If you are applying for legal aid or immigration, you may need a document translated if it is not in the language required by the requesting authority. Whether you need a document translated from English to Thai or vice versa, certified translation services in Bangkok can help you meet these requirements.

Legal and international standards require a certified translation. Therefore, you need a reliable translator with the appropriate qualifications to ensure success. Read on to learn more about the different translation services available in Thailand, the reasons for needing a translation, and how to have your important documents certified.

Which documents need to be translated in Thailand?

Some organizations reject submitted documents if they are not in the required language. This is often the case when you need to submit a foreign document to a Thai authority, or vice versa. For example, if you are applying for a visa, registering your marriage, or enforcing a legal document abroad, the documents you submit to the requesting authority must be translated beforehand.

The most frequently requested document translations for foreigners in Thailand include:

  • Personal identification documents such as passports and identity cards
  • Proof of kinship through documents such as birth and marriage certificates
  • Business-related documents such as shareholder agreements, affidavits from companies, business objective documents, contracts and documents relating to the friendship treaty between the USA and Thailand.
  • Divorce certificates and prenuptial agreements
  • Legal documents such as court documents
  • Financial documents such as bank statements
  • Documents relating to real estate, such as title deeds
  • Medical records and documentation

    • After these documents have been translated, they usually need to be authenticated by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs. More on that later.

    What is a "certified translation" in Thailand?

    This document will be stamped and signed by the translator to confirm that they have translated it into the required language to the best of their knowledge and belief. However, a certified translation alone does not guarantee the accuracy of the translated document or its compliance with the standards of the Department of Foreign Affairs; it may still be rejected.

    If you intend to use the document in Thailand or abroad, you will need a trusted and qualified translator who can provide a translation that complies with local and international legal standards.

    How to find a reliable, certified translator in Thailand

    Since there is no universal license or certification that allows a person to produce a certified translation, you need to ascertain the translator's qualifications to ensure that the Department of Foreign Affairs or another requesting authority will not reject the translation.

    There are two types of qualifications you should look out for to ensure that your document is not translated by an inexperienced or unscrupulous person.

    These qualifications include:

  • The translator was commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This means that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs entrusted him with the translation of official documents and that he is familiar with the Ministry's guidelines and adherence to them.
  • The translator holds a certificate that attests to their comprehensive training and ability to produce high-quality and accurate translations. One example of such a certificate is issued by the Southeast Asian Association of Professional Translators and Interpreters (SEAProTI).

    • Ideally, one should choose a translator who possesses both qualifications, as this demonstrates their ability to deliver an accurate and professional translation and ensure that it meets the requirements of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    What you should do with your documents after they have been translated

    Once you have had a document translated, you may need to have it legalized by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs or a foreign embassy for official use abroad and in Thailand. However, the translation must be notarized before legalization; otherwise, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will reject your application.

    For this, you will need a Notary Services Attorney (NSA), who can be found in various law firms in Thailand, as there are no officially licensed notaries in Thailand. As attorneys authorized by the government to translate legal and immigration documents, they possess the necessary expertise to certify translated documents and thus ensure their compliance with applicable Thai law.

    Thai documents, translated into English for use abroad

    English is recognized as a valid language in most countries, so you may not need to have your document translated into the local language before submitting it. Schengen countries are one example; they also accept documents translated into English. Since Thai is not spoken outside of Thailand, you will need to have your Thai document translated.

    Once you have had a document translated from Thai to English and notarized, you must have it legalized for use abroad. Submit it to the Legalization Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ministry will review the document, compare it to the original, and verify the accuracy of the translation. If the translation meets the Ministry's standards, it will be legalized and stamped accordingly.

    Next, you must submit your document to the embassy of your home country, where the Thai government will confirm the legalization of the translation. You can then present it to the foreign organization that requested it or use it abroad.

    English documents, translated into Thai for use in Thailand

    Since English is considered a second language in Thailand and is not widely spoken, many local organizations and authorities only accept documents in Thai. In such cases, you must have your document translated into Thai before submitting it.

    Before you have the document translated, you must have it authenticated abroad at a Thai embassy or consulate in your home country. Afterwards, you can have it translated into Thai. You must then submit the translated document to the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) for authentication.

    Fast, accurate and reliable translation services for English and Thai

    For a fast, straightforward, and accurate translation, work with the experienced translators at Siam Legal. As a full-service law firm and visa consultancy with over 20 years of experience assisting foreigners with their legal and immigration requirements, we offer professional translation services to ensure you receive a translation that meets the requirements of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    Our Level 3 translator and interpreter is a document translator approved by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and certified by the Southeast Asian Association of Professional Translators and Interpreters (SEAProTI). These qualifications ensure our translator enjoys the trust of the Thai government and delivers high-quality translations for all your documents. To guarantee the translation is suitable for official use, we also offer authentication and legalization services – all under one roof.

    Contact Siam Legal today and schedule an appointment with our translator to obtain a certified translation that is truthful, accurate, and meets all guidelines set by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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    FAQ about the English and Thai translations

    How long does it take to translate a document in Thailand?

    The average processing time for a document translation is one to three days, but this can vary depending on the document's length and complexity. For example, translating a statutory declaration takes longer than translating an identity card. Furthermore, notarization and legalization of the document can extend the process.

    Are there notaries in Thailand?

    There are no public notaries in Thailand, as the country is not a signatory to the Hague Convention on the Legalisation of Foreign Public Documents. Therefore, the only way to have a document translation notarized is to consult a notary public (NSA) at a Thai law firm.

    Do you certify certified translations of documents?

    While we do offer legalization services, only the Ministry of Foreign Affairs specializes in legalizing documents for official use. However, we can review your certified translation and, after notarization, forward it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on your behalf, saving you the trip there.

    Is it possible to have a document translated into another language in Thailand?

    Most translators in Thailand are qualified to translate documents from Thai to English and vice versa. However, if you need a document translated into another language, such as French, Spanish, or another language, you should contact the translator beforehand. Some translators in Thailand also offer their services in other languages.

    Do I need a certified translation for unofficial purposes?

    Even if you are not submitting legal or immigration-related applications, or contacting a government agency, certified translations may be required, particularly for personal, business, or academic purposes. Examples of documents that require a certified translation include academic papers, marketing materials, certain types of declarations, and more. However, if the document is intended for unofficial use, legalization by the Department of State is generally not required.