Protect your assets and loved ones even across borders.
If you’re a foreigner living, working, or owning property in Thailand, one of the most important legal steps you can take is to create a valid Thai will.
Many expats assume their home country’s will is enough, but in practice, relying solely on a foreign will can lead to significant delays, disputes, and legal complications when it comes to administering an estate in Thailand.
A Thai will ensures your assets located in Thailand are distributed efficiently and according to your wishes, in compliance with local law.
Why Foreigners in Thailand Should Make a Thai Will
1. Simplify the Probate Process in Thailand
Without a local will, the court may require official translations, embassy notarizations, and additional procedures to validate a foreign will which can delay probate by months or even years. A Thai will streamlines the process and helps your executor obtain court approval faster.
2. Ensure Thai Property Is Legally Transferred
If you own:
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- A condo unit in Thailand (under your name)
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- Bank accounts or investments with Thai financial institutions
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- Vehicles, personal assets, or a business registered in Thailand
Those assets are governed by Thai inheritance law. A Thai will legally designates your heirs and ensures proper transfer under local rules.
3. Avoid Inheritance Disputes or Government Control
In the absence of a will, Thai law applies default statutory rules (Sections 1620–1636 of the Civil and Commercial Code), which may not reflect your personal intentions. Worse, the Thai government may take control of unclaimed or contested assets if no rightful heirs step forward.
A Thai will protects your family and prevents unnecessary court disputes especially if you have children or a partner who is not legally recognized under Thai law.
4. Support Cross-Border Estate Planning
Even if you already have a will in your home country, it’s wise to create a separate will covering only your Thai assets. This avoids jurisdictional overlap and prevents confusion between foreign and Thai probate courts.
What Should Be Included in a Thai Will?
A well-drafted Thai will for foreigners typically includes:
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- A clear declaration of your assets located in Thailand
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- Appointment of an executor (who can be Thai or foreign)
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- Distribution instructions for heirs
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- Guardianship instructions for minor children (if applicable)
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- Optional funeral or cremation wishes
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- Signature, date, and two witnesses (as required by Thai law)
For high-value estates or blended families, it’s advisable to include a legal Thai translation or have the will notarized for added clarity.
Who Can Make a Will in Thailand?
Any person over 15 years of age who is of sound mind can legally create a will in Thailand. You do not need to be a Thai citizen or permanent resident.
However, your will must comply with local legal formalities or it may be declared invalid in probate.
How Lex Bangkok Can Help
At Lex Bangkok, we offer confidential and personalized estate planning services for foreign individuals and families living in or investing in Thailand.
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- Drafting legally valid Thai wills in English and Thai
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- Advising on Thai inheritance law and foreign estate coordination
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- Executor representation and probate assistance
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- Asset documentation and legal guardianship provisions
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- Updating wills due to marriage, property purchase, or relocation
We work with expats, retirees, investors, and dual citizens to ensure their Thai estate is protected, recognized, and efficiently transferred.
Ready to Protect What Matters?
Creating a Thai will is one of the most important legal steps you can take as a foreigner living or investing in Thailand. Don’t leave your family and assets at risk.
Let Lex Bangkok guide you through it, with clarity, confidentiality, and care.
Contact us today to schedule a will consultation. Email: info@lexbangkok.com