Legal update · Published 3 November 2026

Thailand and the Hague Apostille Convention

What changes, when it changes, and what you must still do in the meantime.

Accession

30 June 2026

Thailand deposited its instrument of accession.

Entry into force

28 February 2027

Apostilles become legally effective for Thailand.

Until 28 February 2027: legalisation still applies

Accession alone does not change procedure. Until the Convention enters into force for Thailand, every Thai document intended for use abroad — and every foreign document intended for use in Thailand — must proceed through the traditional consular legalisation chain.

Thai documents for use abroad

Notarial attestation or certified translation, where required
Certification by the Department of Consular Affairs, MFA Thailand
Legalisation by the destination country's embassy in Bangkok

Foreign documents for use in Thailand

Certification by the competent authority in the issuing country
Legalisation by the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate there
Certified Thai translation, with MFA certification where required

From 28 February 2027: a single apostille

Public documents exchanged between Thailand and other Contracting States will need only one apostille certificate from the designated competent authority, replacing the embassy legalisation step. Documents to or from non-Contracting States will continue to require legalisation, and Thai-language translation requirements for use before Thai authorities are not removed by the Convention.

Counsel's note

If your document is needed before late February 2027, do not wait for the apostille regime. Begin legalisation now, and confirm with the receiving authority how recently it must have been issued.

Frequently asked

Can I use an apostille for Thai documents today?

Not before 28 February 2027. Thailand acceded to the Hague Apostille Convention on 30 June 2026, but the Convention only enters into legal effect for Thailand on 28 February 2027. Until then, documents must follow the traditional consular legalisation chain.

What is consular legalisation?

For Thai documents used abroad: certification by the Department of Consular Affairs (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), followed by legalisation at the embassy of the destination country. For foreign documents used in Thailand: certification in the issuing country, followed by legalisation at the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate there.

Will documents legalised before 28 February 2027 remain valid?

Validity is determined by the receiving authority. Legalisation completed under the rules in force at the time is generally accepted, but some authorities apply their own time limits on document age.

Official sources

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