Police Clearance Certificate in Bangkok 2025 — KET

Need a Thailand Police Clearance Certificate to teach, work, or live in Thailand or for use abroad?

This guide explains how to get a police clearance certificate, also known as a police certificate, a process that confirms whether you have a criminal record in Thailand.

It’s essential to obtain a Thai work permit, a Non-Immigrant B visa, or to submit job applications abroad that require proof of a clean criminal record during your time in Thailand.

Contrary to some assumptions, you don’t always apply the same processes in Bangkok; they differ depending on your purpose.

This step-by-step guide covers the police clearance process, including the required documents, processing time, costs, and benefits, to ensure you’re prepared.

Procedures can change suddenly in Thailand, so it's best to contact agencies directly before applying for your background check.

What is a Thailand Police Clearance Certificate?

Overview of the Certificate

A Police Clearance Certificate, also known as a Good Conduct Certificate, is an official document issued by the Royal Thai Police.

It confirms whether you have a criminal record in Thailand through a thorough background check.

Recognized internationally, it’s often required for official purposes, such as visa applications, jobs, or admission to educational institutions abroad.

The certificate is valid for 8 to 12 months and only reports your criminal record in Thailand, excluding other countries.

It’s crucial for proving your good conduct and character for legal and professional purposes.

Why You Need It

If you’re applying for a Thai work permit or Non-Immigrant-B visa to teach in Thailand, a police clearance certificate may be required, depending on your employer’s process.

It’s also mandatory for jobs or visa applications abroad that require proof of a clean criminal record during your stay in Thailand, ensuring compliance with international standards.

Royal Thai Police Contact Details

Bangkok Office Location

For certificates used abroad, you must apply at the Police Clearance Service Center in Bangkok, not at local police stations in other provinces. The address is:

Address: Building 24, Royal Thai Police, Rama I, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

The center is a short walk from the Siam BTS station, making it accessible to Bangkok residents.

For work permits in Thailand, local forensic departments may handle the process—more on that below.

Contact Information and Hours

Phone Numbers: 0-2205-2168-9 | 0-2205-1295
Email: pcsc@police.go.th or pcsc.thaipolice@gmail.com
Website: https://pcscenter.sbpolice.go.th
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Contact the center directly to confirm procedures, as they may change without notice.

Required Documents for a Thai Police Clearance Certificate

Documents for Foreigners

Foreigners need the following documents:

• A photocopy of your passport’s main page

• A photocopy of your Thai visa

• Two passport-sized photographs (neutral expression, no smiling)

• Document(s) proving you work or reside in Thailand (e.g., work permit, rental agreement)

• Photocopy of your present visa (e.g., student visa, work visa, resident visa)

• Photocopy of your Thai work permit (if applicable)

All photocopies must be signed with your full name and bear the official seal and signature of the issuing authority.

Documents for Thai Nationals

Thai nationals must provide:

• A photocopy of their Thai ID card

• Proof of residence in Thailand (e.g., house registration certificate)

• A letter from Thai Immigration proving your registered abode in Thailand

Additional Documents for Specific Cases

If applying for a Thai work permit:

• A letter from your school or employer requesting the police clearance certificate

Police Clearance Certificate Application Process for Foreigners in Thailand (For Work Permit)

To work in Thailand (e.g., teaching), your employer or school typically initiates the process:

• Obtain a letter from your school addressed to the local provincial forensic department requesting a background check.

• Visit the local forensic department (not a regular police station) to have your fingerprints taken.

• The certificate is issued to the school within about one week, not directly to you.

• Contact your employer to confirm the exact process, as it varies by province.

Application Process for Foreigners in Thailand (For Use Abroad)

For a certificate to use abroad, apply in person at the Police Clearance Service Center in Bangkok:

• Complete the application form (available at https://pcscenter.sbpolice.go.th).

• Have your fingerprints taken on-site—non-Thai nationals must do this at the center.

• Submit a recent photograph and all required documents.

• Pay the 100 THB certificate fee.
  If you don’t see clear signs at the center, show your paperwork to police officers—they’ll direct you to the correct office.

Application Process for Foreigners Abroad

For those outside Thailand:

• Mail the required documents directly to the Police Clearance Service Center in Bangkok.

• Non-Thai nationals must have fingerprints taken at a local police station, Thai Embassy, or Thai Consulate in their country, with the official seal and signature of the official taking the prints.

• Applications are processed via international mail services like FedEx or UPS for return.

• Include a pre-paid return envelope to ensure the certificate is mailed to you.

Application Process for Thai Nationals

Thai nationals follow a similar process but can have their fingerprints taken at a local police station or Royal Thai Embassy in their country this is required for Thai nationals applying abroad.

Processing Time and Cost

Processing Time

• Work in Thailand: Typically takes about one week when processed through a local forensic department.

• For Use Abroad: Takes 7 to 10 business days with a service provider or 3 to 4 weeks directly through the Royal Thai Police in Bangkok.
  The application won’t be processed until all required documents and fees are submitted.

Cost of the Certificate

• Direct Application: 100 Thai Baht through the Royal Thai Police or the local forensic department.

• Additional Costs: If mailed, include a self-addressed envelope with paid postage (please check with the Police Clearance Center for applicable fees).

• Service Providers: Siam Legal charges $498.00 (abroad) or $339.00 (within Thailand), inclusive of 7% VAT and government fees.

Benefits of a Police Clearance Certificate

A Thailand Police Clearance Certificate offers several benefits:

• Confirmation of No Prior Criminal Records: Verifies you have no criminal record in Thailand.

• Verification of Good Conduct and Character: Proves your good conduct, enhancing credibility.

• Compliance with Official Requirements: Meets visa requirements, employment, and education requirements.

• Enhanced Credibility and Trustworthiness: Boosts trust with employers and institutions.

• Facilitation of International Travel and Business Transactions: Simplifies global travel and business, as it’s recognized internationally.

This certificate ensures you meet legal and official requirements for working, studying, or living abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Thailand Police Clearance Certificate

How to Get a Police Clearance Certificate in Thailand?

For work in Thailand, your school coordinates with the local forensic department. For use abroad, please apply at the Police Clearance Service Center in Bangkok or mail your application if you are overseas. Submit the required documents (valid passport, Thai visa, fingerprints, and photographs) and pay the applicable fee. Processing takes 7-10 business days (for international orders) or one week (for domestic orders).

How Much is a Police Clearance in Thailand?

The certificate fee is 100 Thai Baht if applied directly. Service providers like Siam Legal charge $498.00 (abroad) or $339.00 (within Thailand), inclusive of VAT and fees. Mailing costs extra.

How Long Does a Thai Police Clearance Last?

A Thailand Police Clearance Certificate is recognized internationally and is valid for 8 to 12 months, depending on the requesting authority.

How to Get a Police Clearance Certificate from a Local Police Station?

You cannot obtain a police clearance certificate from a local police station in Thailand.

For work permits, use the local forensic department via your employer; for use abroad, apply through the Police Clearance Service Center in Bangkok.

If applying from abroad, fingerprints can be taken at a local station or Thai Embassy.

Can I Expedite the Process?

Expedited processing isn’t officially offered, but service providers may provide expedited services for an additional fee. Contact them directly to confirm.

Final Thoughts

We hope this post has inspired and empowered you on your teaching journey in Thailand!

Kids English Thailand supports you with tips, insights, and resources to make your experience unforgettable.

Want to dive deeper or have questions?

Check out our related posts below, or connect with our community of educators making a difference in Thailand.

Let’s keep thriving together!