What Is a Notary Public and Why Is It Important in Law?

In today’s globalized world where business, travel, and cross-border transactions are increasingly common, documents play a crucial role in confirming rights, duties, and credibility between individuals or organizations.
However, for these documents to be legally recognized across countries, they must be authenticated by an authorized official. In Thailand, that official is known as a Notary Public.

You may have heard of this term when applying for visas, certifying translations, or preparing documents for use abroad. But who exactly is a Notary Public, what do they do, and why are their services essential?
This article will explain in simple terms and introduce the Notary Public service from Wongsakorn Law Office, available across Bangkok and nearby provinces, providing certified documents within one day.

What Is a Notary Public?

A Notary Public in Thailand refers to a licensed lawyer authorized by the Lawyers Council of Thailand to certify documents and signatures for international legal use.

Their role is governed by the Regulations of the Lawyers Council on Document and Signature Certification (B.E. 2557), which allows only trained and certified lawyers to sign and seal documents as Notary Publics.

Main Duties of a Notary Public

A Notary Public is responsible for authenticating various legal documents, including:

1.Signature Certification – Verifying that the person signing is the true owner of the signature, such as for contracts, power of attorney, employment certificates, or invitation letters.

2.Certified True Copies – Confirming that a copy matches the original document (e.g., passport, ID card, house registration, company certificate, or official record).

3.Translation Certification – Certifying that an official translation (e.g., marriage certificate, academic transcript, or contract) is accurate for embassy or foreign use.

4.Power of Attorney Certification – Used when someone abroad authorizes another person to act on their behalf in Thailand (e.g., property transactions, government filings, or banking matters).

5.Affidavit or Declaration Certification – Used in some cases for submission to foreign courts or international organizations.

Why Do You Need a Notary Public?

A Notary Public’s certification confirms the authenticity and legitimacy of both the document and the signer under Thai law making it valid for use abroad.

Without a Notary Public’s endorsement, foreign agencies or embassies may reject or invalidate your document, causing unnecessary delays and expenses.

Common situations requiring Notary Public certification include:

• Visa or nationality applications
• Study or work abroad
• Banking or investment transactions with foreign institutions
• Cross-border property purchases
• Overseas company registration or contracts with foreign investors

Difference Between Notary Public and Government Certification

While government agencies such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) also provide document authentication, their process can be lengthy and complex.

A Notary Public, on the other hand, can complete certification within one day, and their endorsement is accepted by most embassies, multinational companies, and international organizations especially before applying for an Apostille or further legalization at the MFA.

In short, a Notary Public is the first essential step to ensure your Thai documents are legally recognized overseas.

How to Choose a Reliable Notary Public

Since unauthorized individuals sometimes pose as Notary Publics, you should always verify that:

• The certifier is a licensed lawyer authorized by the Lawyers Council of Thailand.
• The seal includes the lawyer’s full name, registration number, and Notary Public license number.
• The document is signed and formatted according to legal standards.

Proper certification prevents embassy rejection or document delays.

Wongsakorn Law Office  One-Day Notary Public Service in Bangkok and Metropolitan Areas

Wongsakorn Law Office provides Notary Public services by lawyers officially licensed by the Lawyers Council of Thailand.

Our comprehensive services cover:

• Signature, document, and translation certification
• Power of attorney and business document notarization
• Embassy and international submission certification

We understand that time is crucial for clients using documents abroad.
Simply bring your original documents and ID (or passport) to our office, and you’ll receive Notary-certified documents within one day.

Our legal team will guide you through every step from reviewing your documents and formatting them correctly to preparing for embassy or foreign submissions.

A Notary Public is the key to ensuring your documents are “valid worldwide.”

Whether for business, study, or work overseas, notarization guarantees credibility and international acceptance.

If you’re in Bangkok or nearby provinces and need fast, lawful notarization Wongsakorn Law Office is ready to assist you with complete, accurate, and one-day service.