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Estate planning in Chiang Mai, Thailand, generally involves the drafting of documents such as wills, trusts, and power of attorney. It includes the management and disposal of a person's estate during their life and at and after death. The estate law in Thailand is based on the Civil and Commercial Code and is rather complex due to strict foreign property ownership laws.
Quirks and intricacies of Thai law can cause confusion and potential pitfalls, so legal assistance is valuable when planning your estate in Chiang Mai. You might need a lawyer when writing a will, setting up a trust, arranging for a guardian for living dependents, or planning how to mitigate estate tax liabilities. Lawyers can also help if the deceased did not leave a will, as their estate needs to be distributed according to Thai inheritance laws.
In Thai law, the statute of intestacy applies where no valid will is found. The estate will be divided amongst the statutory heirs. Foreigners cannot own land in Thailand but can own buildings, condominiums, and certain types of long-term leases. Mixing Thai and international law, Thailand's estate law can get complicated for foreigners with assets in Thailand and abroad, making legal expertise essential.
1. Can a foreigner own land in Thailand?No. Thailand law strictly prohibits foreigners from owning land. However, foreigners can legally own buildings, own 49% of the units in a condominium project and lease land for 30 years.
2. Can I write my own will or should I hire a lawyer?While you can write your own will, it is advisable to hire a lawyer due to the complexities of Thai estate law, especially if you have assets in multiple countries.
3. What happens if I die without a will in Thailand?If you die without a will in Thailand, the Thai intestacy law applies, and your estate is distributed amongst statutory heirs.
4. Can I avoid Thai estate tax?While Thai law does have provisions for estate tax, careful estate planning with assistance from a lawyer can minimize the potential tax liabilities.
5. Who executes the will in Thailand?A person named in the will as executor performs the execution. If no executor is named, the court appoints one.
The Thai Ministry of Justice and the Lawyers Council of Thailand provide reliable information regarding general and specific law topics including estate planning. The Law Society of Thailand can also offer guidance.
If you need legal assistance in estate planning, you should consult with a lawyer in Chiang Mai versed in estate and inheritance law. Consider your assets, both in Thailand and elsewhere, and be prepared to discuss your wishes for distribution upon your death. A professional can help navigate you through the local legal system, ensuring that your will is executed as per your desires.
