Who decides whether an interpreter is allowed in the hearing?
The court does. Practice varies between courts and case types, so ask the court or your lawyer about the procedure and any advance notice required.
Court and legal interpreting in Thailand: duties, rules and preparation
In short
Where a party, witness or accused person cannot speak or understand Thai, the law requires an interpreter so that the proceedings remain fair. The interpreter takes an oath or affirmation to render statements accurately and must not add their own opinion to what is said.
Legal basis
Section 13 of the Criminal Procedure Code sets the rule on the use of Thai in proceedings and the provision of an interpreter where the speaker does not understand Thai. Civil matters follow court practice directions, so check the rules of the court hearing your case.
Preparing before the hearing
Send the pleadings, case file, names of participants and technical terminology in advance. Confirm the case number, courtroom and time, and ask whether the court requires identification or a professional background for the interpreter.
What the interpreter does and does not do
The interpreter renders what is actually said. They do not give legal advice, do not summarise, and do not answer on a party's behalf. If a question is unclear the interpreter asks for it to be repeated rather than interpreting its meaning.
Related pages
Content reviewed August 2026. General information only, not legal advice for a specific case. Requirements are set by the office handling your matter; see the Courts of Justice of Thailand and Department of Home Affairs — translating and interpreting. For availability and fees, contact us by phone, LINE or email.
Preparing for interpreting in court
Court interpreting is governed by the court hearing the case, not by the parties. The court decides whether an interpreter is required, who may act, and how the interpreter is sworn in before testimony. Parties should therefore raise the language issue with the court well before the hearing date rather than arriving with an interpreter and assuming they will be admitted.
Where bundles usually fail
- • Not notifying the court in advance that a party or witness needs an interpreter
- • Sending case documents to the interpreter only on the hearing day, leaving no time for terminology preparation
- • Assuming a relative may interpret, when the court expects an independent interpreter
Questions about this page
What should be prepared before the hearing?
A short case summary, the names of parties and places, and any technical or industry terms likely to be used. Preparation is the main factor in accuracy under time pressure.
Can interpreting be provided remotely?
Only where the court permits it for that hearing. Remote arrangements depend on the court's own rules and its equipment, so confirm in advance.
Reviewed August 2026. Requirements change — confirm with the receiving authority before lodging.
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
What is the difference between consecutive and simultaneous interpreting?
In consecutive interpreting the speaker pauses and the interpreter renders each segment — normal for interviews, medical consultations and registry appointments. Simultaneous interpreting runs in real time with equipment and suits conferences. Consecutive takes roughly twice the wall-clock time.
How much notice do you need for an interpreter booking?
As much as you can give. Common language pairs can often be arranged at short notice; rarer languages, court settings and on-site attendance outside major cities need longer lead time. Availability varies, so we confirm in writing rather than assume.
Can the interpreter also certify documents used in the session?
Only if that person also holds translator certification for the pair — NAATI tests translators and interpreters separately. Where documents will be read out, send them beforehand so a certified written translation can be prepared in parallel.
Source: NAATI
Is the interpreter bound by confidentiality?
Practitioners work to the AUSIT Code of Ethics, which covers confidentiality, impartiality and accuracy. An interpreter conveys what is said; they do not advise, summarise, or speak on your behalf.
What is the difference between simultaneous and consecutive interpreting?
Simultaneous interpreting runs in real time, usually with equipment, and suits conferences. Consecutive interpreting alternates with the speaker and suits interviews, medical appointments, registry appointments and most legal settings.
How long can one interpreter work alone?
Professional practice limits continuous simultaneous work and pairs interpreters for longer sessions to protect accuracy. For consecutive assignments, tell us the expected duration so we can staff it properly.
Source: NAATI
What should I send before an interpreting assignment?
Any agenda, names, technical terms, and documents that will be read out. Preparation materials improve accuracy and are handled confidentially.
Can the interpreter give advice during the session?
No. An interpreter conveys what is said, completely and impartially, and does not advise, summarise or advocate. Advice on immigration or law must come from a suitably registered adviser.
Do Thai courts allow interpreters chosen by a party?
Practice is governed by the Office of the Judiciary and by the court hearing the matter. Some courts appoint interpreters directly; others accept one proposed by a party. Confirm with the court in advance.
How does remote interpreting work in practice?
We join a video or telephone session at the agreed time and confirm audio quality first. Stable audio matters more than video, and a headset for each speaker markedly reduces misunderstandings.
What happens if I need to cancel?
Tell us as early as possible so the slot can be released; interpreters reserve time exclusively. Cancellation terms are confirmed in writing with the booking.
Is confidentiality guaranteed?
Interpreters work under professional confidentiality obligations, and NAATI credentialed practitioners are bound by the profession's code of ethics. We can also sign a client confidentiality agreement on request.
Source: NAATI
Official sources you can verify
The information on this page is based on the official sources below. Reviewed August 2026. Requirements change — always confirm with the receiving authority before lodging.
- Office of the Judiciary of ThailandPractice on the use of interpreters in court proceedings.
- Department of Provincial Administration (Ministry of Interior)Civil and family registration records and certified copies.
- NAATI — Find a Translator (naati.com.au)Official register for verifying the certification status of a translator or interpreter.