Affidavits and statutory declarations notarised in Thailand
Short answer
An affidavit or statutory declaration for overseas use is drafted first, then signed in front of a Notarial Services Attorney, who administers the declaration and certifies the signature and identity. The attorney certifies that the declaration was made, not that its contents are true. Certification usually takes 1–2 business days; translation and legalisation are separate steps when the destination requires them.
An affidavit — or statutory declaration in Commonwealth practice — is a written statement of fact that the declarant signs and affirms in front of an authorised person. Overseas authorities use it when there is no official record to prove a fact: an unregistered period of cohabitation, a lost document, an income source, or a relationship between two people.
When this is needed
- • Declaring a de facto or domestic relationship for a partner visa application
- • Declaring financial support for a student or family member studying abroad
- • Declaring that an original document has been lost, destroyed, or is unobtainable
- • Declaring name discrepancies across documents issued in different years
- • Declaring work experience or duties where the former employer no longer exists
What to prepare
- • A complete draft of the statement, written in the first person and limited to facts within the declarant's own knowledge
- • Original passport or Thai ID card of the declarant
- • Any exhibits referred to in the statement, each labelled so the attorney can certify them alongside the declaration
- • The receiving authority's form, if they publish one, such as an immigration statutory declaration form
- • Contact details of any co-declarant who must attend and sign at the same time
Step-by-step process
1. Draft the statement precisely
Write short numbered paragraphs, each covering one fact, with dates and places. Avoid opinions, legal conclusions, and anything the declarant did not personally witness — those weaken the document with the receiving authority.
2. Prepare and label the exhibits
Photographs, receipts, transfer slips, and chat records should be attached and referenced from the numbered paragraphs, so the reader can follow which exhibit supports which statement.
3. Attend, declare, and sign
The declarant attends in person, confirms the truth of the statement to the attorney, and signs. The attorney records the identification details and attaches the notarial certificate.
4. Translate and legalise if required
If the receiving authority works in another language, the statement and the certificate are translated by a recognised translator and, where required, legalised by the Department of Consular Affairs and then apostilled or embassy-legalised.
Common reasons documents are rejected
- • Statements written as opinion or hearsay rather than first-hand fact
- • Exhibits mentioned in the text but not attached or not labelled
- • The declarant's name or passport number differing from the identification presented
- • Using a generic template when the receiving authority publishes a mandatory form
- • Backdating the statement — the date must be the date of signing in front of the attorney
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an affidavit and a statutory declaration?
An affidavit is sworn or affirmed for use in legal proceedings, while a statutory declaration is a formal declaration of truth used administratively. In Thai practice both are handled the same way: the declarant signs in front of the attorney, who certifies the declaration.
Does the attorney verify that my statement is true?
No. The certificate confirms that you appeared, identified yourself, and made the declaration. Responsibility for the truth of the content remains with you, and false declarations carry consequences under the law of the receiving jurisdiction.
Can two people sign one declaration?
Joint declarations are possible, but many authorities prefer separate declarations from each person so the statements can be assessed independently. Check the receiving authority's guidance first.
Can the declaration be written in Thai?
Yes, and it is often better for the declarant to write in the language they are fluent in, with a certified translation attached for the receiving authority.
Do I need a lawyer to draft the statement?
Not necessarily, but the structure matters. The team can review a draft for clarity, missing dates, and unsupported claims before the appointment.
How recent must the declaration be?
Most authorities want a declaration signed within the current application cycle, commonly within three to six months. Sign it close to the submission date where possible.
Related documents
- Power of attorneyHow a power of attorney signed in Thailand is notarised by a Notarial Services Attorney for use overseas: documents to prepare, the certification chain, common rejection reasons, and FAQs.
- Single status documentsHow a Thai single status record or a declaration of marital status is certified for a marriage registration abroad, including the documents to bring and typical rejection reasons.
- Certified true copyHow a Notarial Services Attorney certifies that a copy matches the original Thai document, which originals must be presented, and how the copy fits into the overseas legalisation chain.
Related services
Reviewed August 2026. General procedural information only, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the Lawyers Council of Thailand and the Department of Consular Affairs.