Can I use Google Translate for Thai names and addresses in banking and postal services?

Thai names Thai addresses Google Translate Visa documentation Banking Postal Services Expats in Thailand

Dec 8, 2024

11 days ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello.

It's about the language of Thai names and Thai addresses in documents.

My partner said that you can translate everything from Thai to English using Google Translate, for example.

Is this official and applicable without exception?

Example 1:

The landlord gives you a name and address in Thai language, but you can't enter these in the online banking  system of your overseas bank or in Wise.

Use Google Translate and the money reaches the recipient?

Example 2:

I need my address in English in my Thai bank statement for my POR for my overseas banks, for Wise and for my pension fund.

Can I ask for a residence certificate with the address written in English, or can I ask the bank to translate the address into English?

Does the Thai postman find the address if it's written not in Thai language?

TIA

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The applicability of using Google Translate for translating Thai names and addresses into English can vary. While some users have reported successful experiences, such as receiving mail addressed in English, caution is advised. In places like Bangkok, English addresses may be acceptable, but in rural areas, it's recommended to use dual languages—Thai and English. It is also suggested to transliterate rather than just translate to avoid potential confusion. Additionally, delivering mail is now largely based on barcodes rather than written addresses, minimizing the impact of translation issues on mail delivery.

Andy **********

I sent my wife in Samui a card. Addressed in English. It never arrived. It was sent by regular air mail as the UK post office had been cyberhacked and couldnt do anthing elses. I was disappointed but not surprised. But when I was next in Samui, I dropped by the sorting office at Big C. Anyone can walk in and pick through post. It was a complete and utter mess. We told the postmaster if he could find the card, there was a 100baht reward in it for him. 40 minutes we got a call. Everything is sent by registered post now. The delivery is tracked. No one is guided by a scrbbled address on a package, but by a barcode. Containing details uploaded at the origin. No translation mistake, plus postmen don't get the option to not deliver because they can't be bothered.

10 days ago

John **********

I certainly wouldn't rely on Google translate for stuff like that. You'd be much better taking each thai letter and writing the English equivalent, so transliteration. I mostly use Thai as my postal address except for stuff coming from the UK where I provide transliteration and stuff usually arrives as expected, only once was something misdelivered but eventually found it's way to me anyway.

10 days ago

Michael ********

Well i just got my xmas present from my Mum written in English so that answers your last question. Took 6 days which was impressive normal mail

10 days ago

Phil ******

@Tim *****

depends where you live. In Bangkok English is fine in villages however write in dual language please

10 days ago

Sue **********

I never experienced this issue of not having the Address in Roman letters. But google translator does transcript it correctly if you copy and paste it there and you can fill in any forms in english. All post offices and postmen can read addresses written in english as well

11 days ago

Reply to

Sue **********

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