{"id":1824,"date":"2026-04-18T17:01:02","date_gmt":"2026-04-18T10:01:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/glossary\/notary\/"},"modified":"2026-04-29T11:31:02","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T04:31:02","slug":"notary","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/glossary\/notary\/","title":{"rendered":"\u0e17\u0e19\u0e32\u0e22\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e23\u0e31\u0e1a\u0e23\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e40\u0e2d\u0e01\u0e2a\u0e32\u0e23 (Notary Public Services Attorney)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Thailand, the legal system is based on civil law but the country does not have a notary public in the same sense as common-law jurisdictions. Instead, the <strong>\u0e2a\u0e20\u0e32\u0e17\u0e19\u0e32\u0e22\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e41\u0e2b\u0e48\u0e07\u0e1b\u0e23\u0e30\u0e40\u0e17\u0e28\u0e44\u0e17\u0e22<\/strong> (under the Lawyers Act) licenses qualifying attorneys as <strong>\u0e17\u0e19\u0e32\u0e22\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e1a\u0e23\u0e34\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e23\u0e31\u0e1a\u0e23\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e40\u0e2d\u0e01\u0e2a\u0e32\u0e23<\/strong> &mdash; lawyers specifically authorised to certify signatures, authenticate copies, witness oaths, and administer affidavits, primarily for documents intended for use abroad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are a foreigner living, working, or doing business in Thailand, you will likely need notarial services at some point &mdash; for property transactions, immigration filings, foreign company set-up, divorce abroad, inheritance matters, or simply to authenticate documents required by your home country. ThaiLawOnline&rsquo;s licensed Notarial Services Attorneys provide bilingual (English \/ French \/ Thai) notarisation across Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui, and Ubon Ratchathani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"\/th\/book-consultation\/\">Book a Notary Appointment<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--1\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"\/th\/contact\/\">Ask a Notary Question<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a Notarial Services Attorney in Thailand?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thailand follows the civil-law tradition, where the role performed elsewhere by a notary public is split between government registries (Land Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Civil Registration) and licensed attorneys. The Lawyers Council of Thailand created the <em>\u0e17\u0e19\u0e32\u0e22\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e1a\u0e23\u0e34\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e23\u0e31\u0e1a\u0e23\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e40\u0e2d\u0e01\u0e2a\u0e32\u0e23<\/em> qualification specifically so that Thailand-issued documents could be accepted abroad, and so that international documents can be properly attested in Thailand.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Only attorneys who have completed the Lawyers Council&rsquo;s notarial training and obtained the licence are authorised to provide notarial services. Their seal and signature carry weight with foreign embassies, courts, and corporate registries. ThaiLawOnline&rsquo;s notarial team holds current Lawyers Council licences and has been providing notarial services to expatriates and international businesses since 2006.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common Notarial Services We Provide<\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Signature certification<\/strong> &mdash; witnessing your signature on a document and certifying that it was signed in our presence after we verified your ID. Required for affidavits, statutory declarations, powers of attorney, and many home-country administrative forms.<\/li><li><strong>Certified true copies<\/strong> &mdash; comparing a copy to the original and certifying the copy is a faithful reproduction. Common for passport copies, university diplomas, marriage certificates, and ID cards.<\/li><li><strong>Affidavits and statutory declarations<\/strong> &mdash; sworn statements prepared and witnessed by the attorney, typically for foreign embassies, courts, or insurers.<\/li><li><strong>Certification of translation<\/strong> &mdash; certifying that a translation accompanies a Thai-language document, often paired with Ministry of Foreign Affairs legalisation.<\/li><li><strong>Attestation of company documents<\/strong> &mdash; corporate resolutions, board minutes, articles of association, share certificates, and powers of attorney for international transactions.<\/li><li><strong>Oaths and affirmations<\/strong> &mdash; administering oaths for evidence, affidavits, or court submissions.<\/li><li><strong>Apostille substitute documentation<\/strong> &mdash; Thailand is not an Apostille Convention signatory, so we prepare your document for the longer MFA + embassy legalisation chain.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Documents Commonly Notarised by Expats in Thailand<\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Power of Attorney for property, banking, court, or family matters abroad<\/li><li>Affidavit of single status \/ marital status for marriage abroad<\/li><li>Affidavit of identity \/ address for foreign banks or insurers<\/li><li>Certified copies of passport, Thai ID card, work permit, visa pages<\/li><li>Translation certifications for divorce decrees, marriage certificates, birth certificates<\/li><li>Statutory declarations for citizenship, inheritance, or pension applications<\/li><li>Corporate resolutions, share transfer instruments, director consent forms<\/li><li>Educational document certifications (degrees, transcripts) for visa or employment use<\/li><li>Wills and codicils signed before a Thai attorney for use abroad<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Process &mdash; What to Expect at Your Notary Appointment<\/h2>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Book an appointment<\/strong> &mdash; tell us the type of document, the language, and the country where it will be used.<\/li><li><strong>Prepare your documents<\/strong> &mdash; bring the original document, a clean copy if needed, and your passport or Thai ID. For corporate work, bring company affidavit and director&rsquo;s ID.