Affidavits, statements and declarations for use abroad
When a foreign authority asks for a sworn statement or affidavit, the deponent normally signs before a notarial services attorney, and the document is then legalised by the Department of Consular Affairs and the embassy if required.
Thailand has no common-law notary public. Certification of signatures and documents is performed by Notarial Services Attorneys registered with the Lawyers Council of Thailand. That is the standard route for an affidavit executed in Thailand.
Write the statement as numbered paragraphs setting out facts within the deponent's own knowledge. Avoid legal opinion or speculation; receivers may reject a document that mixes fact with argument.
If the receiver supplies a form, use it exactly as supplied. Do not retype or reword it — some countries check the oath wording strictly.
A Thai-language affidavit needs an accompanying translation. If you produce a bilingual document, lay the two languages side by side so an officer can compare them at a glance.
Documents to prepare
- A draft statement or the receiver's prescribed form
- The deponent's passport or Thai ID card
- Supporting documents referred to in the statement, such as contracts or transfer records
- A translation into the destination language if the original is in Thai
- The receiver's written requirement, if available
Step order
- Confirm the required wording and how many layers of legalisation the receiver expects
- Draft the statement in numbered paragraphs with its exhibits
- Sign before a Notarial Services Attorney
- Prepare the translation into the destination language
- Have the translation legalised by the Department of Consular Affairs
- Add the destination embassy's endorsement where required
Pre-filing checklist
- Every fact stated is within the deponent's own knowledge
- No speculation or legal opinion is mixed in
- Name and passport number are correct letter for letter
- Exhibits are numbered consistently with the statement
- You know how many originals the receiver wants
Practical tips
- Send the draft to the receiver before signing to avoid repeating the whole chain
- Sign multiple counterparts if several authorities need originals
- State the date and place of signing clearly; some countries check these
Common pitfalls
- Assuming Thailand has a common-law notary public and approaching the wrong professional
- Editing the receiver's form so the oath wording no longer matches
- Signing in advance, which makes certification of signing in person impossible
Frequently asked questions
Does Thailand have a notary public?
Not in the common-law sense. Signature and document certification is done by Notarial Services Attorneys registered with the Lawyers Council of Thailand.
Can a Thai affidavit be used abroad as is?
Usually it must be legalised by the Department of Consular Affairs, and in many countries also endorsed by that country's embassy in Bangkok. Always confirm the receiver's requirements first.
Can I draft the statement myself?
Yes, but have a lawyer review the structure and wording before signing, especially when the receiver prescribes an oath format.
Must I sign in person, or is online signing accepted?
Signature certification generally requires signing in the certifier's presence. Check with both the certifier and the receiver, as requirements vary by document type and country.
Do exhibits also need certifying?
It depends on the receiver. Often exhibits must be certified as true copies and numbered to match the references in the statement.
Can the document be bilingual?
Yes, and it helps verification. Lay the two languages side by side and check that every numbered paragraph matches.
For a document review before you file, contact us on LINE @nycli, call +66-83-249-4999 or email nycli@ilc.ltd. Our team will confirm the steps, any missing documents and a realistic timeline for your case.