Q1011. How to process Arabic document translations for Middle Eastern business and medical use in Thailand?

Answered by the NYC Visa & Translation certified translation team

Arabic documents for Thai use come mainly from two contexts: business with Gulf states (commercial registrations, agency agreements, powers of attorney) and medical travel (medical reports, referral letters for patients entering Thai hospitals). The chain: legalisation in the country of issue (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of that state, plus the Royal Thai Embassy accredited to it — for some Gulf states the Thai embassy is in a neighbouring country), then Arabic→English translation and MFA certification in Thailand (200/quoted on request per stamp). Specific cautions: Arabic names have multiple valid romanisations (Mohammed/Muhammad/Mohamed), and the romanisation must match the passport exactly — a one-letter difference is a documented rejection cause at Thai immigration and the Land Department. Hijri dates appear on many documents and must be converted with the conversion noted in the translation. Medical reports for hospital admission are usually accepted in English translation without the full legalisation chain, but confirm with the hospital's international patient office first, as requirements differ. Commercial documents for BOI or DBD filings need the full chain. Plan 3–6 weeks depending on the country of issue.