The most common and simple reason to make a will is to decide who will get your property when you die. Without a will or other plan in place, local laws dictate how your property will be distributed. In this context, ‘property’ is defined and includes items, such as cash,
chattels, houses, condos, bank accounts, jewelry, and such. Wills In Thailand are governed by the Thai Civil and Commercial Code. To create a valid will in Thailand, you must be at least 15 years old and of sound mind. The will must be in writing, signed by you and two
witnesses, and be registered with the local district office.
It is important to note that Thai law recognizes both testate and intestate succession. Testate succession refers to a situation where a
person dies with a valid will, while intestate succession refers to a situation where a person dies without a valid will. In the case of intestate succession, Thai law will determine how your assets are distributed. To ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, it is recommended that you consult with a lawyer who is familiar with Thai laws and regulations regarding wills and estate planning. They can help you create a will that is legally valid and enforceable in Thailand.
For a will to be legally valid, it must comply with certain formalities, including being in writing, signed by the testator in the
presence of witnesses, and witnessed by at least two witnesses who are not beneficiaries named in the will. A will is a legal document that sets out a person’s wishes regarding the distribution of their assets after they die. It is a way for someone to ensure that their property, money, and possessions are distributed according to their wishes and to name someone to manage their affairs after their death. A will typically includes the following information:
- The name and contact details of the person making the will (the testator).
- A statement that this is the testator’s last will and testament.
- How the testator’s assets should be distributed, including any specific gifts to named beneficiaries.
- The name of the person or people who will be responsible for managing the estate (the executor or executors).
- Any instructions on how the testator’s funeral or burial should be conducted.
- Any wishes or instructions about the care of minor children or dependents.
You can register the will with the local district office in Pattaya. This can be undertaken at the local Amphoe Bang Lamung District
Office. The office is located at 7/16 Moo 5, Sukhumvit Road, Tambon Nong Prue, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chonburi province, which is about 18 kilometers south of Pattaya city center To register a will, you will need to bring the original will, along with two witnesses and their identification cards. The district office will then verify the identity of the witnesses and register the will in their presence. After registration, the district office will issuea certificate of registration. It is important to keep a will up-to-date to reflect any changes in circumstances and ensure that it accurately reflects the testator’s wishes. The current cost of forming a simple will (3 or fewer assets) averages 7000 baht. If you require any additional information, please contact us.