Whether you are a foreigner or a Thai citizen and wish to travel, study, or work abroad, you may need a police clearance certificate from Thailand for your application. This document serves as proof of any criminal record in Thailand and is frequently used for official purposes.

This page explains what a Thai police clearance certificate is, when it is needed, and what documents you, as a foreigner or Thai citizen, need to submit to apply for such a certificate.

What is a police clearance certificate in Thailand?

A Thai police clearance certificate confirms whether you have a criminal record or any legal issues in Thailand. It is valid for 8 to 12 months and is internationally recognized. You may need this certificate for visa applications, job applications, or admission to an educational institution abroad. However, please note that it only lists your entries in Thailand. If you have lived in other countries, you may need to obtain separate police clearance certificates from each of those countries.

It is possible to apply for a police clearance certificate both within Thailand and abroad in a country with a Royal Thai embassy.

When is a police clearance certificate required?

In most cases, you will be asked for a police clearance certificate from Thailand for official purposes. Below is a list of some such situations:

  • Visa or residence permit applications: Most countries require a police clearance certificate from Thailand to determine if you have any criminal record in the country where you previously lived and whether you pose a danger to its citizens.
  • Employment abroad: Employers often require a police clearance certificate from Thailand to ensure that potential employees have no criminal record and do not pose a risk to the employees and the company's reputation.
  • Applications to universities or educational institutions: Some educational institutions require a police clearance certificate from Thailand to ensure that international students or staff do not pose a danger to other students and staff.
  • Adoption procedure: Adoption agencies usually require a police clearance certificate from Thailand to ensure that the prospective parents are suitable to adopt and care for a child.

    • Requirements for a police clearance certificate in Thailand

    The documents you need to submit to the Royal Thai Police vary depending on whether you are a foreigner or a Thai citizen. However, the subsequent procedure remains the same after you have submitted the documents to the Royal Thai Police.

    Police clearance certificate for foreigners in Thailand

    If you are a foreign national, you must submit the following documents when applying for a police clearance certificate for Thailand through the Royal Thai Police:

  • Each of your passports, old or current, contains the Thai entry stamp.
  • A set of original fingerprints
  • Proof of payment of the processing fee
  • 2 photos (2 inches x 2 inches)
  • Copy of Thai work permit (if applicable)
  • You must meet ONE of the following conditions: You are the holder or former holder of a Thai short-stay visa. You are the holder or former holder of a Thai non-immigrant visa or have applied for an extension of stay.

    • You can have your fingerprints taken at the local police station or the Thai embassy or consulate in your country. The document must also include the official seal and signature of the official who took the fingerprints to ensure their authenticity.

    Police clearance certificate for Thai nationals

    If you are a Thai citizen, you will need to present other documents to the Royal Thai Police, as listed below:

  • Meet ONE of the following conditions: You must reside in Thailand. You must reside in a country with a Thai embassy, ​​consulate, or diplomatic mission.
  • Photocopy of the house registration
  • A photocopy of the name change certificate (in case of a name change)
  • A photocopy of the marriage certificate or divorce certificate (if applicable)
  • A photocopy of your military service record (if applicable): Sor Dor 8 or Sor Dor 43 or certificate of completion of a 3- or 5-year reserve officer training course, one of which is required for Thai men over 20 years of age; Sor Dor 9 for applicants between 17 and 19 years of age.

    • How to apply for a police clearance certificate in Thailand

    The application process for a police clearance certificate in Thailand depends on your nationality and country of residence. Therefore, you must apply for the certificate in Thailand. Below is a general overview of the application process:

  • If you are abroad, you must send all required documents to a law firm or expert who can assist with applying for a Thai police clearance certificate. If you are in Thailand, however, you only need to deliver the documents in person to the law firm or expert.
  • They will then submit the application to the Thai police on your behalf. Once the police clearance certificate is issued, they will send it to you. If you are abroad, they will send you a scanned copy of the police clearance certificate and the original document by courier or registered mail.

    • Professional services for Thai police clearance certificates

    If you would like to learn more about this document, please visit Siam Legal's detailed page on the Thai police clearance certificate. However, if you urgently need it for your application, contact Siam Legal now. Our experienced consultants will help you obtain your Thai police clearance certificate quickly and securely, ensuring your application is not jeopardized by delays.

    Frequently asked questions about police clearance certificates in Thailand

    When do I need a police clearance certificate from Thailand?

    For visa applications, job offers, study abroad placements, or adoptions, you will generally need a Thai police clearance certificate. Always check with the issuing authority whether further police clearance certificates from other countries are required.

    Are there any requirements for obtaining a police clearance certificate in Thailand?

    Thai nationals must reside in Thailand or a country with a Thai embassy or consulate. Foreigners must have previously held a Thai short-stay visa, a Thai non-immigrant visa, or an extension of stay in Thailand.

    How can I apply for a police clearance certificate for Thailand after changing my name?

    If you have changed your first or last name, simply attach a copy of your name change certificate to your other documents when applying for the police clearance certificate for Thailand.

    Can I apply for a police clearance certificate if I am not currently in Thailand?

    Yes, you can apply for a police clearance certificate for Thailand from outside Thailand by sending the required documents to specialized service providers, such as a law firm. They will submit the documents to the Thai police on your behalf and send you the certificate once the process is complete.

    How long does it take to obtain a police clearance certificate in Thailand?

    The processing time for a police clearance certificate in Thailand is typically 7 to 10 days. If you work with professional advisors like Siam Legal to obtain this document from the Royal Thai Police, the processing time will be longer if you need to send your documents by mail.

    How much does a police clearance certificate cost in Thailand?

    A police clearance certificate from Thailand costs approximately 100 THB if you apply for it directly at the Royal Thai Police. However, keep in mind that you should also factor in transportation costs and time if you do it yourself.

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