Often, foreign documents require that they be notarized before submission to the embassy or ministry of foreign affairs. This is to confirm that they are authentic and legally binding.
In Thailand, we don’t really have notaries public like in some countries, but the Lawyers Council has set up a system where qualified lawyers can act as notaries. These legal superheroes can do cool stuff like certify documents, signatures and translations.
Proof of Address
In most countries, a notary public is an official that is licensed to authenticate signatures, documents, and witness affidavits and statements of individuals under oath. This is particularly important for international business transactions as a notarized document acts as a legal guarantee that the original document was signed properly and is legitimate.
In Thailand, it’s a little different. While the country doesn’t have a formal notary system like in many other places, the Lawyers Council has created a new rule that allows some lawyers to act as notaries and verify signatures. These lawyers are called Notarial Services Attorneys (NSA), and they go through a special certification process to get this status. They’re basically like document superheroes and can do things like confirm that a signature is real and that the person signing it understands what they’re doing.
The NSA role is useful for expats who are working abroad or going to another country because they can validate documents and ensure that signatures are genuine. This is particularly important for forms that will be submitted to an embassy overseas, such as a Power of Attorney or a loan and mortgage agreement. In addition, a notary can also certify translations of documents that are written in Thai. This is helpful for anyone who needs to translate documents into English from Thai or vice versa.
Embassy Forms
In Thailand, a document or signature needs notarization to confirm it’s real. Usually, this is required by government agencies for things like proof of address or a power of attorney Thailand. A notary is like a neutral witness, verifying the signatures and documents. They also can authenticate affidavits and administer oaths.
Oftentimes, expats need notarized documents to submit them at their embassy or for use in another country. These documents can be anything from personal letters, such as birth certificates or marriage licenses, to business contracts or legal documents, including power of attorneys and trusts.
Thailand doesn’t have a public notary system like most other countries, but the Lawyers Council did make a rule that allows certain lawyers to act as Notarial Services Attorneys (NSA). These legal professionals are basically document superheroes who can verify the authenticity of documents and signatures, as well as authenticate affidavits or sworn statements.
When working with a NSA, it’s important to inquire about the specific requirements from the authority requesting the document. It’s also a good idea to bring a valid ID, such as your passport, for the notary to examine before they prepare their letter. Additionally, most NSAs will provide certified translations as an add-on service to their notarization services. This way, you can avoid the cost and hassle of visiting a translator separately.
Certification of Signatures
In most countries, the government officially licenses notary public officers to authenticate signatures or documents and witness affidavits or statements made under oath. In Thailand, however, the Lawyers Council has started a training course that empowers certain lawyers to act as official document superheroes (called Notarial Services Attorneys).
Whether you’re working on an immigration form or need to courier signed documents abroad for business or personal purposes, a notary can ensure your signature is the real deal and that your name is the name on your passport. They can also help you verify your identity, which is especially important if you’re dealing with a foreign bank or an embassy abroad.
If you have a document drafted in the Thai language and need it translated, a notary can make sure the translation is accurate. They can also certify a will and testament, which is required in many countries to prove that you have the legal authority to pass your estate on after your death.
Keep in mind that notarization is different than legalization. Notarization is generally for documents that will be used within the country of Thailand, while legalization is for international use and may involve a different process from an embassy or MFA. For more information on that, contact a notary or the embassy you’re dealing with.
Certified Translations
For some documents, such as legal papers like contracts and affidavits, it is essential that they be certified by a Notary Public before they can be used legally. This is because notarization ensures that a document or signature is valid and genuine. It also verifies that the person signing a particular document is in fact the same individual that signed it.
Typically, this process is required when using documents that are to be couriered abroad for business purposes or for other reasons. It is important for the receiving country that they have this proof that your signature and the documents are legitimate.
This is because a Notary can verify your identity, administer an oath or witness a signature. They can even validate copies of official documents and translations. They are considered to be experts in their field and can verify any information presented to them.
While Thailand isn’t part of the Hague Apostille Convention, it does have a system where certain lawyers can act as notaries. These qualified lawyers go through a professional course and are registered with the Lawyers Council as Notarial Services Attorneys.
So, if you need your documents to be verified and notarized by a Notary in Thailand, contact us here at First Choice Translation Co., Ltd. We have a team of highly experienced Notaries and Translators that can assist you in any situation where notarization is required.