Quotes, job application forms and acknowledgements are often signed as PDFs today. The obvious question: is that kind of signature legally valid in Thailand? Here is a plain summary of the Act and ETDA's guidance.
In short
- Thailand's Electronic Transactions Act B.E. 2544 (2001) recognises electronic signatures.
- The key rule is section 9, as amended by the third amending Act of 2019.
- A signature drawn or typed and placed on a PDF is a general electronic signature. It can satisfy a signature requirement for everyday documents when section 9's conditions are met.
- The Act does not apply to family and succession matters.
What section 9 says
When a law requires a signature, section 9 treats the requirement as met if:
- the method identifies the signer and shows the signer's intent regarding the message; and
- the method is either
- reliable and appropriate for the purpose of creating or sending the data, considering all the circumstances and any relevant agreement; or
- any other method that confirms the signer's identity and intent, by itself or together with other evidence.
The same rule applies, with the necessary changes, to a juristic person's seal applied electronically.
Three levels of electronic signature
ETDA's recommendation standard (ขมธอ. 23-2563) on electronic signing groups signatures into three types:
| Type | Examples | Legal basis |
|---|---|---|
| General | Typed name in an email, clicking "accept", signing on a tablet, placing a signature image on a PDF | Section 9 |
| Reliable | A system agreed within a group that detects changes | Section 26 |
| Reliable + certificate | A digital signature using a certificate from a certification authority (CA) | Sections 26 and 28 |
These three types come from ETDA's standard, not from the Act itself.
Under section 26, a reliable electronic signature has features such as: the signature-creation data is linked only to the signer, is under the signer's sole control when signing, and any later change is detectable.
What the Act does not cover
A Royal Decree of 2006 excludes:
- family transactions, and
- succession (inheritance) transactions.
The decree does not list which documents fall into these groups. If yours might, ask a professional.
Section 3 also states that the Act does not affect consumer protection laws.
Where FileMyLove's Sign PDF fits
Sign PDF places an image of your signature on the document, which makes it a general electronic signature.
- It suits everyday paperwork such as quotes, acknowledgements and internal forms.
- If the recipient requires a certificate-based digital signature, use a service that issues one, as the recipient specifies.
Steps
- Open Sign PDF and choose your file.
- Create a signature: draw it, type it in a handwriting font, or use a photo of it on white paper.
- Tap the page to place it, drag to move it, and add a date if you like.
- Save and download the signed file.
Your file and signature are never uploaded. Every step runs in your browser, and both are cleared after you download.
If the document has fields, fill them first with Fill PDF forms. To limit who can open the file, use Protect PDF.
Note
This article is general information based on the Act and ETDA documents read on 27 September 2026. It is not legal advice; for important matters, consult a professional.