Anyone preparing documents for use between Thailand and Switzerland will quickly come across the issue of certifications and legalisations. But be careful: there is a lot of half-knowledge circulating on this topic. In particular, it is important to know that Thailand is currently still not an Apostille country. Anyone who relies on a supposed simplification may end up with documents that are not valid.

The Current Situation: There Is Still No Way Around Legalisation

Although the Thai government decided in December 2025 to accede to the Hague Apostille Convention, the process has not yet been completed. The Convention has not yet entered into force for Thailand.

This means:

• No Apostille: Apostilles cannot currently be issued in Thailand.
• Full legalisation: The classic multi-step procedure of diplomatic legalisation still applies.
• No partial implementation: There is no “Apostille-light” process. Documents that have not gone through the full legalisation route will not be recognised by Swiss authorities, and vice versa.

The Three-Step Process: The “Long Way”

Since the Apostille does not yet have legal effect, you must follow this route:

1. Pre-certification: The document must first be certified by the issuing authority or by a notary. 
2. MFA legalisation: Legalisation by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the central step. Only its seal is internationally accepted as proof of authenticity for Thai documents. Conversely, in Switzerland, the cantonal state chanceries are responsible for this step. 
3. Embassy confirmation: Finally, the Swiss Embassy in Bangkok must certify the signature of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For Swiss documents, the Thai Embassy in Bern must certify the signature of the relevant Swiss authority. 

Translation: English or National Language?

A document only becomes “readable” for the authorities through the correct translation.

• Official languages: In Switzerland, these are German, French or Italian.
• English: English may be accepted in some cases, but you should always clarify this in advance with the relevant authority. In most cases, the translation must be certified together with the original.

Outlook: When will the Simplification (Apostille) come?

Accession to the Apostille Convention is a bureaucratic marathon. Only once Thailand has deposited the instrument of accession in The Hague and the objection period of the other states has expired will the simplification enter into force. Real relief can be expected at the earliest at the end of 2026 or in 2027.

Conclusion

Plan enough time and rely on the classic route through the MFA in order to avoid rejections