Reviewed by ThaiLawOnline, a licensed Thai law firm practising in Thailand since 2006. Thai lawyer of record: Wichuda Atthamethakon, LL.M., Thai Bar Licence 3149/2556.
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You lived or stayed in Thailand, you now live somewhere else, and an immigration office, employer or school is asking for a Thai police clearance certificate. You do not have to fly back. Our licensed Thai lawyers get it for you. Prepare the items below and send them together, so the application is complete the first time.
Who usually needs this
Embassies, employers and schools abroad ask for it when you apply for a visa, residence, a job or a course and have spent time in Thailand. In our experience, former tourists can apply too, not only people who worked or lived here.
Always check with the office asking for it which certificate it needs and how recent it must be.
Where the delays come from
Most delays with a Thai police clearance come from something small: a missing page, a copy instead of an original, or a name that does not match. Each gap usually means another round of emails and another trip to the post office.
Your document checklist
The official checklist for applicants abroad is published by the Thai police. Based on it, prepare the following.
1. Two original fingerprint sets
Your two original fingerprint sets must be taken at a Royal Thai Embassy or a local police station. Ask the officer to sign and stamp each card, as this is the usual practice and avoids delays. These must be originals, not scans or photocopies.
2. A copy of your current passport
Send a copy of your current valid passport.
3. Copies of your Thai entry and exit stamps
The official checklist asks for copies of the passport pages with all your Thai entry and exit stamps. If those stamps are in an old passport, send copies of those pages from the old passport as well.
4. A copy of any Thai visa or work permit you held
If you had a Thai visa or work permit, include a copy.
5. Proof of any name change
Send a copy of the official document that shows your name change, such as a name change certificate or deed. If your name changed through marriage, send your marriage certificate. This lets your old and new names be matched.
6. Documents in other languages
If any supporting document is not in Thai or English, email us at info@thailawonline.com and we will tell you whether a certified translation is needed.
How the process works with us
1. Email us. Write to info@thailawonline.com and tell us where you live, when you were in Thailand, and why you need the certificate.
2. We confirm your list. We check your situation and confirm exactly what to send.
3. You get your fingerprints taken. At a Royal Thai Embassy or local police station near you.
4. You post the originals. We tell you where to send them.
5. Our licensed Thai lawyers get it for you. We handle the application in Thailand and keep you updated by email.
6. We send the certificate to you.
You do not need to deal with any office in Thailand yourself. Everything between you and us happens by email, apart from posting your original fingerprint cards.
We cannot promise a fixed delivery date, because the timing is not in our hands. We will keep you informed at each step.
Mistakes that slow things down
- Sending scanned fingerprints. The fingerprint sets must be originals.
- Missing entry and exit stamps. Include every page with a Thai stamp, including from old passports.
- Name does not match. If your name has changed, include the document that proves it.
- Not checking what the other country wants. Some offices also want the certificate legalised. Read about getting Thai documents legalised.
Before you post anything
- Are both fingerprint cards originals, and did the officer sign and stamp them?
- Have you included every passport page with a Thai stamp?
- Is your current passport copy clear and easy to read?
- If your name changed, is the proof included?
- Have you told us by email what the certificate is for?
Keep your own copy of everything you send, and use a tracked postal service so you can follow your envelope.
Applying for more than one person
If you need certificates for a partner or family members too, each person needs their own fingerprint sets and documents, and the fee is charged per person. Tell us in your first email how many people are applying so we can send one combined list.
Is a Thai police clearance the same as a background check?
Not always. Employers sometimes ask for different kinds of checks. Our guide to criminal records checks in Thailand explains the difference.
What it costs
Our police clearance service is 4,400 baht per person when you apply from abroad, and 6,400 baht per person if you are in Thailand. There is no extra tax on top, and the official fees are included in this price. For full details see our police clearance certificate in Thailand page, and to compare with our other fixed fees see our pricing page.
Get started
Email info@thailawonline.com with your country of residence and your dates in Thailand, or book your police clearance. We reply by email with your checklist and next steps.
Common questions
Can I get a Thai police clearance if I only visited as a tourist?
In our experience, yes. Former visitors, including tourists, can apply. The official checklist asks for copies of the passport pages with all your Thai entry and exit stamps, and of any Thai visa or work permit you held.
My Thai stamps are in an old passport. What do I send?
Send a copy of your current valid passport, plus copies of the pages in your old passport that show your Thai entry and exit stamps.
Where do I get my fingerprints taken?
Your two original fingerprint sets must be taken at a Royal Thai Embassy or a local police station. Ask the officer to sign and stamp each card, as this is the usual practice and avoids delays.
My name has changed since I was in Thailand. What do I need?
Send a copy of the official document that shows your name change, such as a name change certificate or deed. If your name changed through marriage, send your marriage certificate. This lets your old and new names be matched.
Do my documents need to be translated?
If any supporting document is not in Thai or English, email us at info@thailawonline.com and we will tell you whether a certified translation is needed.
How much does it cost?
Our police clearance service is 4,400 baht per person when you apply from abroad, and 6,400 baht per person if you are in Thailand. There is no extra tax on top, and the official fees are included in this price.
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