Notary Public in Pattaya: What You Need to Know

Many expats arriving in Pattaya search for a "notary public" — only to discover that Thailand does not have a notary public system in the same sense as the United States, United Kingdom, or Australia. If you need documents certified for use at an embassy or abroad, here is what you actually need.

Thailand Does Not Have a Traditional Notary Public

In common law countries, a notary public is a licensed official who witnesses signatures and certifies documents. Thailand uses a different system: Notarial Services Attorneys (ทนายความรับรองลายมือชื่อ) — Thai lawyers who are specially licensed by the Lawyers Council of Thailand to perform notarial acts.

A Notarial Services Attorney can:

  • Witness and certify signatures on documents
  • Certify true copies of passports, ID cards, diplomas, and other documents
  • Prepare and certify affidavits and declarations
  • Notarise powers of attorney for property transactions, legal representation, and business matters
  • Certify translations for official use
  • Assist with document legalization for use abroad

When Do You Need Notarisation in Pattaya?

You will typically need a Notarial Services Attorney in Pattaya for:

  • Power of Attorney — to authorise someone to act on your behalf in Thailand
  • Affidavit of freedom to marry — required by some embassies before marriage registration
  • Certified true copies — for embassy submissions, visa applications, and legal proceedings
  • Documents for use abroad — many foreign authorities require Thai documents to be notarised before they will accept them
  • Company documents — for business registration, contracts, and shareholder agreements

Notarisation vs. Certified Translation: What Is the Difference?

These are two separate services that are often required together:

  • Certified translation — a qualified translator translates your document and certifies the accuracy of the translation
  • Notarisation — a licensed Notarial Services Attorney certifies the translator's signature, or witnesses your signature on a document

For many embassy submissions, you need both: a certified translation of the document, plus notarisation of the translation by a Notarial Services Attorney.

Where to Get Notarial Services in Pattaya

Siam International Translation provides notarial services in Pattaya through a licensed Notarial Services Attorney. We offer:

  • Signature witnessing and certification
  • Certified true copies of passports, ID cards, and official documents
  • Affidavits and statutory declarations
  • Powers of attorney for property and legal matters
  • Notarisation of certified translations
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs legalization arranged on your behalf

Our notarised documents are accepted by embassies, consulates, Thai courts, and international institutions.

How Long Does Notarisation Take in Pattaya?

Most notarisations are completed same-day. Complex documents such as powers of attorney may require 1–2 business days for preparation. Contact us in advance to confirm availability.

Contact Siam International Translation in Pattaya

Address: The Bay View 2 Condo, 357/116 Moo.12 Pratamnak Soi.5, Pattaya, Chon Buri 20150 Phone / WhatsApp: +66 91 599 4999 LINE: @pattaya99 Email: [email protected] Hours: Monday–Friday 9:00–17:00 | Saturday–Sunday 9:00–16:00