Thailand Mandates Fingerprint-Based Criminal Record Checks for Permanent Residence, Nationality & 9 Key Applications
- Xavi
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
BANGKOK — July 20, 2026 — Thailand's Criminal Records Division has announced new requirements that may affect foreign nationals and Thai citizens undertaking official procedures in the country. Under the rules, criminal record checks for nine categories of applications must be conducted using fingerprints.
The Criminal Records Division, which operates under the Royal Thai Police, clarified that these criminal record checks cannot be conducted using only an applicant's full name. Applicants are required to submit fingerprints to verify their identity and finish the screening process.
"The announcement was made to guarantee that background checks align with the applicable regulations and formal processes." — Criminal Records Division, Royal Thai Police
Quick Facts: Thailand's Fingerprint-Based Criminal Record Checks
Feature | Details |
Effective Date | July 2026 (announced) |
Method | Fingerprint-based checks required |
Name-Only Checks | No longer accepted |
Non-Thai Nationals | Must submit official letter from relevant agency |
Authority | Criminal Records Division, Royal Thai Police |
No Refunds | Wrong category or non-compliant applications may forfeit fees |
Nine Categories Requiring Fingerprint Checks
The fingerprint-only requirement applies to the following nine categories:
Category | Description |
1 | Applications to join the civil service or work for government agencies or state enterprises |
2 | Applications for licences or approvals under the Department of Provincial Administration (firearms, second-hand goods trade, hotel and pawnshop operations, foundations/associations, Thai nationality) |
3 | Applications handled by the Immigration Bureau (permanent residence, extensions of stay) |
4 | Applications to adopt a child through an adoption centre |
5 | Applications for royal decorations |
6 | Applications to work in the Republic of Korea through the Ministry of Labour's Overseas Employment Administration Division |
7 | Applications for a first driving licence |
8 | Applications for a police clearance certificate for travel abroad or an English-language police clearance certificate |
9 | Criminal record check applications submitted by non-Thai nationals (must include official letter from relevant agency) |
What This Means for Foreign Nationals
Fingerprints Now Mandatory
Foreign nationals seeking criminal record checks in Thailand must now provide fingerprints. Name-only checks will no longer be accepted.
Official Letter Required
Non-Thai nationals must submit an official letter from the relevant government agency or organisation with their request.
Categories Affected
For foreign nationals, the most relevant categories include:
Immigration Bureau applications — permanent residence, extensions of stay
Department of Provincial Administration — Thai nationality applications
Police clearance certificates — for travel abroad or English-language certificates
All criminal record check applications by non-Thai nationals
What Applicants Must Do
Action | Details |
Provide fingerprints | Required for all nine categories |
Select correct category | Ensure the right service category is chosen |
Submit official letter | Non-Thai nationals must include official letter from relevant agency |
Check requirements | Verify all requirements before submission |
No refunds | Wrong category or non-compliant applications may forfeit fees |
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