Do I have to be physically present to marry a Thai woman in Thailand?

[Ryan]

I met a girl about 4 months ago on the internet. We talked through voice chat almost every night. Finally, 2 weeks ago I went to Thailand to visit her. We spent 2 weeks traveling in Thailand. While I was there I helped her apply for a tourist visa for Japan (where I live). I provided a mini-novel of documents proving my income, financial stability, our relationship, etc. My girlfriend also provided documents and references that she was properly employed. For reasons that I cannot fathom, the racist Japanese embassy denied her a tourist visa. They said that she cannot apply for a tourist visa again for another 6 months. I am heart broken. I thought for sure with all the documents I provided that she would get her visa no problem. I am thinking now that maybe it will just be easier if we get legally married. If possible I don't want to go back to Thailand in the near future because of time and money issues. As far as a legal marriage, it is just a matter of signing a document, right? Do I have to be physically present to get legally married to my girlfriend? Is it possible that she can just send the papers to me and have me sign them and we can proceed to get her visa from there?

[alfred]

Ryan,
I'm not sure about that. I do know that when you marry a Thai woman things go much more smoothly if you are present.