How to Register a .th Domain: Complete 2026 Guide with Documents and Process

Since Thailand's Internet Domain Authority (THNIC) opened .th domain registration in October 2022, this short, impactful TLD has become increasingly popular with Thai businesses seeking memorable web addresses. Unlike the longer .co.th format, .th domains are concise and immediately convey "Thailand" to users worldwide. This comprehensive guide walks you through the complete registration process, required documentation, THNIC approval procedures, and insider tips to ensure your application succeeds on the first attempt.

Understanding .th vs .co.th Domains

At first glance, both .th and .co.th appear to serve the same purpose – establishing a Thai online presence. However, there are key distinctions worth understanding before registering. The .th TLD is an apex domain, meaning it sits at the top level of Thailand's namespace (yourbrand.th). By contrast, .co.th includes a second-level domain in the middle (yourbrand.co.th), which was the only format available before 2022. From THNIC's perspective, both require identical documentation and undergo the same verification process. The primary advantage of .th is brevity – four fewer characters make a significant difference in advertising materials, business cards, and verbal communication. For businesses targeting Thai audiences, this simplification has proven to increase brand recall by making domain names easier to remember and type correctly. In 2026, many premium .th names remain available compared to the increasingly saturated .co.th namespace, giving you a better selection of short, meaningful domain names.

Eligibility Requirements for .th Registration

THNIC maintains straightforward eligibility criteria for .th domains. Any of the following entity types can register: Thai nationals with valid national ID cards or passports; foreign nationals with valid passports who can demonstrate business or residential connections to Thailand; registered companies and partnerships with documented business registration from Thailand's Department of Business Development; non-profit organizations including foundations, associations, and charitable groups that hold official registration certificates; and government agencies. The key requirement is that your entity must be identifiable and verifiable through official Thai documentation. Personal blog names and online brands require linking to a person's real identity, while business-related domains must correspond directly to the official company name or registered trademark.

Required Documents for Thai Individuals

If you're registering as a Thai individual, documentation is refreshingly simple. You need a certified copy of your Thai national ID card (all pages, both front and back) that has not expired. On the first two lines of each photocopy, you must sign and write "true copy" (สำเนาถูกต้อง) to certify it. The domain name itself must directly correspond to your name or to a personal brand you can verify through social media accounts, business registration, or trademark documents. For example, if your ID reads "Somchai Jandee," you could register somchai.th or somchai-jandee.th, but not an unrelated name like "techstudio.th" unless you can prove you own that brand. AsiaGB will guide you through what names qualify for your specific situation.

Required Documents for Foreign Residents

Non-Thai nationals can register .th domains if they maintain a presence in Thailand. Required documentation includes a certified copy of your passport (all pages) that has not yet expired. Regardless of citizenship, THNIC requires evidence of your connection to Thailand – this might be a Thai work permit, business registration, residential lease, or bank account statement showing your Thai address. The domain name must still align with your real identity or verified business name. AsiaGB's support team (available in Thai and English) can advise whether your specific circumstances meet THNIC's requirements before you invest time and resources in the application.

Required Documents for Companies and Organizations

Corporate registrations require more paperwork but follow a predictable pattern. Gather an official business registration certificate or company establishment document issued by Thailand's Department of Business Development. This document must have been issued within the past six months – THNIC will reject older certificates. You'll also need a certified copy of the national ID card for the company director or authorized signatory. If someone other than the director is submitting the registration, you must provide a power-of-attorney document (หนังสือมอบอำนาจ) bearing a 30-baht tax stamp and the director's signature. All copies must be clear and legible – THNIC rejects illegible scans or documents with poor photocopying. For companies with multiple directors, the signatory must have authority to bind the company. If you're unsure about your organization's authorization structure, AsiaGB can clarify what documents you need.

