Q1110. How to translate international arbitration case files for legal representation?

Answered by the NYC Visa & Translation certified translation team

International arbitration case files for legal representation involving Thai parties follow the translation standards of the arbitration's seat and rules. The framework: for foreign-seated arbitrations (SIAC, HKIAC, ICC), the proceeding language is usually English, and the Thai party's Thai-language evidence (contracts, correspondence, corporate records, government documents) is translated into English for submission — the translation must be accurate enough to survive challenge, and key documents deserve certified translation with the translator identified; for Thai-seated arbitrations (THAC, TAI), the language is set by the parties, and foreign-language evidence is translated into the proceeding language. The case-file translation practice: pleadings and witness statements are translated by legal translators working with counsel — the witness's statement must read as the witness's own evidence, so the translation is checked with the witness before signing; exhibits are translated with the exhibit numbering preserved and a translation certification note where the rules require it; and expert reports are translated with the expert's qualifications and the report's structure intact. Process points: agree the translation protocol early in the procedural timetable (which documents, certification level, who bears cost); for document production, translate responsively — translate what is produced, not the whole archive; and for the hearing, interpretation arrangements are separate from document translation and must be booked with the tribunal's approval. Caution: translation disputes in arbitration are common — a challenged translation can undermine the document's evidentiary weight, so use qualified legal translators and keep the translation record defensible. Confirm the tribunal's procedural orders on translation for the specific case.