Notary Public in Thailand. In Thailand, notary public services differ from those in Western countries. Unlike the United States or the United Kingdom, where notaries are public officials appointed by the government, Thailand does not have an official Notary Public system. Instead, the role of a Notarial Services Attorney is recognized under Thai law, with authority to verify, authenticate, and certify documents for both domestic and international use.
Notarial Services Attorneys in Thailand operate under the Lawyers Council of Thailand (LCT) and must be licensed Thai lawyers who have completed specialized training in notarial practice. These professionals provide crucial services in business transactions, real estate dealings, immigration procedures, and international legal matters.
This guide provides an in-depth analysis of notarial services in Thailand, including legal authority, functions, required procedures, and key considerations for individuals and businesses.
1. Legal Framework Governing Notarial Services in Thailand
Since Thailand does not have a traditional Notary Public system, notarial services are instead regulated under:
✔ The Lawyers Act B.E. 2528 (1985) – Grants authority to the Lawyers Council of Thailand (LCT) to certify qualified lawyers as Notarial Services Attorneys.
✔ The Civil and Commercial Code (CCC) – Governs the legal validity of contracts, affidavits, and notarized documents.
✔ The Notarial Services Attorney Regulation (LCT Regulation B.E. 2546) – Establishes the qualification, licensing, and duties of Notarial Services Attorneys.
✔ The Consular Affairs Act B.E. 2535 (1992) – Requires foreign documents to be notarized before submission to Thai government agencies.
Thailand is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, meaning that notarized documents must go through full legalization at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) for international recognition.
2. Who Can Provide Notarial Services in Thailand?
✔ Only licensed Thai lawyers who have completed specialized training from the Lawyers Council of Thailand can act as Notarial Services Attorneys.
✔ They must be registered with the LCT and follow Thai legal regulations for document authentication.
✔ Unlike in some Western jurisdictions, notarial services in Thailand are not performed by public officials, judges, or government officers.
3. Functions and Services of Notarial Services Attorneys
Notarial Services Attorneys in Thailand provide a wide range of legal services, including:
| Service | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Certification of Signatures | Confirms that the signer of a document is who they claim to be. |
| Certification of True Copies | Verifies that a copy of a document is identical to the original. |
| Affidavit and Sworn Statement Authentication | Used for court cases, visa applications, and official declarations. |
| Power of Attorney (PoA) Notarization | Confirms that a PoA document is legally binding. |
| Contract Notarization | Provides legal authenticity to contracts and agreements. |
| Company and Business Document Certification | Used in corporate transactions, foreign business filings, and international trade. |
| Real Estate and Property Deeds Notarization | Ensures that property transactions are legally recognized. |
| Legalization for International Use | Allows notarized documents to be accepted by foreign embassies, courts, and banks. |
4. When Is Notarization Required in Thailand?
While not all documents require notarization in Thailand, certain situations necessitate notarial certification:
✔ Foreign Visa and Immigration Applications – When applying for a U.S., UK, Schengen, or other foreign visas, applicants may need notarized affidavits, bank statements, or marriage certificates.
✔ International Business Transactions – Thai companies entering into contracts with foreign investors or banks often require notarized business registration certificates, financial statements, and resolutions.
✔ Power of Attorney for Overseas Transactions – Individuals granting a Power of Attorney to represent them in foreign jurisdictions must have it notarized and legalized.
✔ Court and Legal Proceedings Abroad – Thai citizens involved in lawsuits or family court cases in foreign countries may need to submit notarized legal documents.
✔ Foreign Property and Inheritance Claims – Thai nationals and expatriates claiming property inheritance overseas must provide notarized identity and relationship documents.
✔ Loan and Banking Transactions – Some international banks require notarized financial documents for foreign clients.
5. Step-by-Step Notarization Process in Thailand
Step 1: Prepare the Original Document
✔ The original document must be presented to a Notarial Services Attorney.
✔ If notarizing a copy, bring both the original and photocopy.
Step 2: Identity Verification
✔ The signer must provide a valid passport, Thai national ID, or other government-issued identification.
✔ In the case of corporate documents, proof of company registration and directorship may be required.
Step 3: Signing and Notarial Certification
✔ The Notarial Services Attorney witnesses the signing of the document.
✔ A notarial seal and official stamp are affixed to confirm its authenticity.
Step 4: Additional Legalization (If Required for Foreign Use)
✔ If the document is to be used abroad, it must be legalized at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in Bangkok.
✔ Some countries also require embassy authentication after MFA legalization.
✔ Processing Times:
- Standard Notarization: Immediate or within the same day.
- MFA Legalization: 3-5 business days (Express service available).
- Embassy Authentication: Varies by embassy (1-7 days).
6. Costs and Fees for Notarial Services in Thailand
The cost of notarization varies depending on the document type, complexity, and urgency.
| Service | Estimated Fee (THB) |
|---|---|
| Signature Certification | 500 – 2,000 per document |
| Certified True Copies | 500 – 1,500 per page |
| Affidavits and Sworn Statements | 1,000 – 3,000 |
| Power of Attorney Notarization | 2,000 – 5,000 |
| Contract or Agreement Notarization | 3,000 – 10,000 |
| MFA Legalization Fee | 200 – 400 per document |
✔ Urgent notarization services may have higher fees.
✔ Additional fees apply for legal translation and embassy authentication.
7. Limitations and Considerations
🔴 Notarial Services Attorneys Do NOT Have the Same Authority as a Notary Public in Other Countries
✔ In some jurisdictions (e.g., the U.S.), notarized documents from Thailand may require additional authentication.
🔴 Thailand Does NOT Recognize Apostille Certification
✔ Since Thailand is not a signatory of the Hague Apostille Convention, documents must be legalized at the MFA and respective embassies for international recognition.
🔴 Limited Use for Government Filings in Thailand
✔ Most Thai government agencies do not require notarization for domestic documents, as official government stamps and signatures are sufficient.
8. Conclusion
While Thailand does not have a traditional Notary Public system, Notarial Services Attorneys play a crucial role in authenticating, certifying, and legalizing documents for both local and international use. Whether for business transactions, legal proceedings, real estate deals, or immigration purposes, notarization ensures the validity and acceptance of documents across jurisdictions.
Foreigners and businesses dealing with international legal matters in Thailand should consult licensed Notarial Services Attorneys to ensure proper document authentication and compliance with local and foreign regulations.