Reviewed August 2026. Requirements change — confirm with the receiving authority before lodging.
What is the difference between a certified translator and a certified interpreter?
NAATI certifies translators for written text and interpreters for spoken language, as separate credentials with separate testing. A practitioner may hold one, the other, or both. Always ask which credential is held for the task you need.
Source: NAATI
Do Australian courts require a certified interpreter?
Australian courts and tribunals work to their own interpreter policies and generally expect a suitably credentialed interpreter. In Thailand, court interpreting practice is governed by the Office of the Judiciary. Confirm the requirement with the specific court or tribunal, since it varies by jurisdiction and matter type.
Source: Office of the Judiciary of Thailand
Can interpreting be done online?
Remote interpreting by video or telephone is common for consultations, interviews and some hearings, subject to the receiving body's rules. On-site attendance is still required for many formal proceedings.
How do I book an interpreter and what do you need from me?
Tell us the language and dialect, the date, duration and time zone, the setting (medical, legal, business, registry), the mode (on-site or remote) and whether any documents will be read out. Booking availability for rarer languages varies, so give as much notice as you can.
When do I need an interpreter rather than a translator?
A translator works with written documents; an interpreter works with the spoken word. Court hearings, immigration interviews, marriage registration at a Thai district office, notarial signings and medical appointments need an interpreter present, in person or online.
Can an interpreter attend an online hearing or interview?
Yes, where the convening body permits remote attendance. Confirm the platform, the scheduled time in Thailand time and whether the body requires the interpreter's credential details in advance, because some registries need them recorded before the session.
What information should I give when booking an interpreter?
Date and start time with time zone, expected duration, venue or platform, language pair and direction, subject matter, and any documents that will be referred to. Sending the documents in advance materially improves accuracy on technical vocabulary.
Is a court interpreter different from a general one?
Yes. Court and tribunal work requires familiarity with procedure and with the register the bench expects, and some courts keep their own approved list. Tell us the court and the case type when booking so the right practitioner is assigned.
