Is video / remote online notarization (RON) legal in Thailand?
Thai NSA rules require in-person signing before the notarial attorney for most acts. Video calls can be used for client identification, pre-checks, and translation review, but the actual notarization signature must be in person or by witnessed mobile dispatch. Thai Notary mobile notary fills the gap.
Detailed Answer
Unlike US states with Remote Online Notarization (RON) statutes (e.g. Virginia, Texas, Florida), Thailand's Lawyers Council Notarial Services Attorney Regulation 2546 (2003) does not yet recognize fully remote video notarization for signature authentication, affidavits, or oaths. The notarial attorney must physically witness the signing or seal. Thai Notary uses video calls (Zoom / LINE / Google Meet) for: (1) identity pre-verification, (2) document language and content review, (3) preparation walkthrough, (4) quoting and scheduling. The actual signing happens either at our Wang Thonglang office or via our mobile notary dispatch (Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Phuket). For overseas clients who cannot fly in, the alternative is to notarize at a Thai embassy abroad (limited services) or to sign before a local foreign notary + Apostille + send to Thai Notary for Thai-side translation and MFA. We monitor draft amendments that may legalize Thai RON.