Is a marriage in Thailand valid if it is done without the knowledge of the bride's father (the wali mujbir), and what is the ruling on a deferred marriage?

Summary

A deferred marriage (nikah gantung or nikah khitbah), where the contract is done first and the wedding feast is held later, is permissible if the pillars and conditions of marriage are met. The feast and the gift presented to the bride are neither a pillar nor a condition. An elopement marriage done without a rightful guardian is invalid under Islamic law, since the wali is a pillar of marriage. Guardians follow a set order starting with the biological father and ending with the state judge (wali hakim), and the couple is advised to discuss the matter with their families.

Written in our own words from the original fatwa — check the source before acting on it.