<\/li><li><strong>Identity verification<\/strong> &mdash; the attorney verifies your identity in person before any signing.<\/li><li><strong>Signing in the attorney&rsquo;s presence<\/strong> &mdash; sign or affirm the document while the attorney watches; the attorney then attaches the notarial certificate, signs and seals it.<\/li><li><strong>Optional MFA legalisation<\/strong> &mdash; if your destination country requires it, we coordinate the next step at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Legalisation Division (Chaeng Watthana, Bangkok) and, if needed, the relevant embassy.<\/li><li><strong>Receipt and records<\/strong> &mdash; you receive a notarial certificate; we keep a record of the notarial act in our register as required by the Lawyers Council.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">MFA Legalisation &mdash; When You Need More Than a Notary<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because Thailand is not party to the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention, a notarial certificate alone is sometimes not enough for foreign use. Many embassies require <strong>further legalisation by the Department of Consular Affairs of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)<\/strong>, and then by the destination country&rsquo;s embassy in Bangkok. Common destinations &mdash; France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States &mdash; each have specific legalisation chains.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We routinely handle the entire chain on your behalf: notarisation, MFA submission and pickup, and embassy lodgement. This typically takes 3 to 7 business days for standard MFA processing, plus embassy timelines.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Languages &amp; Locations<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All ThaiLawOnline notarial services are offered in <strong>\u0e20\u0e32\u0e29\u0e32\u0e2d\u0e31\u0e07\u0e01\u0e24\u0e29 \u0e20\u0e32\u0e29\u0e32\u0e1d\u0e23\u0e31\u0e48\u0e07\u0e40\u0e28\u0e2a \u0e41\u0e25\u0e30\u0e20\u0e32\u0e29\u0e32\u0e44\u0e17\u0e22<\/strong>. Documents in other languages can be accommodated with our certified translation partners. We have bilingual notarial attorneys available in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui, and Ubon Ratchathani &mdash; with home-visit and hospital-visit options for clients with mobility constraints, subject to scheduling.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u0e04\u0e33\u0e16\u0e32\u0e21\u0e17\u0e35\u0e48\u0e1e\u0e1a\u0e1a\u0e48\u0e2d\u0e22<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is a Thai Notarial Services Attorney the same as a notary public?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Functionally similar but legally different. Thailand does not have a notary public office. The Lawyers Council of Thailand authorises specially-trained attorneys to perform the same acts (witness signatures, certify copies, take oaths). The notarial certificate is recognised abroad once paired with MFA \/ embassy legalisation where required.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I get something notarised online?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No &mdash; under current Lawyers Council rules, your physical presence is required so the attorney can verify your identity and witness signing. We do offer pre-screening of your document by email, so the appointment itself is short.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long does a notary appointment take?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most notarial acts take 20&ndash;45 minutes once the document is finalised. Multi-page corporate filings or affidavits with several signatories take longer. We always confirm the expected duration when you book.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What ID do I need to bring?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Foreigners: passport (original) and ideally a current visa or work permit. Thai nationals: Thai ID card. For corporate matters, bring the company affidavit and the director&rsquo;s ID.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much does it cost?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fees depend on the act (signature certification, copy attestation, full affidavit drafting) and on whether you also need MFA \/ embassy legalisation. We provide a written quote in advance &mdash; never a surprise bill. See our <a href=\"\/th\/pricing\/\">pricing page<\/a> for fee bands.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can ThaiLawOnline help with a power of attorney for property in Thailand?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. We draft, witness, and (if needed) translate the POA, and we coordinate Land Office acceptance. For POAs prepared abroad, we can advise on how to legalise them for use here.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Choose ThaiLawOnline for Notarial Services<\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Licensed Notarial Services Attorneys with current Lawyers Council certification<\/li><li>Bilingual EN \/ FR \/ TH notarisation, plus translation partners for other languages<\/li><li>End-to-end legalisation chain: notarisation &rarr; MFA &rarr; embassy<\/li><li>Multiple offices across Thailand &mdash; Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, Samui, Ubon<\/li><li>Trusted by expatriates and international businesses since 2006<\/li><li>Transparent fixed-fee quotes before any work begins<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"\/th\/book-consultation\/\">Book a Notary Appointment<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--2\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"\/th\/start-your-case\/\">\u0e40\u0e23\u0e34\u0e48\u0e21\u0e14\u0e33\u0e40\u0e19\u0e34\u0e19\u0e04\u0e14\u0e35\u0e02\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e04\u0e38\u0e13<\/a><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In Thailand, the legal system is based on civil law but the country does not have a notary public in [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":214,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"pmpro_default_level":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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