Important update: Thailand joins Hague Apostille — effective 28 Feb 2027
Thailand deposited its instrument of accession to the Hague Apostille Convention on 30 June 2026. The Convention enters into force for Thai-issued public documents on 28 February 2027. The Department of Consular Affairs (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) will issue the Apostille for Thai documents. — Birth Certificate
Before 28 Feb 2027 (legacy Legalization chain)
- Notarise / certify original or translation
- MFA Thailand legalisation
- Destination embassy legalisation
- Use in destination country
From 28 Feb 2027 (destination is a Hague member)
- Notarise / certify original or translation
- Apply for Apostille at MFA Thailand
- Use directly in destination country (no embassy step)
Note: Documents issued before the effective date may still use the legacy Legalization chain depending on the receiving authority. We advise the fastest/most cost-effective path per case.
Sources: HCCH (Hague Conference), MFA Thailand — Department of Consular Affairs
What is a Birth Certificate and what is it used for?
Notarisation of Thai birth certificate for citizenship, visa, or school registration abroad. A Thai Notary Public, working under the Lawyers Council of Thailand, certifies the document so it can move on to MFA legalisation and embassy legalisation for use abroad — the legal weight is equivalent to notarisation in other jurisdictions once the chain is complete.
Common use cases
- → ยื่นสัญชาติสหรัฐ (US citizenship for child)
- → จดทะเบียนเกิดที่สถานทูตประเทศบิดา/มารดา
- → สมัครโรงเรียนอินเตอร์/มหาวิทยาลัยต่างประเทศ
- → ขอ Apostille สำหรับประเทศภาคี
What to bring
- ✓ สูติบัตรตัวจริงหรือคัดรับรองจากเขต
- ✓ พาสปอร์ตบิดา-มารดา
- ✓ คำแปลอังกฤษ
Common destination countries
USA · UK · Australia · Germany · Japan · China · India