Note: It is possible to get the Thai Police Clearance Certificate from most provinces.

Applying for a Police Clearance Certificate, also known as a police certificate, in Thailand is a complicated process that takes planning. However, once obtained, the background check determines if you have a criminal record in Thailand.

This background check is valid to apply for a Non-Immigrant-B visa, your Thai work permit, or to apply for a job in another country that has requested proof of no criminal record during your time in Thailand.

The procedure for applying for a police clearance certificate in Thailand is as follows.

Note *Procedures can change suddenly in Thailand; contacting the agencies directly before progressing and applying for the background check is advisable.

What is a Police Clearance Certificate?

A Police Clearance Certificate, also known as a Good Conduct Certificate, is an official document issued by the Royal Thai Police. This certificate confirms whether an individual has a criminal record in Thailand. It is the result of a thorough background check and is recognized internationally. Often required for official purposes, such as applying for a visa, job, or educational institution abroad, the Police Clearance Certificate is a crucial document. Typically valid for 8 to 12 months, it only reports the individual’s criminal record in Thailand, excluding any information from other countries. This certificate is essential for anyone needing to prove their good conduct and character for various official and legal purposes.

Royal Thai Police Bangkok Contact Details

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

Phone Numbers: 0-2205-2168- 9 | 0-2205-1295

You cannot obtain a background check at a local police station in the province where you reside. You must apply to The Police Clearance Service Centre in Bangkok, Thailand.

To receive a background check as a foreign national, you must apply in person at the Police Clearance Service Centre in Bangkok. For those residing outside of Thailand, fingerprints can be collected at the local police station or at the Thai consulate or embassy.

Opening hours are from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. The Clearance Service Centre is straightforward and a few minutes walk from Siam BTS station.

You should know that part of the application process is to have your fingerprints taken, provide a recent photograph, and complete the application forms, which can be found by following this link https://pcscenter.sbpolice.go.th/en

Required Documents for a Thai Police Clearance Certificate

• Photocopy of your Passport’s Main Page

• Photocopy of your Thai Visa

• Two passport-sized photographs (not smiling, neutral expression required)

• Document(s) proofing you either work in Thailand or reside in Thailand

When presenting photocopies of documents in Thailand, you must sign them with your signature and full name. Additionally, ensure that all documents bear the official seal and signature of the issuing authority.

How to Apply for a Police Clearance Certificate

Applying for a Police Clearance Certificate involves submitting your application to the Royal Thai Police Headquarters in Bangkok or through a local police station. For foreigners residing abroad, the application can be processed through the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in their country. The required documents include a valid passport, a copy of the passport, a copy of the visa, and a copy of the extension of stay. Fingerprints must be taken at the local police station or at the Thai Embassy or Consulate. To streamline the process, you can also use a police clearance service center, such as Siam Legal, which offers a smooth and hassle-free application process. This ensures that all necessary steps are completed correctly and efficiently.

Processing Time and Cost

The processing time for a Police Clearance Certificate is typically 7 to 10 business days. If you apply directly through the Royal Thai Police, the cost is approximately 100 THB. However, if you opt for a service provider like Siam Legal, the cost may vary. For foreigners residing abroad, Siam Legal offers a service fee of $498.00 (including 7% VAT and Government fee), while for those residing in Thailand, the fee is $339.00 (including 7% VAT and Government fee). These fees cover the entire process, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Benefits of a Police Clearance Certificate

Obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate offers several significant benefits:

• Confirmation of No Prior Criminal Records: It verifies that you have no criminal record in Thailand, which is crucial for various official purposes.

• Verification of Good Conduct and Character: The certificate serves as proof of your good conduct and character, enhancing your credibility.

• Compliance with Official Requirements: It is often required for visa applications, employment, and educational purposes, ensuring you meet all necessary criteria.

• Enhanced Credibility and Trustworthiness: Having this certificate can boost your trustworthiness in the eyes of employers, educational institutions, and other organizations.

• Facilitation of International Travel and Business Transactions: It simplifies the process of international travel and business dealings, as it is recognized and respected globally.

By obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate, you ensure that you meet all necessary legal and official requirements, making it an essential document for anyone planning to work, study, or live abroad.

Official documents for a Thai Police Clearance Certificate

1. A letter from your school requesting that you acquire the Police Clearance Certificate to apply for a Thai work permit.

   Thai nationals must also provide a copy of their Thai ID card and proof of residence in Thailand.

2. An official letter from Thai Immigration proving your registered abode is in Thailand.

If you don’t see any clear signs when you arrive at the Police Clearance Service Centre in Bangkok, show your paperwork to police officers, and they will direct you to the correct office.

Once at the office, your paperwork will be checked, and your fingerprints will be taken. The background check usually takes three to four weeks to process and produce.

You can collect it in person in Bangkok or have the background check sent back to you. Discuss this with the police officer. If you want to have it posted back to you, you will need to provide a self-addressed envelope with paid postage.

Note *Please check with the Police Clearance Center for the correct postage fee.

Relevant

1. Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/ththailand-arrival-and-departure-card-immigration-form-tm-6 to read about how to complete the arrival & departure card for Thailand.

2. Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/uk-degree-legalization-process to read about the UK bachelor’s degree legalization process.

3. Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/thailand-non-b-visa-certificate-of-entry-coe to read about the Thai Non-Immigrant B visa (Non-B)

4. Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/communicating-in-thailand to understand the Thai language and communication in Thailand because if you plan to stay in Thailand for any length of time, you will find it helpful to learn to speak, read and write Thai.

5. Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/thai-work-permit to understand the requirements and process of applying for a Thai Work Permit.

6. Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/understanding-thai-visa-categories-employment-document-process to read about the Non-Immigrant B visa for Teaching in Thailand.

7. Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/introduction-to-thailand-part-2 to read the second part of our Introduction to Thailand series.

8. Go to https://kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/the-complete-guide-to-the-thai-alphabet to read a detailed guide to the Thai language, the Thai alphabet, and some useful Thai words and numbers.

9. Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/laosvisaguide to read a detailed guide for completing a visa run to Savannakhet, Laos.

10. Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/emergency-numbers-in-thailand to read about what to do and who to contact in an emergency situation in Thailand.

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