In some cases, your signature and important documents may need to be certified by a Notary Public Thailand. This is particularly important for papers that you courier abroad or submit to an embassy.
Although Thailand doesn’t have a traditional Notary Public like some other countries, the Lawyers Council has established a system for qualified attorneys to act as Notarial Services Attorneys. They can do cool things like vouch for documents, signatures, and affidavits.
Functions
In countries with civil law traditions, notaries are legally empowered to verify documents and signatures. This process is known as notarization, and it helps prevent fraud and build trust. It is also essential for international transactions. The functions, legal requirements, and process of notarization vary from country to country. This comprehensive guide explores the role of a Notary Public in Thailand, and explains what services they offer.
In the western world, notaries are licensed by the government to carry out authentication services. These include administering oaths and affirmations, which are solemn promises to tell the truth. They are also able to check that signatures on documents are real and that the person who signed them understands what they are signing. In addition, notaries can verify translations, which is important for international business transactions.
In Thailand, some lawyers are formally licensed by the Lawyers Council to serve as Notarial Services Attorneys. These are like official document superheroes, and they can make sure that everything you sign is valid and genuine. They can also verify other legal stuff done by private companies, and they can confirm that a person’s identity is true. However, they cannot verify documents that need to be used abroad, because Thailand is not a member of the Hague Convention on Legalization. In such cases, additional steps are required, usually at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or an embassy.
Requirements
Since Thailand is not a member of the Hague Convention, there are no public notaries like in other countries. However, the Lawyers Council of Thailand does regulate certain lawyers who can act as notaries and verify that documents and signatures are legitimate. These attorneys are called Notarial Services Attorneys, and they must have specialized training to perform notary services.
In addition to verifying documents and signatures, a notary can also witness affidavits or statements under oath. They can also certify copies of documents and photos. This makes them useful for many international businesses and government offices. Moreover, a notary’s seal is universally recognized as authentic and reliable across jurisdictions.
Notary services include verification of signatures, attestation of copies and photographs, administering oaths, confirmation of address, and translations. In some cases, a notary may need to have a document legalized, which involves having it verified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or an embassy.
To have a document notarized in Thailand, the document must be signed by the person who is executing it and witnessed by a Notary Public. The notary must add a Certificate of Authentication to the document and record the date of signing. Additionally, the notary must make sure that the name of the document and the name of the signatory are identical. The notary can also provide certification for an individual’s identity.
Locations
Documents used in other countries often require authentication or legalization before they are valid in the destination country. This process confirms that the documents are genuine and authentic, which helps prevent fraud. Documents needing legalization are usually those that have been signed abroad, like contracts or affidavits. They are then validated by a public notary. The notary will verify the identity of the signatory, stamp and seal the documents, and in some cases administer oaths.
Thailand does not have an official system of Notary Public as in other places, but many legal professionals can act like notaries under a special designation. These lawyers are called Notarial Services Attorneys or NSAs and they undergo specialized training to provide authentication services. They are regulated by the Lawyers Council of Thailand and they can do things like certify signatures, verify identities, or vouch for statements made under oath.
Often, the Embassy form or the authority at aboard will ask you to submit Notary certification or proof of address from your local Thai Notary. It is usually a letter with your name and address that they will attach to your passport or other important document. They may also need to translate it into English for their review or for you to use in overseas. This kind of Notary service is mostly needed by expats who want to open bank account or business in oversea territory.
Cost
Generally, a notary public is someone the government trusts to authenticate signatures and affidavits. They can also verify the identity of a person under oath. They can also certify copies of documents and translations. These services are a vital part of international business transactions and may be necessary in legal disputes or litigation. They are especially helpful for expatriates and foreign nationals who are navigating the Thai legal system.
The cost of a Notary Public in Thailand will vary depending on the type of document and service required. For example, a notarization of a simple document might cost $300, while a more complex document will cost more. Regardless of the price, a notary can help ensure that a signature is genuine and that the document is legally binding.
Notary services are essential for many transactions in Thailand, including real estate transactions and immigration applications. They can help confirm the legitimacy of a deed, contract, or other documentation. In addition, they can help streamline the process of transferring property titles to foreign nationals.
In Thailand, notaries are a special kind of lawyer who can verify the authenticity of papers and signatures. They can also certify translations and make sure that documents are in compliance with the law. However, it’s important to note that notarization is different from legalization, which involves having the document authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or embassy.