Notary Public in Thailand

Notary Public in Thailand. Unlike many civil and common law jurisdictions where the position of notary public is a separate legal office conferred by the state, Thailand does not have a standalone legal profession titled “notary public” under Thai law. Instead, the role and function of notarization is fulfilled by licensed Thai attorneys who are certified as Notarial Services Attorneys by the Law Society of Thailand.

The function of notarization in Thailand is not governed by a specific Notarial Act, but is recognized under the regulatory framework of the Lawyers Council of Thailand. Consequently, notarized documents in Thailand are accepted for international use—particularly for purposes such as visas, powers of attorney, affidavits, corporate documents, and real estate transfers—provided they meet authentication standards required by foreign authorities or embassies.

This article provides a comprehensive legal and procedural overview of the notarial system in Thailand, including how notarial authority is granted, which documents can be notarized, how notarized documents are authenticated for use abroad, and the limitations of notarization under Thai law.

1. Legal and Regulatory Framework

1.1 Governing Authority

• Lawyers Council of Thailand (LCT) under the Legal Profession Act B.E. 2528 (1985)

• The Regulation on Certifying Notarial Services B.E. 2551 (2008) provides the procedural basis

1.2 Notarial Services Attorney

• Only Thai lawyers licensed by the LCT and certified through special training may act as Notarial Services Attorneys

• This is not a judicial or public office but a delegated private function

• Certification requires:

  • Completion of a training course

  • Passing an examination

  • Continuing legal education

2. Scope of Authority and Legal Capacity

A Notarial Services Attorney in Thailand is authorized to:

However, notarial functions in Thailand do not carry the same evidentiary or public official status as in countries with a formal Notary Public Act.

3. Common Types of Documents Notarized in Thailand

Notarial Services Attorneys typically handle the following:

3.1 Powers of Attorney (POA)

• For use abroad (e.g., real estate, embassy filings, immigration)

• Must be signed in presence of the notarial attorney

• Copy of passport or ID must be attached

3.2 Affidavits and Declarations

• Personal statements for use in court or visa applications

• May require administration of oath or affirmation

3.3 True Copy Certification

• Passports

• National ID cards

• University degrees or transcripts

• Corporate documents (e.g., company affidavits)

3.4 Signature Certification

• Verifying that the person signed in front of the attorney

• Often used for:

  • Bank documents

  • Real estate sales contracts

  • Visa and immigration submissions

3.5 Corporate Resolutions

• Board resolutions for use outside Thailand

• Must be signed by authorized directors, with identification and corporate seal

4. Procedures for Notarization in Thailand

Step 1: Identity Verification

• Client presents government-issued ID or passport

• Attorney verifies identity and cross-checks against document

Step 2: Document Review

• Attorney reviews the document for clarity and legality

• May refuse notarization if content is illegal, fraudulent, or misleading

Step 3: Signing and Certification

• Document is signed in the presence of the attorney

• Notarial certificate is affixed, including:

  • Signature and stamp of Notarial Services Attorney

  • Date, place, and description of act performed

  • ID document number of signer

Step 4: Optional Legalization or Apostille

• Thailand is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention

• Therefore, foreign use of Thai notarized documents may require:

  • Legalization by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)

  • Authentication at foreign embassies

5. Recognition of Thai Notarization Abroad

Users should confirm with the target institution or embassy regarding required legalization steps for notarized Thai documents.

6. Limitations and Exclusions

Despite the recognition of notarization services, Notarial Services Attorneys in Thailand do not have powers to:

• Certify land title transactions (must be done at the Land Office)

• Act as witnesses to a will unless also a personal witness

• Issue public deeds or judgments

• Notarize documents not signed in person

• Notarize documents for use in Thailand when not required by law

A notarized document in Thailand does not gain enhanced evidentiary weight unless the receiving jurisdiction gives it such effect.

7. Fees and Practice Environment

• Fees for notarization are not regulated by law

• Range:

  • Simple signature or document: THB 500–1,000

  • Power of attorney: THB 1,000–2,500

  • Corporate documents: THB 2,000–5,000

• Lawyers in Bangkok and major cities (Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya) offer these services

• Mobile notarial services may be available by appointment

8. Legal Risks and Best Practices

Conclusion

Although Thailand does not maintain a notary public profession in the traditional sense, Notarial Services Attorneys perform an essential legal function in authenticating documents, witnessing signatures, and supporting cross-border transactions. Their role is especially important in an increasingly internationalized environment where Thai individuals, businesses, and foreign nationals must submit legally verified documents for use outside the Kingdom.

To ensure legal validity and international acceptance, documents notarized in Thailand should be processed by properly licensed attorneys, and when required, further legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or relevant embassies. Parties seeking notarization services should understand the scope, legal authority, and practical limits of notarization in Thailand.