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. — Court Documents
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 Court Documents and what is it used for?
Notarisation of court orders/judgments for enforcement 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
- → Enforce judgment ในประเทศที่สอง
- → ขอ Custody ลูกข้ามประเทศ
- → หย่าระหว่างประเทศ
What to bring
- ✓ คำสั่งศาล/คำพิพากษา
- ✓ พาสปอร์ต/บัตรประชาชน
Common destination countries
USA · UK · Australia · Singapore