Notary Public in Thailand
When submitting documents for official purposes, you may need to have them validated through notary services in Thailand before they are acceptable. Whether you’re preparing contracts, affidavits, or business agreements, notarizing these documents in Thailand is crucial to confirm they are properly signed and recognized as legal and genuine.
However, it is important to note that Thailand is not part of the Hague Convention on Legalization of Foreign Public Documents. Because of this, Thailand does not have any official “Notaries Public.” Rather, you’ll have to hire a Notarial Services Attorneys (NSAs) to perform similar duties. Licensed lawyers certified as NSAs carry out notarization processes in Thailand, ensuring your documents comply with local legal standards of authenticity.
Due to this distinction, it’s important to confirm with the requesting authority whether notarization by an NSA will be accepted. Most organizations and agencies will accept a document certified by notary services in Thailand, but it is advisable to re-confirm before booking an appointment or paying any fees to avoid wasting your time and money.
If you’re looking for notary services in Thailand, here’s what you should know about the process and where to access these services.
What is Notarization?
Notarization is a process that confirms a document or signature is valid and genuine. It’s used to verify that a document is real and legally acceptable, or that a signature was in fact made by the person who signed it. This is often required for legal papers like contracts and affidavits to ensure they are not forgeries and can be accepted for official use.
The purpose of notarization is to prevent fraud and build trust. When a document is notarized, an authorized legal professional witnesses and confirms the identity of the person signing a document. Alternatively, notary services in Thailand can certify that a document is genuine, or verify that a copy of an official document is a true copy of a real document.
Who Can Perform Notarization in Thailand?
As mentioned above, there are no official notaries public in Thailand, but you can still get documents notarized by an NSA. Notarial Services Attorneys are lawyers who have gone through an additional certification process that empowers them to perform official notary services.
Their work is identical to that of a notary public in other countries, but since Thailand is not party to the relevant international Convention, their title is different. So, when a visa application or marriage registration process requires you to notarize documents in Thailand, these legal professionals can provide the required service despite not holding the official title of notary public. This is why you will often see the terms NSA and notary public used interchangeably in Thailand.
NSAs in Thailand typically provide two main types of notarization. First, they notarize signatures on specific documents, which means you’ll need to appear in person with valid identification. Second, they certify true copies of documents, especially those from Thailand. If you’re handling foreign documents, you may need to get them certified by the issuing country or the relevant embassy.
Where to Find a Notary Public in Thailand
If you’re wondering, “Where can I find a notary public near me?” Siam Legal has you covered. We have several certified Notarial Services Attorneys at our multiple locations nationwide. You can visit any of our offices listed below to have your documents notarized by our skilled legal team:
Siam Legal International – Bangkok
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
At any of these locations, our Notarial Services Attorneys are ready to assist you with notarizing your documents to meet domestic and international requirements. Which of our locations you visit is not important as there is no regional requirement, so choose the notary public nearest to you.
Why is Notarization Necessary?
Notary services in Thailand are often required to confirm the validity of important documents and signatures. It proves the identity of the signatories of a document, and that they fully understood what they were signing.
This process is necessary for many legal matters. For example, if you’re using documents like powers of attorney, business agreements, or affidavits, notary services in Thailand may be needed before these documents are considered legal. It also helps avoid disputes by creating an official record that the documents were signed properly and voluntarily.
Notarization vs. Legalization
It is vital to understand the difference between notarization and legalization. Notarization is generally for documents to be used in Thailand, while legalization involves having documents authenticated, usually through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), for international use. Since Thailand is not part of the Apostille Convention, extra steps may be necessary for using documents abroad.
It is possible that you may need to have a document both notarized and legalized, necessitating trips to a notary public near you and an embassy or the MFA.
When is Notarization Required in Thailand?
In Thailand, notarization is necessary in various situations. Notarizing documents in Thailand is often required if you’re handling legal matters like property sales, visa applications, or business contracts.
For instance, if you’re applying for a visa to another country, you might need to notarize documents such as birth certificates or bank statements. Similarly, business deals involving large amounts of money typically require signed agreements to be notarized for legal recognition. If you’re looking for assistance, you can find a notary service in Thailand to help with your legal needs.
Where Can You Get Documents Notarized in Thailand?
You can have documents notarized by lawyers who are certified NSAs. These lawyers are authorized to provide notary services in Thailand and can typically be found at law firms and legal offices across the country.
