Q1072. Are NAATI certified translations legally accepted by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)?

Answered by NAATI Certified Practitioner · NYC Visa & Translation

NAATI certification does not automatically make a translation acceptable for legalisation by Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Department of Consular Affairs applies its own requirements, which can depend on the document's origin, language, intended use, and prior authentication. Before commissioning a translation, confirm the required process with that department and the final receiving authority. Ask whether the original document needs authentication first and what translator identification, signatures, or supporting material must accompany the translation. For English-to-Thai work, also verify that the translator holds the appropriate translation direction if NAATI certification is requested. Translation certification and MFA legalisation serve different purposes; one does not replace the other.