Can I submit both versions?
Often yes, and for high-stakes filings it is a sensible hedge. Confirm the recipient accepts a bilingual bundle rather than a single language.
Translate into English vs translate into the destination language
English is the pivot language of Thai document work: the Department of Consular Affairs legalises Thai↔English routinely, so an English translation moves through the chain with the least friction. But a destination authority that reads only its own language may reject an English version or demand a second translation on arrival. The rule that saves money is to follow the written requirement literally — if it names the language, translate into that language, and use English only as the pivot for the legalisation stamps.
Point-by-point comparison
| Into English | Into the destination language | |
|---|---|---|
| MFA legalisation | Routine for Thai↔English | Often not available; legalise the Thai or English version instead |
| Chain length | Shortest — one translation, one chain | Longer, and may add a translation in the destination country |
| Cost | Lower per page for most documents | Higher, especially for less common languages |
| Rejection risk | Higher where the authority reads only its own language | Lower when the requirement names that language |
| Turnaround | Fastest, translators widely available | Depends on availability for the language pair |
| Best used for | Embassies in Bangkok, international schools, banks | Foreign registries, courts and municipal offices abroad |
Into English — choose this when
- The requirement says "English translation" or does not name a language
- The next step is legalisation by the MFA and an embassy in Bangkok
- The recipient is an international organisation that works in English
Into the destination language — choose this when
- The written requirement names the destination language
- The document is filed with a local registry, court or municipality abroad
- A previous submission in English was returned
Frequently asked questions
Does the MFA legalise a Thai-to-Japanese translation?
Consular legalisation is centred on Thai and English. For Japanese we normally legalise the Thai or English version and attach the Japanese translation with a certification statement.
Is a relay translation via English acceptable?
It is common and usually accepted, but every relay step adds a chance of terminology drift. For legal instruments we prefer translating directly from the Thai source.
Which is cheaper overall?
English is cheaper up front. It stops being cheaper the moment the destination rejects it and you pay for a second translation abroad.
How do I get the requirement in writing?
Ask the receiving office for their document checklist by email or download it from their official site. Send it to us and we will match the format exactly.
Do names have to match the passport?
Yes. Name spellings should follow the passport exactly, since a mismatch between passport and translation is one of the most frequent reasons documents are sent back.
Send us a photo of the document plus the written requirement from the receiving authority, and we will map the exact chain — translation, lawyer certification, MFA, embassy — before you pay for anything. Call 094-895-8999 or LINE @Thainotary.
Information current as of August 2026. Requirements change — confirm the exact certification format with the authority that will receive the document before you file. Acceptance is at their discretion.