There are two types of divorce in Thailand: a court divorce and an administrative divorce registered through the government’s District Office.

Parties who previously registered a marriage at a local district office in Thailand (Khet or Amphur) may register for an administrative Thailand divorce. Performing an administrative divorce at the local district office requires that both spouses do not have disagreements over child custody or property ("an uncontested divorce"). If there are assets to be divided or issues regarding custody of children it is advisable to have a formal divorce agreement to resolve these issues drawn up, which may be done with the assistance of a Thailand divorce attorney with experience in Thai divorce law.

If the divorce is contested, however, then the parties should proceed through the court system. According to Thailand divorce law, in order file a court action for divorce either the Plaintiff or Defendant (or both) must be a resident of Thailand. However, there is no requirement that the original marriage be registered in Thailand to receive a court divorce in Thailand.