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Answered2 years ago

How can I get my 'DWP Proof of Life certificate' signed in Thailand?

Ian *******
asked Feb 17, 2025
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Hi folks, I am a UK Citizen and have lived in Bangkok for over a year. I am having a lot of trouble getting my 'DWP Proof of Life certificate' signed.

So far I have tried the police station, my bank, my pharmacist and even the Tax Office where I pay my taxes, but no one wants to sign it for me.

It doesn't help that it is written in English and the people I have asked are unable to read it.

I have translated it to Thai via Google App Translator, but that does not seem to have helped any.

They have all told me that they are afraid to sign it in case they get into trouble.

It would really be helpful if we could just take it to the British Embassy, but I have heard that they would not sign it for me.

Any assistance or advice anyone could give me would truly be appreciated
Answer summary
A UK citizen living in Bangkok is struggling to find someone to sign their DWP Proof of Life certificate, facing language barriers and reluctance from local officials. Suggestions from the community include seeking a notary, hiring a lawyer familiar with such documents, or trying various medical professionals who might be more open to signing. It's noted that the British Embassy typically does not assist with this, and multiple users have shared their personal experiences, including getting the document signed by a local GP or on visits to other towns.
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Robert ********
Robert ********
All notaries must do it. And lots of lawyers are notary.
Paul **********
Paul **********
Get a lawyer
Ruud ******************
Ruud ******************
I told you; go to Thai social security!! They know the system and they will help you; take the paper they have to sign; can in English; easy isn;t it?? 😑😑
Dave *********
Dave *********
I’ve just done mine with my local nursery in the village, it was delivered a week ago to the pension office in Wolverhampton, but nothing back saying it’s accepted, do they send this confirmation ?
Mark *********
Mark *********
British Doctor such as Dr Donna at Medconsultant in Bangkok. Also Thai Doctors but not those in the Thai medical centres. I have also used WellMed in Bangkok when Donna unavailable. Thais are very wary in general but the young doctor in WellMed found it all very funny. "Now, how can you prove you're alive for me to sign? I know ..............." She jumped up and down and waved her arms around. "Now you do that". I'm afraid that really the fault lies with British bureaucracy - no cross-cultural understanding whatever including of paranoia in developing or near developing countries. I can think of several where I've no idea of the solution. In fact I live next door to a Thai medical centre here, and they had signed me off a few days before for medical for new driving licence but I wouldn't ask them re the Life Certification. Donna is English. WellMed and Medconsult, have a huge throughput of expats and, in the case of WellMed tourist too.
James ******
James ******
I would get a lawyer to keep it in English and Thai and sign it
Peter **********
Peter **********
my local amphur signed mine
Neil **********
Neil **********
@Ian ******
Try
@Sansanee **********
I know she has done a lot in the last few weeks.

B1,000 if you visit her or B1,250 to meet in Central Bangkok.
Sansanee ***********
Sansanee ***********
@
@Ian ******
Happy to assist if required. My contact details are Tel: 093 939 9921 or email:
*****************************
to
Cary ******
Cary ******
Try one of the translation services near Wireless Road.
John ********
John ********
Excuse my ignorance but what are they and what purpose do they serve? No sarcasm pls.
Spencer *******
Spencer *******
@John *******
proof of life is often asked for by the Pensions Department. They do it to make sure they are not paying money into a deceased person's account
Hubert *********
Hubert *********
I once did mine on a short trip to Hua Hin at the main police office without any problem. The fee was 300 Bht.

I lived in Pattaya that time . 😊
Brian ********
Brian ********
I have had 3 of these while living here, number 1 was signed by my GP - she charges for doing it. Number 2 was signed and stamped by reception in my condo and the third I have just had signed and stamped by the piya baan in my village.

1 and 2 accepted by DWP without a problem and I assume number 3 will be as well
Mark *********
Mark *********
@Brian *******
I doubt that, despite all the awesoe rubric, they couldn't care less. It's all part of the civil service job creation scheme for Wolverhampton. Robert Jenrick "sponsors" a lot of what is going on there!
Bill **********
Bill **********
I have had the same problem .Thais are very suspicious of this form. Many law firms are also reluctant to sign it.
Paul **********
Paul **********
Don't bother with the GB embassy. They are not interested in British subjects. Notary is the way to go Siam Legal and such like.
David *******
David *******
Any Notary or Solicitor will do it for a fee.
Michael **********
Michael **********
i get mine signed by an english speaking soliciter/lawyer. she charges 1000 baht but signs and stamps everything and also gives me a copy of her diploma to send
Bill **********
Bill **********
@Michael *********
Easy money for her 😊
Michael **********
Michael **********
@Bill *********
yes she does a professional job but it only takes about 10 minutes and i think she told my wife she had 5 to do that day.in her defence the first time i needed to do one the solicitor in my local town wanted 5000 to do it
Bill **********
Bill **********
@Michael *********
I guess it's a small price to pay for peace of mind .
Ruud ******************
Ruud ******************
Social Security
Ian *******
Ian *******
OP
@Ruud *****************
Nope Pension πŸ‘
Ruud ******************
Ruud ******************
@Ian ******
they do it and they know what it is.I always do it with them
Ruud ******************
Ruud ******************
@Ian ******
Thai social security
James *********
James *********
Have you tried any dancing girls?
Bob **********
Bob **********
Talk to your embassy about a notary
Mark *********
Mark *********
@Bob *********
555! It's the British Embassy. Enough said.

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