Thailand and the Apostille Convention: status and date of entry into force
In short
The Thai Cabinet approved accession to the Apostille Convention on 9 December 2025, and Thailand's Ambassador in The Hague deposited the instrument of accession on 30 June 2026. An eight-month objection period for existing contracting parties then follows, with the Convention entering into force for Thailand on 28 February 2027.
What to do before 28 February 2027
Thai documents still follow the existing route: legalisation at the Department of Consular Affairs, then legalisation at the destination country's embassy or consulate in Thailand where that country requires it. Do not delay a filing that is due before that date in the hope of obtaining an apostille.
After the Convention enters into force
Check the Department of Consular Affairs announcements for which document types are eligible, how applications are lodged, what the fees are, and what turnaround applies. Operational detail is published by the competent authority, not by translation providers.
Effect on documents used in Australia
Australia is already a contracting party and DFAT issues apostilles for Australian documents. Once the Convention is in force for Thailand, apostilled Thai documents can be used with Australian bodies without further embassy legalisation. The translation requirement is separate: most bodies still ask for a translation by a NAATI-certified translator.
Content reviewed August 2026. Sources: Department of Consular Affairs — deposit of the instrument of accession (1 July 2026) and HCCH — Apostille Section. General information only, not legal advice for a specific case. For service details, contact us by phone, LINE, or email.