How to get a document notarized in Thailand in 2023? 

What is the role of a notary public?

The state officially licenses a notary public in most countries to exercise such functions as the authentication of signatures and documents, as well as attestation of affidavits and sworn testimonies and statements.

But in Thailand, there is no such thing as a notary public as Thailand has never enacted a law to inaugurate a notary public system. In place of this, the Lawyers’ Council of Thailand grants lawyers the Notarial Services Lawyer role, enabling them to perform such services as prescribed by the Lawyers Act B.E. 2528.

Notary publics are called “Notarial Services Attorneys” in Thailand.

Notarization services in Thailand are not as widely available as in most other countries. You will typically require the services of a Registered Notary Attorney if you want to have your signature witnessed or your document notarized in the country. These accredited Thai attorneys are in short supply since, to obtain this qualification, they must complete a professional training course.

It is within the regulatory authority of the Lawyers’ Council of Thailand to appoint Thai lawyers for this role. In effect, they are responsible for signing and affixing seals required to certify documents and ascertain the authenticity of the signatures on the documents. A notary verifies your identity as you sign the paper. But they are not allowed to administer oaths.

Other lawyers in Thailand who have not been licensed to notarize signatures and documents by the Lawyers Council of Thailand cannot be called “Notarial Services Attorneys” and will not be able to provide such services.

Is Thailand a member of The Hague Convention?

Thailand is not a party to the Hague Convention on Legalization of Foreign Public Documents, also known as the “Apostille Convention.” As a result, as a foreign national who has acquired notarial services in Thailand, you may need to further legalize or authenticate your notarized documents with the Legalization Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Thailand. The same applies to records that were issued overseas; these will have to be legalized at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Thailand before being used in Thai government offices.

What type of document can be notarized by a notarial services attorney?

• Contracts and private agreements
• Power of Attorney for use in Thailand and abroad
• Legal translations
• Authentic copies of documents
• Passport or identity card copy
• Certificates such as birth, marriage, divorce, and education documents
• Bank records and Letters
• Ownership documents to use both in Thailand and abroad
• legal documents for international use
• Company management and shareholder documentation
• Affidavits, declarations, and statements
• Certification of the identity of directors or officers of the company
• Memorandum and articles of association
• Certificate of compliance of a corporation
• Corporate by-laws, records, agreements, and reports