In most countries, Notary Public is a public officer licensed by the state to provide authentication of legal documents, affidavits, signatures, or a statement of the person under oath. Notary services are very important as they help create a guarantee on the authenticity of the document. However, in Thailand, there is no Notary Public. Instead, the Lawyers Council of Thailand provides attorneys the role called Notarial Services Attorney which allows them to perform the said services and is regulated by the Lawyers Act B.E. 2528.
Why Notarization is needed
Signatures and documents of individuals are notarized in order to attest to their authenticity. This prevents fraudulent individuals from passing unauthenticated documents. Furthermore, the notary public or Thailand notary also acts as a neutral witness. He lays witness that the documents that are submitted are authentic and the individuals signing them are the same ones who are qualified to do so. Some documents cannot become enforceable nor binding until they are notarized. For such documents, notarization is mandatory.
In Thailand, notary services are often required by institutions such as:
- Foreign Embassies
- Private Organizations
- Schools
- Banks
- Government Offices
Services Offered by a Thailand Notary Lawyer
As mentioned above, a Thailand Lawyer is provided the role of Notarial Services Attorney so that the or she can perform the duties of a notary public. Services offered by a Thailand Notary include:
- Verification of the authenticity of signatures on legal documents
- Certification of copies of original documents
- Certification of official documents (copies) that were issued by government
- Authentication of deeds
- Verification of documents related to property and business acquisition and contract
- Authentication of signature and other identification documents such as passport
- Admiration of affirmations and oaths
- Certification of the identities of parties involved in an agreement
- Acting as witness to parties affixing their signatures on documents
Documents That Usually Need to Be Notarized
There are various documents that need to be notarized. Some of the most common documents that require notarization include:
- Power of Attorney
- Title Deeds
- Contracts
- Bank Statements
- Application for Foreign Visa
The notary service fee varies depending on the type as well as the number of documents to be notarized.
The Hague Convention
Thailand is not a member of the Hague Convention on Legalization of Foreign Public Documents. So, if you are a foreigner and have acquired notarial services in Thailand, you will likely need to have your notarized documents further legalized or authenticated at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand Legalisation Division. In the same way for the documents that were issued abroad, will be legalized at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Thailand before it can be used at the Thai government offices.
Notary Services at the Embassy
US Notary Public in Thailand
Consular Officers at the US Embassy Bangkok may provide specific notarial services authorized by relevant US law and Department of State policy for all US citizens. The consular section may provide acknowledgment of signature, power of attorney, and certified copies of US passports. There are certain services that are not offered at the embassy and these include notarized copies of academic credentials, marriage, birth, and divorce certificates issued in the US without authentication from the US Department of State. In cases where the consular office cannot provide any notarial services you require, you may contact a competent Thai notary lawyer to certify your documents, particularly if such documents will be used in Thailand.
UK Notary Public in Thailand
The British Embassy in Thailand can provide a limited range of notarial and documentary services for British nationals in Thailand. Consular staff can provide notarial services such as a certified copy of British passport and British driving license, witnessing a signature for a letter of “no objection” for adoption in Thailand, an affirmation of marital status, and affirmation of residency. The British Embassy cannot provide notarized copies of UK marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and educational certificates therefore it is advisable that before arriving in Thailand you get your UK educational certificates legalized before you travel. Aside from that, the embassy also cannot notarize any form of affirmation, affidavit, or statutory declaration to confirm identity, family relationships and to witness a signature on a Power of Attorney.
In conclusion, notarial services in Thailand are not as widely available as most other countries. Here, you will need the help of a licensed Notarial Services Attorney if you want to have your signature to be witnessed or document to be notarized and these licensed Thailand lawyers are limited because to gain such qualification, they have to undergo a professional training course and eventually pass it. The Lawyers Council of Thailand has the regulatory power to give Thai lawyers this role.
So, if you need the assistance of a Notarial Services Attorney in Thailand, Siam Legal offers notarial services for documents such as affidavits, acknowledgments, authentications, and other legal documents. Please call us or contact us through email.
List of Notary Public in Thailand
Siam Legal International
18th Floor, Unit 1806, Two Pacific Place,
142 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Toei,
Bangkok 10110 Thailand
Phone: 02-254-8900
Siam Legal Chiang Mai
Curve Mall 2nd/F Room C219-C220
215/2 Chang Klan Road
Mueang, Chiang Mai 50100
Phone: 090-891-8447
Siam Legal Phuket
123 / 27-28 Moo 5, Bangtao Place
Cherngtalay, Thalang,
Phuket Thailand 83110
Phone: 076-326-322
Siam Legal Samui
9/16 Moo 4, Bophut
Samui Thailand 84320
Phone: 065-153-9463
