A Notary Public plays a vital role in authenticating documents, verifying identities, and certifying transactions for use both domestically and internationally. While many countries appoint government-authorized notaries through official state agencies, Thailand uses a different system. Thailand does not have a government-licensed notary public system like the United States or European countries. Instead, notarial services are performed by lawyers who are specially trained and certified by the Lawyers Council of Thailand to act as Notarial Services Attorneys.

This unique structure often creates confusion for foreigners or businesses unfamiliar with Thailand’s legal system. Understanding the types of notarial services available and how Thailand recognizes them is essential for ensuring documents are prepared correctly and accepted by foreign institutions.

This article explains the types of notary public roles in Thailand, how they function, and the categories of notarial acts commonly performed.

1. Notarial Services Attorneys Certified by the Lawyers Council of Thailand

The closest equivalent to a traditional notary public in Thailand is the Notarial Services Attorney. These are licensed Thai lawyers who undergo training and certification conducted by the Lawyers Council of Thailand. Only after receiving certification may they legally provide notarial services.

Key Characteristics

• Must be a licensed Thai lawyer

• Must complete specialized notarial training

• Must obtain certification from the Lawyers Council

• Authorized to notarize, witness, and authenticate documents

• Services recognized domestically and internationally (with exceptions depending on the receiving country)

Unlike in some jurisdictions, notarial authority in Thailand is not a standalone profession. It is an additional qualification granted to licensed attorneys.

Common Services They Provide

• Verification of signatures

• Authentication of documents

• Certification of copies

• Witnessing affidavits or declarations

• Attesting corporate documents

• Power of attorney certifications

• Certifying identity

• Preparing notarial certificates

This category represents the main and official type of notary-like professional in Thailand.

2. Foreign Embassy or Consular Notarial Officers in Thailand

Another type of notarial authority available in the country comes from foreign embassies and consulates offering notarial services for their citizens. These officers act in accordance with their home country’s laws, not Thai law.

Examples

• U.S. Embassy and Consulate notarization services

• U.K. Consular Services

• Australian Embassy notarial services

• Canadian Embassy notary services

• European consulates providing notarizations

These services are typically available only to citizens or residents of their respective countries, and fees are usually higher than Thai notarial services.

Types of Documents They Handle

• Affidavits for international use

• Passport-related declarations

• Overseas property or inheritance documents

• U.S. or U.K. legal documents needing notarization

• Company or tax forms for use abroad

Consular notarial services are particularly useful when a foreign jurisdiction requires notarization by an official government representative rather than a notarial services attorney.

3. Internal Corporate Notarial Officers (Private Sector Certification)

Some corporate entities, especially multinational companies, have internal officers who handle certification of internal documents such as:

• Corporate resolutions

• Employment verifications

• Internal company records

• Power of attorney within the organization

However, these officers are not legally recognized as notaries under Thai law. Their authority is limited to internal corporate purposes or certifying documents within international corporate structures.

Important Distinction

These officers cannot notarize documents for public or legal use.
They cannot authenticate signatures or certify documents for legal procedures.
They cannot replace certified Notarial Services Attorneys.

This type is internal and administrative only, but still relevant when discussing “types of notarization” performed by organizations in Thailand.

4. Judicial or Government Certification (Not Notaries, but Often Misunderstood as Such)

Thailand’s legal system includes certain government offices whose certifications are sometimes confused with notarial acts. These offices do not function as notaries but provide legal authentication needed for international or governmental procedures.

Examples

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Legalization Division

• Department of Business Development certification for corporate documents

• Land Office certification for property-related documents

• District office certification for civil status records (birth, marriage, divorce)

These are not notarial services, but their certifications often complement notarization—especially when documents are intended for foreign authorities.

Categories of Notarial Acts Commonly Performed in Thailand

Even though Thailand has only one formal category of domestic notarial professional (Notarial Services Attorney), the types of notarial acts performed can be grouped into several categories.

1. Certification of Signatures

One of the most common notarial functions in Thailand is the verification of a person’s signature. The lawyer certifies that:

• The individual appeared in person

• Their identity was verified

• They voluntarily signed the document

This is widely required for:

• Power of attorney (property, banking, visa, or corporate matters)

• Embassy submissions

• Financial transactions

• Court-related documents

2. Authentication of Documents

This involves confirming that a document is genuine. Common examples include:

• Corporate documents

• Marriage or divorce certificates

• Educational certificates

• Business licenses

• Property contracts

Authentication is often needed before submitting documents to foreign institutions.

3. Certification of True Copies

Thai Notarial Services Attorneys can certify true copies of original documents such as:

• Passports

• Bank statements

• Educational diplomas

• Business registration documents

Copy certification ensures the document is an accurate reproduction of the original.

4. Affidavits and Statements Under Oath

Notarial Services Attorneys can witness and certify sworn statements. These are common in situations such as:

• Visa or immigration applications

• Legal disputes

• Bank declarations

• Personal statements

Although Thailand does not have a formal oath-taking law equivalent to some countries, notarial attorneys can certify declarations based on Thai legal principles.

5. Corporate Document Attestation

Businesses often require notarized documents to operate internationally. Commonly notarized corporate documents include:

• Board resolutions

• Shareholder agreements

• Articles of association

• Certificates of incorporation

• Authorizations for overseas transactions

These documents are frequently used in cross-border business activities.

6. Preparation of Notarial Certificates

A Notarial Services Attorney may prepare a formal certificate attached to the document, detailing:

• The purpose of the notarization

• Identity verification method

• Date and place

• Signing officer information

The certificate gives additional credibility and is often required by foreign authorities.

Conclusion

Thailand uses a unique system in which notarial services are provided by Notarial Services Attorneys, who are licensed lawyers certified by the Lawyers Council of Thailand. While Thailand does not have traditional state-appointed notaries, its notarial framework is widely accepted for both domestic and international purposes. In addition to notarial services attorneys, consular officers, internal corporate officers, and certain government agencies provide document certifications that serve related functions.

Understanding the types of notarial services available in Thailand helps individuals, businesses, and foreign nationals choose the correct form of authentication for their needs, ensuring compliance with both Thai and international legal requirements.