Licensed Private Investigators in Thailand

Published: December 6, 2017 - Reading time: 7 minutes
» Updated: October 19, 2024

Are you searching for an English-speaking private investigator in Thailand? Do you need a professional investigator to gather evidence for your case, and want to ensure you receive the most reliable and expert service?

The reality is that there is no licensing system for private investigators in Thailand. This means that no private investigators in Thailand are officially licensed. If someone claims to be a licensed private investigator in Thailand, they are misleading their clients.

While investigators may become members of associations, there is no official government licensing system for private detectives in Thailand. Anyone, regardless of experience or qualifications, can claim to be a private detective, and this happens frequently.

Just for fun: Private investigators in Thailand are not issued with badges

Many individuals present themselves as experienced detectives without ever having handled a real case. These individuals often create professional-looking websites and use paid search advertising to appear higher than established agencies in Google search results. Over the years, we’ve seen several people in this category come and go. These fly-by-night detectives are typically unregistered and lack genuine experience in Thailand, despite claims on their websites that they’ve been operating in the country for many years or decades.

We advise anyone seeking a private investigator to thoroughly research their PI before making a decision. Examine their claims closely and verify if they have a legitimate, proven track record of conducting investigations in Thailand. If a company is willing to fabricate its experience and credentials, it might also fabricate the results of your investigation. While you are free to proceed on this basis, we strongly recommend performing due diligence to ensure you make an informed choice when hiring a private detective in Thailand.

Private investigators not based in Thailand

What about hiring a private investigator in Thailand who isn’t based here? Some people prefer to work with companies in their home country, including law firms that may feel more comfortable using local agencies. In cases funded through legal aid, a law firm may decide it’s more beneficial to hire an agency from the same country.

However, when this happens, your case might end up being outsourced to us. We don’t offer discounts when working for overseas detective agencies or law firms, so your costs will likely be higher than if you had hired us directly.

When work is outsourced to us, the quality of the investigation can vary depending on the level of communication we receive. The more details and communication provided, the easier it is for us to carry out a successful investigation.

While we are happy to take on outsourced cases from overseas, please let us know clearly if this applies when you contact us.

Private investigator associations in Thailand

At present, there are no private investigator associations in Thailand. Companies operate independently of one another, and this seems to suit most agencies. Our company also works independently and is not affiliated with any competitors in the field of investigation.

Qualifications for detectives

There are various qualifications available for private detectives, though their value and relevance often vary. When it comes to working as a private detective in Thailand, however, cultural understanding of the country is key and cannot be gained through a simple course—it is generally learned over many years or even decades. We believe that for a detective agency to succeed in Thailand, it must be built on the knowledge and experience of local Thai people from the ground up.

It’s easy for mistakes to occur during private investigations, and these can alert the subject to the fact that they’re being watched. To ensure the best chances of success, we believe it’s crucial to hire an agency with substantial experience and a deep understanding of Thai culture. The risks of mistakes are too significant to overlook.

We believe that our extensive experience in conducting private investigations throughout Thailand sets us apart and provides us with the expertise to assist in a wide variety of cases.

Certificates displayed by some Thai firms are often related to qualifications in security and close protection, as many companies also work in the security industry. Our agency, however, does not offer security services or any other services besides private investigation.

Since private investigators are not licensed in Thailand, you will need to rely on your own research and judgment when selecting a reputable agency. Make sure to conduct sufficient due diligence before making your choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are private investigators in Thailand licensed?

No, Thailand does not have a government licensing system for private investigators. Any investigator claiming to be licensed in Thailand is misleading clients.

Can I hire an English-speaking private investigator in Thailand?

Yes, you can hire an English-speaking private investigator in Thailand. Our team at Pattaya Private Investigators offers professional services with fluent English speakers to ensure clear communication.

What types of cases can a private investigator in Thailand handle?

Our services cover a wide range of cases, including infidelity investigations, background checks, missing persons, and business investigations.

How can I verify a private investigator’s credentials in Thailand?

It is important to research the track record of the investigator or agency. Look for established agencies with verifiable experience and positive client reviews.

About Pattaya Private Investigators

We are leading private investigators based in Thailand, covering most areas from Bangkok to Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Isan, and beyond. We specialise exclusively in private investigations and have amassed extensive, verifiable experience across all aspects of our work. To learn more about us and the services we provide, please visit our home page, or if you require our services, feel free to contact us for a free quote.

Related articles

• Reasons to hire a private investigator in Pattaya