Does a Thai court provide an interpreter free of charge?

It varies by case type and by each court’s practice. In criminal cases the law requires an interpreter where a defendant or witness does not understand Thai; how it is arranged and who bears the cost must be confirmed with the court hearing the case.

Must an interpreter be certified or registered?

Thailand has no general court-interpreter licensing scheme; the court assesses suitability case by case. In practice you should place the interpreter’s experience and language competence before the court.

Can English documents be filed with a Thai court as they are?

No. Foreign-language documents relied on as evidence must be filed with a Thai translation under section 46 of the Civil Procedure Code, applied by analogy in criminal proceedings.

Can the same person interpret and translate the documents?

It is possible where the person is competent in both, but they are different tasks: written translation needs time and review, while interpreting requires attendance on the hearing date. Plan them separately so neither delays the court’s timetable.

What should I do if the interpreting appears wrong during a hearing?

Have your lawyer raise it with the court at that hearing so the point can be checked and the record corrected. Objecting later is far harder once the testimony has been recorded.

Professional interpreter working in a legal setting

Interpreters in Thai court proceedings — who is entitled to one, who arranges it, and how documents must be translated

Quick answer

Thai courts conduct proceedings in Thai. Where a party or witness does not understand Thai, the Criminal Procedure Code and the Civil Procedure Code require an interpreter for the hearing. The interpreter takes an oath or affirmation before acting. Foreign-language documents submitted as evidence must be accompanied by a Thai translation. It is the court that permits and supervises the interpreter in each case.

Key facts and the responsible authority

Interpreters in Thai court proceedings — who is entitled to one, who arranges it, and how documents must be translated
Language of the court	Thai. Foreign-language documents relied on must be filed with a Thai translation under section 46 of the Civil Procedure Code
Legal basis (criminal cases)	Section 13 of the Criminal Procedure Code requires an interpreter where a suspect, defendant or witness cannot speak or understand Thai
Interpreter’s oath	The interpreter must swear or affirm to interpret faithfully before acting in the courtroom
Who arranges the interpreter	Varies by case and court — the court may provide one, or a party may propose an interpreter for the court’s permission. Ask the relevant court’s administration in advance
Interpreter qualification	Thailand has no general court-interpreter licensing scheme; the court assesses suitability case by case

Document checklist and the certification involved

The court notice stating the hearing date, time and courtroom
No certification needed; used to brief the interpreter
Copies of the complaint, statements or case documents the party may access
No certification needed; enables terminology preparation
Documentary evidence in a foreign language
Must be filed with a Thai translation
Passport or ID of the person requiring interpreting
Shown to court staff when called

Step by step

Notify the court of the interpreting need in advance: Tell your lawyer or the court office as soon as the hearing date is known, stating the language and variety required. Some languages have few available interpreters and a hearing can be postponed if none is found in time.
Confirm whether the court provides the interpreter or the party proposes one: Practice differs between courts and case types. Get the answer in writing, or note the name of the officer who gave it.
Prepare Thai translations of foreign-language documents before the hearing: Evidence relied on requires a Thai translation. Filing without one can mean the document is not accepted at that hearing.
Brief the interpreter on terminology and case facts: Send names, places, figures and technical terms ahead of time. An interpreter renders what is said rather than summarising or advising, so a briefing reduces error.
In court: the interpreter is sworn before interpreting: Speak in short segments, pause for the interpreter, and raise any perceived mistranslation with the court immediately — the record follows what was interpreted.

What to do

Specify the language more precisely than the country name — Mandarin or Cantonese, Modern Standard Arabic or a regional variety — because the wrong variety forces a postponement.
Ask your lawyer to have the use of an interpreter, and the interpreter’s identity, entered in the record of proceedings; it matters on appeal.
Keep interpreting (spoken) and document translation (written) separate in your planning: both are usually needed, but they are different steps.
For technical cases — medical, engineering, accounting — send the interpreter the papers several days ahead.

What to avoid

Do not use a relative, a friend or the opposing party as interpreter — the interest conflict may lead the court to refuse.
Do not expect the interpreter to explain the law or advise: interpreting is rendering speech. Legal advice comes from your lawyer.
Do not file foreign-language documents without a Thai translation.
No Thai authority issues a general "court interpreter licence" — treat claims of holding one with caution.
Who bears interpreting costs varies by case type; ask the court and your lawyer rather than assuming.

Frequently asked questions

Does a Thai court provide an interpreter free of charge?: It varies by case type and by each court’s practice. In criminal cases the law requires an interpreter where a defendant or witness does not understand Thai; how it is arranged and who bears the cost must be confirmed with the court hearing the case.
Must an interpreter be certified or registered?: Thailand has no general court-interpreter licensing scheme; the court assesses suitability case by case. In practice you should place the interpreter’s experience and language competence before the court.
Can English documents be filed with a Thai court as they are?: No. Foreign-language documents relied on as evidence must be filed with a Thai translation under section 46 of the Civil Procedure Code, applied by analogy in criminal proceedings.
Can the same person interpret and translate the documents?: It is possible where the person is competent in both, but they are different tasks: written translation needs time and review, while interpreting requires attendance on the hearing date. Plan them separately so neither delays the court’s timetable.
What should I do if the interpreting appears wrong during a hearing?: Have your lawyer raise it with the court at that hearing so the point can be checked and the record corrected. Objecting later is far harder once the testimony has been recorded.

Official sources

Checked on 2026-08-04; requirements change, so confirm with the authority before filing.

Ask our team

The required documents and timing depend on the receiving office in each case. Contact our team to confirm the checklist before you file.