LC and SBLC Notarisation in Thailand: What Does the Bank Require?

1. Obtain the recipient’s certification instructions

Ask the bank for its document checklist and required certification wording in writing. Separate originals, acceptable copies and statements that must be signed by their issuer. UCP 600 applies when the credit incorporates it; it is not a universal notarial requirement.

• Name the receiving bank or authority, not just the country.
• Distinguish signature witnessing, copy certification and a sworn statement.
• If an embassy or issuing authority is specified, confirm whether a Thai notarial certification is acceptable before booking.

2. Prepare identity and corporate signing authority

A witnessed signature does not, by itself, establish unrestricted authority to bind a company. Review current corporate records, signing conditions and the resolution or power of attorney for the transaction. Restrictions on amount or transaction type must be checked against the proposed document.

• Bring the signer’s identification and originals required for the certification.
• Prepare registration records, signing conditions and the relevant board resolution.
• Flag name variations or an attorney-in-fact before the appointment.
• Do not pre-sign if the certification requires signing in the certifier’s presence.

3. A seal does not cure an LC discrepancy

Invoices, transport documents, insurance documents and origin certificates have different issuers. Certification does not correct late shipment, an incorrect amount or the wrong document type. Use the bank’s refusal notice and latest operative credit to identify the issue.

• Ask the issuer to correct a document where possible and check remaining presentation time.
• Discuss amendment or waiver with the bank; applicant consent alone does not guarantee bank acceptance.
• A UCP 600 examination period is not a universal payment deadline for every credit.
• Never backdate a document or certify a statement known to be false.

4. Read the actual standby or demand guarantee before drawing

Check whether ISP98, UCP 600 or URDG 758 is incorporated, together with governing law. The label ‘bank guarantee’ alone does not establish whether the undertaking is independent or an accessory suretyship. A demand must satisfy the instrument’s wording, delivery method, place and expiry provisions.

• Identify the entitled beneficiary, authorised signer and amount demanded.
• Use the prescribed demand and supporting statement; do not assume a separate notarial demand certificate is always required.
• Banks handle instrument authentication and banking channels such as SWIFT. A notary does not issue the credit or transmit bank messages.
• Seek transaction-specific advice promptly for refusal, fraud allegations or an injunction; do not wait for a certification appointment.

5. Overseas use: the commercial-document Apostille exclusion

The Apostille Convention enters into force for Thailand on 28 February 2027. Before that date, do not assume a Thai Apostille is available. Check the appropriate authentication route with the Department of Consular Affairs, relevant embassy and recipient; not every document necessarily needs every step.

Article 1 excludes administrative documents dealing directly with commercial or customs operations. Do not assume every invoice, origin certificate or customs document is eligible. After entry into force, document classification, the Convention relationship between the states and recipient requirements still matter. An Apostille authenticates the origin of a public document, not goods, creditworthiness or entitlement to payment.

6. Protect sensitive data and define the quotation scope

Begin an assessment with the requested checklist and redacted certification form. Do not send passwords, OTPs or banking login details. Customer due diligence, sanctions checks and foreign-exchange compliance remain the bank’s responsibility; a UBO or source-of-funds declaration is not a bank clearance certificate.

Provide the presentation deadline and time zone, languages, signers and original-document count. Separate certification, translation, further authentication and delivery in the quotation. Do not substitute a notary turnaround for a bank or authority deadline. If a bill is dishonoured, have applicable recourse rules, deadlines and exceptions examined immediately rather than applying one protest rule to every instrument.