Remote interpreting: online meetings, interviews and cross-border consultations

Can remote interpreting be used for official proceedings?

Only where the authority conducting the matter permits it. Rules differ between courts, government offices and embassies, so confirm before booking.

What setup gives the best result?

A wired headset with a boom microphone, a quiet room, one speaker at a time, and a stable connection. Shared documents should be sent before the session rather than read out.

Can the session be recorded?

Recording requires the consent of everyone involved and, in official matters, the permission of the authority conducting the proceeding.

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.

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.

Source: Office of the Judiciary of Thailand

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