Preparing for the future isn’t always an easy conversation, but it’s one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and secure your legacy. At Unity Inter Law, we specialise in helping both Thai nationals and foreign residents draft legally sound Wills and Testaments that ensure your wishes are respected and your estate is managed without unnecessary complications.
Without proper legal advice, it’s easy to make mistakes that could invalidate a will or cause confusion among beneficiaries. In Thailand, a poorly drafted or generic template Will can be challenged or completely disregarded by the courts. We help you avoid this by offering comprehensive, professional will drafting services that are clear, valid and enforceable.
Why a Thai Will Is Essential If You Have Assets in Thailand
Many people believe that a Will created in their home country automatically covers their assets in Thailand. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. In reality, using a foreign Will can involve lengthy legal procedures, including official translations, notarisation and approval by Thai government agencies, and these steps can be both time consuming and costly for grieving family members.
If you own property, a bank account, vehicles or personal assets in Thailand, having a Thai specific Will ensures a smooth transition. It removes legal barriers and clearly defines who inherits what, minimising the chances of disputes or delays. We draft Thai Wills that cover:
- Real estate and condominiums
- Shares in Thai companies
- Bank accounts and investments
- Vehicles and valuable personal items
- Leasehold interests and renewable leases
Our team prepares your Will in both Thai and English, ensuring it’s valid in local courts while remaining easy for your beneficiaries to understand.
What Happens If You Don’t Have a Will in Thailand?
When someone dies without a valid Will in Thailand, their estate is handled under the Thai Civil and Commercial Code, Section 1629. According to Thai inheritance law, assets are distributed in a strict order of priority:
- Children and other direct descendants
- Parents
- Full-blood siblings
- Half-blood siblings
- Grandparents
- Uncles and aunts
Before distribution, half of the marital estate (known as Sin Somros) automatically goes to the legally married spouse. The remaining half is divided among heirs according to the above list. If no legal relatives are found, the estate may be transferred to the Thai state.
This legal process, known as intestacy, can be difficult to manage, especially for foreign families unfamiliar with Thai legal systems. Having a clear Will in place ensures that your estate is distributed exactly as you want, rather than being left to chance.
Get Started with Your Will Today
If you own any assets in Thailand, now is the time to create a legally valid Will and ensure your wishes are respected. Whether you’re a retiree, investor, or long-term expat, Unity Inter Law can help you secure your legacy and protect your loved ones. We provide comprehensive legal services that make estate planning straightforward and stress free. Our services include:
- Drafting and reviewing Last Wills and Testaments
- Customising estate plans to suit foreign and Thai clients
- Dual-language documentation (Thai and English)
- Advice on company held assets, leaseholds, and succession planning
- Updating or revoking existing Wills
- Probate assistance and estate administration for heirs
Whether you are planning ahead or dealing with an urgent situation, our approachable, English speaking lawyers are here to help you understand your options and make confident decisions.
Just contact us today for a consultation with one of our wills and estate planning experts in Pattaya. We’re here to make the process easy, personal and legally sound.