While the concept of a “Notary Public” exists in many countries, Thailand does not operate under the same system. Instead, the legal framework uses Notarial Services Attorneys, who fulfill similar functions but operate within a different regulatory structure. This article aims to clarify the role of Notarial Services Attorneys in Thailand, outlining their services, finding them, and navigating the process.
What is a Notary Public?
In most countries, a Notary Public is a state-licensed official empowered to perform various legal acts, including:
- Verifying the authenticity of signatures and documents
- Witnessing oaths and affirmations
- Administering acknowledgments of debt
- Preparing legal documents such as affidavits and deeds
The act of notarization adds a layer of legal credibility to documents, making them more reliable and trustworthy in courts and other legal proceedings.
The Role of Notarial Services Attorneys in Thailand
Thailand’s legal system lacks the specific position of a Notary Public. Instead, the Lawyers Council of Thailand authorizes specific lawyers to act as Notarial Services Attorneys. These attorneys undergo additional training and certification to perform the following functions:
- Verifying signatures: This involves confirming that the signature on a document belongs to the individual who claims to have signed it.
- Certifying copies of documents: Notarial Services Attorneys can verify that a copy of a document is an accurate reproduction of the original.
- Witnessing the signing of documents: They can act as witnesses when individuals sign important documents, ensuring the signing process is legitimate.
- Administering oaths and affirmations: This involves verifying the identity of individuals and ensuring they understand the significance of taking an oath or affirmation.
- Attesting and certifying specific documents: This includes verifying the authenticity of certain legal documents, such as those issued by government agencies.
Finding a Notarial Services Attorney in Thailand
Several avenues exist for finding a Notarial Services Attorney in Thailand:
- Law firms: Many law firms have attorneys who are also certified Notarial Services Attorneys. Contacting law firms in your area is a good starting point.
- Online directories: Legal directories and online platforms often list lawyers with various specializations, including Notarial Services Attorneys.
- Embassies and consulates: Some embassies and consulates offer limited notary services to their citizens. However, their services might be restricted to specific document types.
Important Considerations
Before engaging a Notarial Services Attorney, it’s imperative to:
- Confirm their qualifications: Ensure the attorney is duly registered and certified as a Notarial Services Attorney by the Lawyers Council of Thailand.
- Discuss fees: Notarial services typically incur fees. Discuss the fees upfront to avoid any surprises.
- Understand the process: Be clear about the specific documents you require notarization for and ensure the attorney understands the purpose of the notarization.
Conclusion
While Thailand doesn’t have conventional Notaries Public, the legal system provides the equivalent service through Notarial Services Attorneys. Understanding their functions, finding them, and clarifying the process beforehand ensures a smooth and efficient experience for your legal needs in Thailand.