The .th Registration Process and Timeline

The registration workflow begins when you select your desired .th domain and verify its availability through AsiaGB's domain search tool. Once you've chosen your name, you'll order the registration and upload your documentation through AsiaGB's secure portal. Within one business day, AsiaGB reviews your submission for completeness and forwards it to THNIC on your behalf – you need not contact THNIC directly. THNIC then enters its verification phase, typically lasting 1–3 business days. During this period, THNIC staff carefully compare your domain name request against your submitted identification documents, checking for name alignment, document validity, and compliance with naming conventions. If everything matches, THNIC approves the registration and issues an official acceptance letter. From that moment onward, your .th domain is active and you can immediately configure DNS settings, point it to your hosting provider, or use it for email. Most registrations complete within 4–5 business days end-to-end, though incomplete documentation can extend this to two weeks or longer. The key to speed is submitting complete, clear documents from the start. AsiaGB only submits your application — we cannot guarantee the domain name until THNIC approves it.

Pricing and Renewal Terms for .th Domains

Pricing for .th domains in 2026 is competitive with established Thai TLDs. AsiaGB prices .th registrations similarly to other premium Thai extensions, providing excellent value given the short, memorable nature of apex domains. Like all domains, .th registrations are sold in one-year increments, with options to purchase multi-year registrations (up to five years) at registration time. Renewal pricing is identical to initial registration fees – there are no hidden "renewal surcharges" that some registrars apply. You can renew your .th domain up to 90 days before expiration. If you miss the renewal window, THNIC provides a grace period of 30 days during which you can still renew at standard rates. Beyond the grace period, your domain enters a costly redemption state where retrieval fees may soar to thousands of baht. To avoid this scenario, many registrants enable auto-renewal or set calendar reminders for 60 days before expiration.

Common Reasons for THNIC Rejection

Understanding why THNIC denies applications helps you avoid resubmission delays. The most frequent rejection cause is name mismatch – your requested domain must align precisely with the individual or company name on your supporting documents. THNIC interprets matching strictly: if your ID says "สมชาย จันทร์มี" (Somchai Jandee), domain requests like "somchai.th" and "somchai-jandee.th" pass, but unrelated names like "techstudio.th" fail unless backed by trademark documents. Incomplete documentation is the second major reason – missing pages from multi-page ID cards, expired business certificates, missing authorization letters, or unsigned power-of-attorney forms all trigger rejection. Illegible scans represent the third reason; poor photocopies, documents photographed at an angle, or faxes with missing sections prevent THNIC staff from verifying your information. Domain name conflicts are rare but possible – if someone else registered the name first, your application is denied. Finally, THNIC applies ethical guidelines and will reject domain names containing profanity, culturally offensive content, or misleading information (like impersonating government agencies). If THNIC rejects your application, they provide a rejection notice explaining the reason, and AsiaGB supports you through correcting the issues for resubmission.

Renewal, Transfers, and Ongoing Management

Once your .th domain is active, managing it is straightforward. Renewals can be initiated any time from 90 days before expiration onward. Transferring your .th domain to a different registrar is possible but involves extra steps compared to other TLDs. You'll request an Authorization Code from your current registrar, then submit it to the new registrar along with re-verified documentation proving your identity or company status. The transfer process takes 5–10 business days. One restriction: you cannot transfer a .th domain within 60 days of its initial registration – THNIC's anti-hijacking policy. If your company changes its legal name or you need to update the domain's ownership, contact your registrar to initiate a transfer or request an update to the domain's registrant information.

Tips for a Successful .th Registration

To maximize your chances of first-time approval, follow these best practices: choose a domain name directly matching your ID or company name before starting – avoid speculation. Prepare clear, full-color photocopies of all required documents with at least 300 DPI resolution. Have all pages of multi-page documents; THNIC rejects partial ID cards. Ensure handwritten certifications ("สำเนาถูกต้อง") are legible and dated. For company registrations, verify your director has signing authority and the power-of-attorney is properly notarized with the 30-baht stamp. If your documents are in English, include certified Thai translations. Plan for 4–5 business days minimum between submission and activation, and never rush this process. Finally, work with a trusted registrar like AsiaGB that handles THNIC communication directly – this eliminates miscommunications and speeds approval.