue to exist without public legal recognition. Social attitudes vary regarding the persistence of informal multiple partnerships.
Questions people ask about Polygamy in Thailand
When is Polygamy in Thailand kept?
Polygamy in Thailand is kept on historically before 1935; currently restricted.
Is polygamy legal in Thailand today?
No. Current Thai law prohibits anyone from marrying while they already have a spouse. Only the King has a separate tradition regarding consorts that bypasses standard civil registration.
What were the types of wives in the past?
There were three categories: mia klang muang (official wife chosen by parents), mia klang nok (minor wife taken later), and mia klang thasi (former slave wives).
See also
Bride priceWealth paid by the groom or his family to the bride or her kin to formalize a union.
Blessing ceremony of the Unification ChurchA large-scale marriage rededication or new union ceremony that engrafts couples into a sinless lineage.
BaciThe wrist-tying ceremony that calls the soul back to restore balance and good luck.
Baju KurungThe traditional blouse and skirt worn by Malay women for weddings and religious ceremoniesGood reading and sources
- Thai king strips consort of titles for 'disloyalty'BBC, Article
- Thai king strips consort of titles for 'disloyalty'BBC, Article
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Polygamy in Thailand", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryShaadi rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Wedding customs differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-06.
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