Translation for Thai Banks, Police and Immigration: Certified Translation and Legalisation Explained

Thai banks, immigration, the police and government offices work in Thai. Even when the officer speaks English, the decision is made on Thai documents. A translation done in an online tool, or a document in the wrong form, is one of the most common reasons for delays and refusals.

Below: which translation you need for which office, how certification and legalisation work, what usually goes wrong and how to prepare documents that are accepted the first time.

In short

• Ask the office first which form of translation it accepts. Requirements differ between banks, immigration and embassies.
• Three levels: a standard translation, a certified translation, and a translation with notarisation or legalisation.
• Names, dates and amounts must match exactly in every document.
• For banks and the police, the explanation matters as much as the translation. It must be clear in Thai.

Three levels of translation

• Standard translation. A human translation for understanding: bank forms, invoices, emails, letters. Enough when the office only needs to read the content.
• Certified translation. The translation is signed by the translator and stamped by the translation company. Often required by banks, immigration and other offices.
• Notarisation or legalisation. A notary, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or an embassy confirms the document or the translation. Needed for some official submissions in Thailand and for Thai documents used abroad.

Foreign documents, such as a diploma, a marriage certificate or company papers, usually need to be legalised in the country where they were issued before they are translated and used in Thailand.

Where translation matters most

• Banks: explanation letters, source of funds, contracts and invoices for a KYC review or an unfreeze.
• Police: your statement and the documents that explain disputed transfers.
• Immigration and work permits: diplomas, certificates, company documents.
• Company setup: documents of foreign shareholders and directors.
• Personal matters: marriage, birth and divorce certificates, driving licences.

How to get documents accepted the first time

1. Get the office’s requirements in writing or as a photo of their checklist.
2. Use the same spelling of names as in your passport in every document.
3. Check every number: dates, amounts, account numbers and document numbers.
4. Keep the layout close to the original, so the officer can compare page by page.
5. Bring originals and copies of both the document and the translation.

Common mistakes

• Using an online translator for a bank or police explanation
• Different spellings of the same name in different documents
• Translating a foreign document that was not legalised first
• Ordering a certified translation when the office needed legalisation
• Writing a long emotional explanation instead of a clear one

A typical situation

A client sends the bank an explanation of his crypto transfers, translated with an online tool. The bank cannot understand the key details and asks again. After the explanation is rewritten and translated properly, with the same figures as in his statements, the review moves forward. The words did not change the facts. They made them clear.

How we can help

We translate between Thai and English, Chinese and Russian, prepare certified translations and coordinate notarisation and legalisation with licensed partners. For bank and police cases, we also write the explanation itself, not only translate it. Interpreter at a Thai bank

Standard translation 1,090 THB per page, certified translation from 3,190 THB per page, translation with notarisation or legalisation from 5,290 THB per page, all including 7% VAT. Notary, ministry and embassy fees are separate. Translation services and prices

Questions we often hear

What is a certified translation in Thailand?

A translation signed by the translator and stamped by the translation company, confirming that it matches the original. Some offices also require notarisation or legalisation.

Do I need my foreign documents legalised?

For many official uses in Thailand, yes. They are usually legalised in the issuing country first, then translated into Thai.

How long does it take?

Usually 2 to 4 business days for a standard or certified translation, and longer when a notary, the ministry or an embassy is involved.

Can I translate the documents myself?

For your own understanding, yes. For official submissions, most offices require a translation from a translation company.

Requirements differ between offices and change over time. Always check what the office accepts before you order.