Translation & Legalization
In Thailand, translation and legalization of documents are important steps when you need to use documents for official purposes, both within the country and abroad. This process is commonly required for international business, legal matters, and when submitting documents to embassies, government agencies, or other official bodies.

Translation of Documents in Thailand
When dealing with official matters in Thailand, documents often need to be translated into Thai, or from Thai into other languages, especially English. Here’s an overview of the translation process:

Certified Translation:

• A certified translation is one performed by a professional translator or translation agency that guarantees the accuracy of the translation.
• In Thailand, certified translations are often required for legal documents like contracts, powers of attorney, marriage certificates, birth certificates, and other official paperwork.
• Certified translators in Thailand must be registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) to ensure the translation meets legal standards.

Procedure for Translation:

• Choose a Certified Translator: Use a translator or agency that is recognized by the Thai government, especially for important documents that will be submitted to official bodies or courts.
• Translation Accuracy: Ensure that the translation is accurate and complete, as errors could cause delays or issues in processing your documents.
• Translation of Specific Documents: Documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, contracts, and powers of attorney are commonly translated for use in legal, business, or immigration procedures.

Translation for Legal Use:

• For legal purposes, such as in court cases, property transactions, or dealings with government agencies, the translation should be certified.
• If the document is not in Thai and will be used in Thai legal proceedings or with Thai authorities, it is often necessary to have the translation notarized and certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Notary Public.

Process for Legalization of Documents in Thailand
To legalize documents in Thailand (for domestic or international use), here are the general steps:

Notarization (if applicable):

• If your document needs to be signed or authenticated by a Notary Public, this is the first step. For instance, a Power of Attorney might need to be notarized before it can be legalized.
• A notary will verify the identity of the parties and witness the signing of the document.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Authentication:

• The next step is to authenticate the document with the MFA.
  The MFA’s Authentication Division will verify that the signatures and stamps on the document are legitimate.
• If the document has been notarized by a licensed Notary Public, the MFA will confirm its authenticity.

Embassy or Consulate Legalization (if needed):

• If the destination country requires additional verification, you must present the authenticated document at the embassy or consulate of that country in Thailand.
• The embassy will verify that the document is authentic and may issue their own stamp or certification.

Completion of Legalization:

• Once the document has been legalized through MFA and, if necessary, through the embassy or consulate, it will be ready for use in the foreign jurisdiction.