An affidavit is a written statement of facts the declarant confirms as true. In Thailand there are two main routes: sign the statement before a Notarial Services Attorney and, if required, authenticate it at the Department of Consular Affairs; or swear it before a consular officer at your own embassy, which some embassies offer only to their nationals by appointment. The right route depends on what the receiving authority accepts.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-29 · General information only, not legal advice for your specific case
What affidavits are used for
- Confirming two names refer to the same person
- Declaring single or never-married status in some countries
- Declaring income, address or relationships for visas
- Witness statements for foreign court cases
- Declaring a document lost
Two routes in Thailand
Thai law has no system for private lawyers to administer oaths in the way a Commissioner for Oaths does in some countries. The attorney's certificate therefore certifies the signature on the statement. If the recipient requires "sworn before", check whether a signature certification is sufficient.
| Point | Notarial Services Attorney | Declarant's embassy |
|---|---|---|
| Who can use it | Any nationality | Usually that embassy's nationals |
| What is certified | Identity and signing in presence | Oath before a consular officer |
| Further steps | Consular Affairs, possibly destination embassy | Often usable directly in that country |
| Appointments | Attorney's schedule | Embassy booking system |
Embassies with notarial services
Several embassies in Bangkok, such as the United States, offer notarial services to their nationals by appointment. Services and conditions change, so check the embassy website each time.
For Thai nationals who need an affidavit abroad, the common route is attorney certification, then Consular Affairs and the destination embassy.
Writing a usable statement
- Write in the first person with full name, nationality, passport number and address
- State numbered facts within the declarant's own knowledge
- Attach and refer to supporting documents
- Leave the signature blank until the appointment
Steps
1. Confirm the format
Which affidavit type the recipient wants and whether further authentication is needed.
2. Draft and check
Names, numbers and language must match the identity document.
3. Sign before the attorney or consular officer
Bring your original passport.
4. Authenticate further
Consular Affairs and the destination embassy if required.
Frequently asked questions
How is an affidavit different from a certificate?
An affidavit is the signer's own statement confirmed as true; a certificate is usually issued by an authority or third party.
What if the statement is false?
It may be an offence under the law of the country where it is used, and under Thai law on false statements.
Can a Thai national swear at a foreign embassy?
It depends on the embassy; many serve only their nationals or documents for use in their country.
Does it need translating?
If the recipient does not accept the language, yes, and the translation may need certification.
What does it cost?
It depends on length and steps. Please contact our team for a quotation.
Official sources
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