Thai Translation, Terps Industry: A Quagmire of Scammers

The Thai Translation and Interpretation Industry:

A Quagmire of Scammers Awaiting Resolution

Introduction:

In an era where cross-border communication is the norm, Thailand’s translation and interpretation industry has become a fertile ground for scammers. Due to legal loopholes and a lack of formal oversight, dishonest individuals are capitalizing on the situation, damaging the profession’s credibility and harming clients.

A Chronic Problem: Scammers in the Translation and Interpretation Sector

• Lack of Control:
  • Thailand lacks strict laws or professional certification, allowing translators and interpreters to operate without verified qualifications or experience.
  • Existing professional associations lack the authority to issue licenses or regulate standards.
• High Market Demand:
  • Thailand’s business, tourism, and legal sectors demand substantial translation and interpretation services.
  • This high demand creates opportunities for scammers, especially with urgent projects where clients may overlook quality checks.
• Difficulty in Quality Verification:
  • Many clients, especially foreigners, lack proficiency in the target language, making it challenging to assess work quality.
  • Scammers can easily deliver substandard work or abandon projects without fear of detection.
• Financial Incentives:
  • The attractive income potential of the profession lures unqualified individuals to exploit the system.

Resulting Impacts:

• Clients receive poor-quality translations or interpretations, harming businesses and critical documents.
• The credibility of the Thai translation and interpretation sector is compromised.
• The country’s reputation is negatively impacted.

Proposed Solutions:

• Establish Professional Standards:
  • Push for laws or agencies to certify translator and interpreter qualifications.
  • Empower professional associations to regulate standards and issue certifications.
• Raise Awareness:
  • Educate clients on how to verify translator and interpreter qualifications and work samples.
  • Promote written contracts to prevent fraud.
• Enhancing the Role of Professional Association.
  • The South East Asian Professional Translators and Interpreters Association (SEAProTI) has announced the regulations and qualifications of those who register as “Certified Translators, Translation Certification Providers, and Certified Interpreters” of the association.

Conclusion:

The issue of scammers in Thailand’s translation and interpretation industry requires urgent attention. Establishing standards, educating clients, and strengthening professional association roles are crucial to restoring credibility and gaining international recognition.

SEAProTI’s certified translators, translation certification providers, and certified interpreters:

The Southeast Asian Association of Professional Translators and Interpreters (SEAProTI) has officially announced the criteria and qualifications for individuals to register as “Certified Translators,” “Translation Certification Providers,” and “Certified Interpreters” under the association’s regulations. These guidelines are detailed in Sections 9 and 10 of the Royal Thai Government Gazette, issued by the Secretariat of the Cabinet under the Office of the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, dated July 25, 2024, Volume 141, Part 66 Ng, Page 100.

To read the full publication, visit: the Royal Thai Government Gazette 

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