Bilingual NSA-certified lawyers in Thailand are usually available in large population centers such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, making it convenient to have your documents notarized for personal or business needs. It’s essential to select a trustworthy law firm that will handle your documents carefully and accurately.
Before booking an appointment, make sure you have clear instructions from the requesting authority regarding the specific notary service you need. This step helps confirm that the notarization will meet their requirements.
How Does the Notarization Process Work in Thailand?
The notarization process in Thailand is simple when handled by a Notarial Services Attorney (NSA) at Siam Legal. With branches in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, you can easily find a notary public near you at any of our convenient locations to assist with your notarial needs. Here’s how it works:
- Confirm Document Requirements: It bears repeating that you should inquire with the authority requesting the document that an NSA notarization is acceptable. If so, then you can proceed.
- Gather and Confirm Documents: Collect all the documents that need to be notarized. Make sure you have valid identification, like a passport or ID card, to confirm your identity. Contact Siam Legal and send a high-quality picture or scan of the document(s) to be notarized. Our NSAs will determine if notarization is possible to ensure your time isn’t wasted.
- Set an Appointment: Arrange a meeting with a Notarial Services Attorney at Siam Legal. You must be present at the appointment if you need a signature notarized.
- Notarization: On the date of your notarization appointment, our NSA will re-check everything before providing the service you require. Our notarization services usually take only an hour or so.
- Certification: After signing, the lawyer will place their official seal and signature on the document. This step makes the document or signature legally recognized.
What Documents Need to Be Notarized in Thailand?
There is a wide variety of documents that must be notarized in Thailand for an equally wide range of official purposes. Here are some of the most common kinds of documents you generally need notarized before submitting them to a government or business organization.
- International contracts and agreements
- Power of Attorney
- Copy of documents as true copies
- Certificates (Birth, Marriage, and Death)
- Copy of passport or ID card
- Educational degrees or certificates
- Criminal Record certificate
- Proof of Address or Domicile in Thailand
- Documents needed to open a bank account
- Documents needed to buy, sell, or transfer a property
- Property documents for use abroad
- Legal documents for use in Thailand and abroad
- Translated documents
- Affidavits
- Bank documents and letters
- Business documents, such as company resolutions, minutes, contracts, and reports
- Company documents, including Memorandum and Articles of Association
Get Your Documents Notarized in Thailand Today
Getting your documents notarized in Thailand might seem challenging, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the legal system, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Siam Legal is your reliable partner, guiding you through the process and ensuring your documents are treated with care and that you receive the exact services you require.
Our team of bilingual Notarial Services Attorneys is experienced in handling notary services in Thailand for personal, business, or international legal needs. We understand that legal paperwork can be stressful, but with our assistance, you can feel confident that your documents will be properly notarized and recognized.
We aim to make the process smooth and worry-free. From reviewing your paperwork to applying for the final seal, our legal team ensures everything is in order. The certified NSAs at each of our convenient locations in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, are all readily available to swiftly and accurately notarize your documents to ensure that the process you need them for is not delayed.
Contact Siam Legal today to get your documents notarized.
FAQ: Notary Services in Thailand
How much does a notary cost in Thailand?
Siam Legal charges a notary fee of 3,000 THB plus 7% VAT per signature or document. This ensures that your documents are handled professionally and meet international standards.
Can documents notarized in Thailand be used internationally?
Yes, documents notarized by a Notarial Services Attorney in Thailand can be used internationally in some cases, but it really depends on the requesting authority. It’s important to verify with the receiving country or institution if they accept notarized documents from Thailand.
Do I need an appointment for notarization in Thailand?
Yes, you must schedule an appointment with a Notarial Services Attorney as you are typically required to appear in person so that the NSA can verify your identity. Scheduling an appointment beforehand makes the process go faster and smoother.
Where can I find a notary public near me?
Siam Legal offers notary services through its offices located in the major cities of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Our experienced team is available to assist with all your notarial needs in centrally-located offices in these cities.
How can I get to a notary public near me in Thailand?
Siam Legal’s Bangkok office can be reached by traveling to BTS Nana station and taking exit 2. Our Chiang Mai location can be found on the second floor of Curve Mall off Chang Klan Road. If you’re in or near Phuket, you can find notarial services at our office near The Residence Village off Srisoonthorn Rd.
