In most countries, a notary public is a state-appointed official authorized to authenticate legal documents, affidavits, signatures, or statements made under oath. Notarial services are of great importance as they guarantee the authenticity of a document. However, Thailand does not have a notary public in the strict sense. Instead, the Thai Bar Association grants lawyers the role of notarial attorney, which allows them to provide these services. The regulations governing this are found in the Lawyers Act BE 2528.

Why notarization is required

Signatures and documents of private individuals are notarized to confirm their authenticity. This prevents fraudsters from circulating unauthenticated documents. Furthermore, the notary (in Thailand also as a neutral witness) confirms the authenticity of the submitted documents and the authority of the signatories. Some documents are only legally valid after notarization. For such documents, notarization is mandatory. In Thailand, institutions such as [insert name of institution] require notarial services.

Services of a Thai notary

As mentioned previously, a Thai lawyer is appointed as a notary public so that they can perform the duties of a notary. Services offered by a Thai notary public include:

  • Verification of the authenticity of signatures on legal documents
  • Certification of copies of original documents
  • Certification of official documents (copies) issued by the government
  • Review of documents related to real estate and business acquisitions and contracts
  • Certification of signatures and other identification documents such as passports
  • Admiration for affirmations and oaths
  • Confirmation of the identity of the parties involved in an agreement
  • To act as a witness when parties affix their signatures to documents.

    • Documents that usually require notarization

    There are various documents that require notarization. The most common documents requiring notarization include:

  • Application for a foreign visa

    • The fee for notarial services varies depending on the type and number of documents to be authenticated.

    Hague Convention

    Thailand is not a signatory to the Hague Convention on the Legalisation of Foreign Public Documents. Therefore, if you are a foreigner and have used notarial services in Thailand, you will likely need to have your notarised documents further legalised or authenticated by the Legalisation Department of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The same applies to documents issued abroad: these must be legalised by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs before they can be used with Thai government agencies.

    Notary services at the embassy

    US notary in Thailand

    The consular officers at the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok can provide certain notarial services to all U.S. citizens in accordance with applicable U.S. law and U.S. Department of State guidelines. The consular section can authenticate signatures, issue powers of attorney, and make certified copies of U.S. passports. Certain services are not offered by the embassy. These include notarized copies of academic transcripts and marriage, birth, and divorce certificates issued in the U.S. without U.S. Department of State authentication. If the consular section cannot provide the notarial services you require, you can contact a qualified Thai notary public to have your documents authenticated, especially if they are intended for use in Thailand.

    British notary in Thailand

    The British Embassy in Thailand offers a limited range of notarial and documentary services to British nationals in Thailand. Consular officers can, for example, issue certified copies of British passports and driving licenses, authenticate signatures on adoption certificates in Thailand, confirm marital status, and verify residence. However, the British Embassy cannot authenticate British marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or educational credentials. Therefore, it is recommended that British educational credentials be legalized before entering Thailand. Furthermore, the Embassy cannot authenticate affidavits, declarations, or other statements confirming identity or family relationships, nor can it authenticate signatures on powers of attorney.

    In summary, notarial services are not as widespread in Thailand as in most other countries. To have your signature authenticated or a document notarized, you will need the services of a licensed notary. The number of licensed notaries in Thailand is limited, as they must complete and pass a professional training course to qualify. The Bar of Thailand is responsible for the licensing of Thai lawyers.

    Do you need the assistance of a notary in Thailand? Siam Legal offers notarial services for documents such as affidavits, acknowledgments of receipt, certifications, and other legal documents. Call us or contact us by email.

    List of notaries in Thailand

    Siam Legal International, 18th Floor, Unit 1806, Two Pacific Place, 142 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand, Telephone: 02-254-8900

    Siam Legal Chiang Mai Curve Mall 2nd/F Room C219-C220 215/2 Chang Klan Road Mueang, Chiang Mai 50100 Telephone: 090-891-8447

    Siam Legal Phuket 123 / 27-28 Moo 5, Bangtao Place Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket Thailand 83110 Telephone: 076-326-322

    Siam Legal Samui 9/16 Moo 4, Bophut Samui Thailand 84320 Telephone: 065-153-9463

    For inquiries regarding notarial services, please use this form to contact us.