Thailand Religious Records

Buddhist Records
Buddhist temples keep records of death and cremations performed by and for the temple, and names of pilgrims visiting the temple. These records are kept at each temple. Death and cremation records may contain additional information on the deceased's family members. In connection with a cremation many families prepare a book about the deceased, giving vital statistical details along with personal accomplishments and honors they may have received. If the person was a scholar, a copy of one or two significant papers they authored may be included. If the deceased had family members living outside the country a reminiscence about the deceased may also be included. These are often in the language spoken in that country. These books are kept by the family and a copy is donated to the temple where the cremation was performed.

Wat Bowonniwet (Wat Pavaranivesh Vihara Rajavaravihara) is a major temple in the central portion of Bangkok and has a substantial collection of records of cremations performed there. These records are being scanned by Thammasat University in Bangkok and are being placed online at Internet Archive. The temple also has a large card catalog describing each cremation book of which they have a copy.

Christian Records
For more information about how to obtain records for Christian denominations, see Thailand Church Records.

Islamic Records
Islamic Marriages (Kadi) Records of Islamic marriage contracts. They are used to establish individual identity and linkage back two generations. Theoretically generations could be identified back to when the keeping of the record started. Records date from about 1500 to present. Generally these records contain names, ages, and residences of bride and bridegroom. Names and sometimes occupation of father and grandfather. Date of event. Signature of bridegroom. Names and residences of witnesses and names of witnesses fathers. Amount of dower money. They can be found in Mosques and in the houses of the Kazi who is the marriage registrar and judge.