Best Affidavits & Statutory Declarations Lawyers in Bangkok

1. About Affidavits & Statutory Declarations Law in Bangkok, Thailand

Affidavits and statutory declarations are sworn statements used to certify the truth of stated facts for legal purposes. In Bangkok, they are commonly required in civil disputes, immigration matters, real estate transactions, and administrative filings.

In Thailand, a statement of facts that will be used in official proceedings is typically prepared with the assistance of a lawyer or notary and then sworn before a competent authority. This process provides a formal record that can be relied on by courts, government agencies, and other parties.

For documents intended for use abroad or for foreign authorities, additional steps may be required, such as legalization or authentication. Bangkok residents often work with local attorneys and notaries to ensure compliance with both Thai and foreign requirements. See official resources for current rules and procedures: Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Krisdika for legal texts.

Relevant government authorities and resources you may consult include the Ministry of Justice for notarial services, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for document legalization, and the Krisdika legal database for current laws and codes.

Ministry of Justice provides guidance on notarial services in Thailand, including affidavits and attestations. Ministry of Foreign Affairs covers legalization and authentication for documents used abroad. Krisdika offers the official text of Thai laws, including those affecting affidavits and declarations.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

• Foreign ownership or investment disclosure for a Bangkok real estate deal. A lawyer can draft an affidavit detailing the source of funds and ownership structure to satisfy Thai regulatory requirements and to support a property transfer.
• Immigration or visa applications requiring proof of identity or residence in Bangkok. An attorney can prepare a sworn statement that aligns with Thai immigration rules and coordinates with any required translations or certifications.
• Divorce, child support, or custody matters involving foreign elements. A legal counsel can craft affidavits that accurately reflect facts, are properly witnessed, and have admissibility in Thai courts.
• Business disputes or contracts where a sworn declaration is necessary. A lawyer helps ensure the declaration covers all essential facts, avoids ambiguity, and complies with the Civil and Commercial Code.
• Document legalization for use abroad or Thai authorities. A lawyer coordinates notarization, authentication, and, if needed, apostille or embassy legalization to meet foreign requirements.

3. Local Laws Overview

Notarial Act and related notarial services govern how affidavits are prepared, witnessed, and legalized by a Thai notary public. Notaries attest signatures, verify identity, and ensure the document meets procedural standards for use in Thailand.

Civil and Commercial Code (ประมวลกฎหมายแพ่งและพาณิชย์) regulates obligations, contracts, and the admissibility of sworn statements in civil matters. Many affidavits supporting civil claims must align with these provisions to be effective in court.

Civil Procedure Code (ประมวลกฎหมายวิธีพิจารณาความแพ่ง) governs how affidavits are submitted in court, including timelines, filing requirements, and the conditions under which a sworn statement may be admitted as evidence.

For current text and official versions of Thai statutes, see the Thai government resources: Krisdika for law texts, Ministry of Justice for notarial practices, and Courts of Thailand for procedural guidance. These sources provide the authoritative framework used by Bangkok residents and legal practitioners.

Note: Laws evolve through amendments and administrative guidance. Always verify current requirements with official sources before proceeding.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is an affidavit and how is it used in Bangkok courts?

An affidavit is a sworn written statement of fact. In Bangkok, it may be used to support civil claims, immigration matters, or administrative filings, provided it is properly witnessed and admissible under Thai law.

How do I start the process to draft an affidavit in Bangkok?

Contact a Bangkok-based solicitor or notary to draft the document. They will gather facts, confirm supporting evidence, and ensure the affidavit complies with Thai rules before you take an oath or affirmation.

What is the difference between an affidavit and a statutory declaration in Bangkok?

An affidavit is sworn before a Thai notary or authority, while a statutory declaration is a formal declaration made under law in some jurisdictions. In Bangkok, the term commonly overlaps with sworn statements used in Thai proceedings; confirm the exact requirement with your lawyer.

Where can I have an affidavit witnessed or notarized in Bangkok?

You can use a licensed Thai notary public or a lawyer authorized to perform notarial services in Bangkok. They will witness the signature, verify identity, and apply the notary seal as required.

How long does it take to prepare and file an affidavit in Bangkok?

Drafting typically takes 1-3 business days, depending on complexity. Notarization and any necessary legalization add 1-7 additional days, depending on the agency and current workload.

How much does it cost to prepare and witness an affidavit in Bangkok?

Costs vary by complexity and witnesses involved. Basic notarial fees for simple affidavits commonly start from a few thousand baht, with additional charges for translation and legalization.

Do I need to hire a lawyer to draft an affidavit in Bangkok?

While not always required, engaging a lawyer reduces risk of errors, ensures proper format, and helps coordinate with witnesses, translations, and court or agency requirements.

Can a foreigner sign an affidavit in Bangkok for use in Thailand?

Yes, foreigners can sign affidavits in Bangkok if the document is properly witnessed or notarized and complies with Thai procedures. Some uses may require translation or legalization.

What documents should I gather before drafting an affidavit in Bangkok?

Gather identifiers (passport, residence documents), supporting evidence (contracts, receipts, letters), and any prior court or official correspondence relevant to the facts stated.

Is an affidavit sufficient for court proceedings, or do I need additional documents?

Often an affidavit is a supporting document. Courts usually require additional evidence or documentary exhibits, and may require the affidavit to be accompanied by translations or certified copies.

Can affidavits be used for Thai visa or immigration purposes?

Affidavits can be part of immigration submissions, but Bangkok authorities may require translations, apostilles, or legalization and specific formats for Thai authorities.

How do I verify the current rules for affidavits in Bangkok?

Consult a Bangkok attorney or notary and check official sources such as Krisdika and the Ministry of Justice for the latest guidance and forms.

5. Additional Resources

• Ministry of Justice (Thailand) - Notarial services, affidavits, and attestation procedures in Thailand. https://www.moj.go.th/
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Thailand) - Documentation legalization and authentication for use abroad. https://www.mfa.go.th/
• Krisdika - Official Thai legal database with current texts of statutes, including Civil and Commercial Code and Civil Procedure Code. https://www.krisdika.go.th/

6. Next Steps

1. Define your objective and document type. Determine whether you need an affidavit or a statutory declaration for your Bangkok matter. This sets the tone for drafting and witnessing requirements. (1-2 days)
2. Identify a Bangkok-based attorney or notary with affidavit experience. Look for licensed professionals with recent Bangkok practice and a clear fee structure. (1-3 days)
3. Gather all supporting materials and evidence. Collect IDs, contracts, receipts, and any prior correspondence relevant to the facts you will swear to. (2-5 days)
4. Draft the document and review for accuracy. Your lawyer or notary will draft, then you review to confirm every fact is correct and properly framed. (2-7 days)
5. Arrange oath or affirmation and notarial attestation in Bangkok. Schedule and complete the oath before a notary public or commissioner for oaths, with witnesses if needed. (1-2 days)
6. Consider legalization or translation if required. If the document is for use abroad, obtain legalization from the Ministry of Justice or the Thai embassy, and arrange certified translations. (3-7 days)
7. Submit to the recipient or court and track the process. Ensure you have copies, translations, and any required filings. Monitor for any follow-up requests. (1-3 weeks depending on context)