Reasons to Hire a Lawyer When Buying Property in Thailand

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March 17, 2013

Anyone fortunate enough to have spent a number of wonderful vacations in the fascinating and somewhat diverse country of Thailand is likely to make this part of Southeast Asia top of their list for future holiday destinations. In fact, many visitors to what is affectionately known as the ‘Land of Smiles’ are so impressed with the region they stay in whilst on vacation that they decide to buy a property there.

Legal Matters

Due to the fact that foreign nationals are unable to own land in the Kingdom of Thailand, it is necessary for foreigners aspiring to invest in a property development project to consult a lawyer regarding methods to acquire land in this country. Once we have contacted a reputable real estate agent to discuss our property ownership aspirations, we should bear in mind various options open to foreign nationals hoping to acquire land.

However, before making any final decisions regarding these somewhat complex matters, it is wise to hire a lawyer in order to consider and go through the following:

Starting a Thai Company
30 Year Leasehold Agreement
Thailand Property Taxes
Ownership in Thai Spouse’s Name

Holiday Home

Travelling enthusiasts that have fallen in love with Thailand leading to a desire to buy property to use as a holiday home should keep their feet firmly on the ground in order to avoid making a serious financial mistake. However, by getting in touch with one of the highly recommended lawyer firms specialising in helping foreigners realise their property purchasing dreams, such people should have more peace of mind. Once all the necessary legal aspects have been taken care of and we are happy with the way things are going, it may be worth talking to expats living in the area we plan to buy a holiday villa or town house in order to learn about the neighbourhood.

Cultural Differences

Most people who spend a lot of time discovering different countries across the globe will be aware of how important it is to find out something relevant to the customs of locals in the nations they visit. Foreign nationals seriously considering stepping one foot on the property ladder in Thailand are no exception when it comes to the need to familiarise themselves with the cultural characteristics of Thais. Of course, if we are planning to invest a lot of money in Thailand property, we should be equally as vigilant to learn more about the legal issues regarding foreigners buying property. In some cases, chatting with a Thai lawyer with perfect English regarding the above matters may lead to us learning more about how we should behave in their country.

The following are just a few examples of how as foreign nationals, we may become more accepted whilst living in a Thai community or what is referred to as a ‘Moo Bahn’ (Village):

Avoid Pointing Our Fingers at Neighbours
Try to Use at Least Some Basic Thai Language
Always Remember we are a Guest in their Country
Observe Thai Etiquette as Much as we Possibly Can

Moving Abroad

Foreign nationals with a genuine desire to make Thailand their new home should make sure the lawyer firm they contact to help them deal with the legalities regarding the acquisition of property is an option that can be useful with other related aspects. Indeed, many of the leading legal experts in Bangkok or other Thai city assisting foreigners aspiring to buy a home in Thailand are able to help with numerous issues concerning a smooth process of relocating to the other side of the world.

About the Author:

As a real estate company, Thailand Property Centre offers professional assistance for those who want to buy, rent, lease, or construct a property.