Translation and Legalization in Thailand

Translation and Legalization in Thailand. In Thailand, official documents in foreign languages are not legally admissible for use with government agencies, courts, or registrars unless they are properly translated and legalized. Translation and legalization are essential for foreign individuals and companies involved in immigration, litigation, commercial registration, property acquisition, marriage, adoption, and numerous other legal processes.

This article provides a comprehensive, legally grounded explanation of the translation and legalization process in Thailand, covering the institutional framework, procedural steps, documentary standards, and practical considerations for both Thai and foreign documents.

II. Legal and Institutional Framework

A. Governing Authorities

B. Relevant Legal Instruments

• Civil and Commercial Code

• Civil Procedure Code

• Immigration Act B.E. 2522

• Ministerial Regulations on Legalization of Documents (MFA Internal Rules)

• Treaties (e.g., Hague Convention on Apostilles — Thailand is not a party)

Because Thailand is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, it uses a manual legalization process instead of apostilles.

III. When Translation and Legalization Are Required

Documents originating outside Thailand must be translated and legalized for use in Thailand in situations such as:

• Applying for a marriage registration between a Thai and a foreigner

• Registering a foreign judgment in Thai court

• Establishing a foreign company branch or BOI-promoted office

• Submitting educational diplomas, birth certificates, or criminal background checks to Thai immigration

• Conducting property transfers or lease registrations

Conversely, Thai documents may need translation and legalization when presented abroad—for immigration, study, visa, or investment purposes.

IV. Step-by-Step Process: Foreign Documents for Use in Thailand

Step 1: Notarization (if required by home country)

Some jurisdictions (e.g., U.S., U.K., Australia) require notarization of original documents before the embassy can authenticate them.

Example: U.S. birth certificate notarized by a U.S. notary or county clerk.

Step 2: Authentication by Home Country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The home country must verify the document’s authenticity. This usually involves submission to a domestic Ministry or Department of Foreign Affairs.

Step 3: Legalization by the Relevant Embassy in Thailand

The foreign embassy in Thailand verifies and certifies the origin of the document.

This step establishes that the document is official and came from the issuing authority.

Step 4: Translation into Thai

• Professional translation is required; the document must be translated word-for-word.

• The translation must reflect legal terminology consistent with Thai usage.

• The translator’s name, signature, and company stamp (if applicable) must be included.

Only Thai translations are accepted by government authorities in Thailand, and poor translations may cause rejection.

Step 5: Certification by the Thai MFA (Legalization Division)

• Submit both the original document, certified translation, and embassy authentication

• MFA will:

  • Verify the embassy stamp/seal

  • Authenticate the translator’s credentials

  • Stamp the document as “legalized”

This final step allows the document to be used legally in any administrative, legal, or immigration context in Thailand.

V. Process for Thai Documents for Use Abroad

Step 1: Certified Copy from Issuing Authority

Obtain a certified true copy of the document from the original Thai authority (e.g., Ministry of Education, District Office, Police Department).

Step 2: Translation into Foreign Language

Use a licensed translator or agency to produce a faithful translation into the required language.

Step 3: Legalization by Thai MFA

Submit both:

• Original Thai document

• Foreign language translation

The MFA will certify the original Thai document and may also verify the accuracy of the translation.

Step 4: Authentication by the Destination Country’s Embassy in Thailand

Most countries will require their embassies to authenticate the MFA’s certification, thereby completing the legalization chain.

VI. Accepted Formats and Submission Standards

• Typed translations only (handwritten translations are not accepted)

• All pages must be signed and stamped

• Originals and certified copies must be presented

• Translators may need to attach a declaration of accuracy

Some embassies or agencies may require bilingual translations (side-by-side Thai and English).

VII. Special Rules by Document Type

1. Marriage Certificates

• For use abroad: Must include both the Kor.2 (certificate) and Kor.3 (registration record)

• Translation must specify names, witnesses, location, and registration number

2. Birth Certificates

• Thai format includes house registration reference

• Foreign embassies may require a multi-stage process: Thai birth certificate → MFA → embassy → consular report of birth abroad

3. Power of Attorney

• Thai notarized POA is usually insufficient abroad

• For cross-border use, the POA must be:

  • Translated

  • Certified by the MFA

  • Authenticated by the relevant embassy

4. Criminal Record Checks

• Issued by the Royal Thai Police or Police Clearance Division

• Must be legalized before submission to foreign immigration authorities

• Time-sensitive: Valid for 3–6 months depending on the recipient country

VIII. Legalization Fees and Processing Times

Urgent services may be available for an additional fee.

IX. Legal Risks and Rejection Grounds

• Mistranslation of legal terms: May cause the document to be invalid for official use

• Expired documents: Some institutions reject documents over 6 months old

• Non-standard formats: Certain embassies or agencies require strict templates

• Failure to follow sequence: Skipping embassy authentication or MFA certification will invalidate the process

X. Conclusion

Translation and legalization in Thailand involve a structured process rooted in administrative and civil law, governed by strict document authentication requirements. For a document to be accepted by Thai authorities—or by a foreign government from Thailand—it must go through multi-layered verification, with attention to translation accuracy, institutional sequence, and document integrity.

Because Thailand is not an apostille member state, the process is more manual and formal. Parties involved in cross-border legal transactions—especially involving real estate, immigration, family law, or commercial registration—should ensure their documents are correctly translated, authenticated, and legalized through the appropriate channels.