Land Ownership in Thailand

Land Ownership in Thailand: Navigating the Legal Landscape

Are you considering investing in land in the Land of Smiles? Thailand’s pristine beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant culture make it an attractive destination for real estate investments. However, understanding land ownership laws in Thailand is crucial before diving into the market. Sukhothai Inter Law, your trusted partner in legal matters, is here to guide you through the intricacies of land ownership in Thailand.

1. Types of Land Ownership

In Thailand, there are two primary categories of land ownership: freehold and leasehold. Understanding the distinction is pivotal when making real estate decisions.

  • Freehold Ownership: Known as “Chanote” title, this type of ownership grants you full rights over the land. It’s the most secure form of ownership and can be inherited or sold without restrictions.
  • Leasehold Ownership: A leasehold title allows you to lease the land for a specified period, typically 30 years, with an option to renew. While leasehold offers security, it comes with certain limitations compared to freehold.

2. Restrictions on Foreign Ownership

As a foreigner, it’s essential to grasp the limitations imposed on land ownership in Thailand. Generally, foreigners are not allowed to own land under freehold, but there are alternatives:

  • Leasehold: Foreigners can secure leasehold titles, offering a secure long-term investment option.
  • Thai Company Ownership: Establishing a Thai company with majority Thai ownership allows land acquisition under certain conditions. Sukhothai Inter Law can assist in setting up a Thai company and navigating this process.
  • Condominiums: Foreigners can own condominiums outright as long as the foreign ownership quota does not exceed 49% of the total building area.

3. Due Diligence and Legal Assistance

The complexities of Thai land ownership laws require meticulous due diligence. Sukhothai Inter Law offers expertise in conducting thorough land title searches, verifying property records, and ensuring legal compliance. Our team of experts can help you avoid potential pitfalls and safeguard your investments.

4. Protecting Your Investment

Investing in Thai real estate is not just about acquiring land but also securing your investment. We provide comprehensive legal services covering contracts, agreements, property transfers, and dispute resolution to ensure your interests are safeguarded.

5. Future-Proofing Your Investment

Legal requirements and regulations can change over time. Sukhothai Inter Law stays abreast of evolving laws and assists in adapting your land ownership structure to remain compliant and secure in your investment.

Conclusion

Navigating land ownership in Thailand requires a clear understanding of legal nuances and local regulations. Sukhothai Inter Law is your reliable partner in ensuring a smooth and secure real estate investment journey in Thailand. Contact us today to explore your options and protect your interests as you embark on the path to land ownership in this beautiful country.

Contact us to learn more about how Sukhothai Inter Law can assist you in achieving your land ownership goals in Thailand.

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    Sutham Siribunyawat

    Experience
    Khun Sutham has broad experience of providing legal advice and services in
    Thailand concerning commercial transactions, investments, real estate and dispute resolution
    matters for over 20 years. Khun Sutham has particular expertise in the following areas of practice:

    • Domestic & International Tax Consultation
    • Real Estate Transactions ( incl: developers, financiers and contractors)
    • Construction related matters
    • Investment and shareholding related dispute matters involving foreign investors
    • SEC enforcement related matters

    1981 Barrister of Law (LL.B) Ramkhamhaeng University
    1982 Granted License to practice Law and became Life member of the Law Society of Thailand
    1983 Barrister at Law, Thai Bar Association
    1990 Diploma of Negotiation and Contract Drafting (Chulalongkorn University)
    2003 Diploma of International Taxation (Thai Bar Association)
    2003 Notary Public License (Thai Bar Association)
    2008 Diploma (Taxation Planning)
    1982 - 1985 Practiced Law as Litigation Lawyer (Kingdom of Thailand)
    1985 - 1988 Studied English and Business Program (London, U.K.)
    1989 - 1990 Employed by ICL International Law Firm, Bangkok
    1990 present Founded Law Firm (SIL) and be partnership with an English businessman and a group of Thai Lawyers
    2015-2018 Co-Founder and Member of Board of Directors of ARYU Hospital Health Care CO.,Ltd.,
    Yangon, Myanmar, a Joint Venture between Gar Mone Pwint CO., Ltd, Myanmar, and stock listed
    Thonburi Health Care Group Public CO. ,Ltd., Thailand

    DETRY MICHEL

    Aalst, June 4th 1955
    Belgian
    Email: m.detry@sukhothaiinterlaw.com

    Professional activities
    02/04/2001 Tax Consultant (ITAA number: 50.205.075)

    01/09/1985 Chartered Accountant (I.E.C. number: 805.2F.55)

    1982 Chartered Accountant to the Courts

    Decoration
    “Lauréat du Travail”

    Others mandates
    1994 – 2002 Chartered Accountant as delegate to “Union des Classes Moyennes” (UCM)

    1997 Chartered Accountant as delegate to
    “Agence locale pour l’emploi (ALE) d’Auderghem”

    1998 – 1999 CharteredAccountant as delegate to
    “Comité de gestion du Fonds de Garantie de la Région Bruxelloise”

    1998 – 2002 CharteredAccountant as delegate to
    “Comité de gestion de la Chambre des Métiers et Négoces de Bruxelles et Brabant Wallon”

    1999 CharteredAccountant as delegate to “Comité de gestion de Bruxelles Capitale”

    2001 – 2009 CharteredAccountant as delegate to “Commission de Discipline à l’I.E.C.”

    2010 - 2020 Chartered Accountant as delegate to “Commission de Stage à l’I.E.C”

    Dr. Herbert KUESS
    Moos 22 / 6091 Götzens

    Senior Partner
    Project Financing national (Austria) and international (Myanmar, Thailand, Russia),
    Financial and management Advisory

    Phone: Tel: +66 (0) 2212 6866-7
    Mobile: +43 (0) 664 627 2215
    E-Mail: h.kuess@sukhothaiinterlaw.com

    Education
    Law studies at Leopold-Franzens University, Innsbruck, Austria (Doctor of Laws, 1980)
    Certified Accountant (1984)
    Authorised for management consultancy including organisation (2003)

    Languages
    German and English

    Practise Areas
    Structuring of large scale financing and investments, bank management for corporate customers,
    time based commercial management for clients.
    Myanmar Specialist with a strong network since 2013

    Functions/Member
    Managing Director of projects+finance pf management Ltd., Vienna, Austria
    (a fomer subsidiary of the largest international Austrian Banking Group Raiffeisen)
    since 2003

    Managing Director of Aqua Dome Tirol Therme Längenfeld (www.aqua-dome.at ),
    a thermal spa and resort in the Tyrol, Austria, since 2014

    Head of corporate business in two Austrian Banks (1982 – 2002)

    Numerous Board Functions in the Banking, Advisory and Tourism Business since 1990,
    also internationally e.g.

    Financial Advisor of ECOCOM Group, Austria and Russia (2007 – 2017)

    Co-Founder and Member of Board of Directors of ARYU Hospital Health Care CO.,Ltd.,
    Yangon, Myanmar, a Joint Venture between Gar Mone Pwint CO., Ltd, Myanmar, and stock listed
    Thonburi Health Care Group Public CO. ,Ltd., Thailand (2015 – 2018)

    Advisor of Aung Shwe Thee Ltd., Yangon, Myanmar, since 2013

    Advisor of Ayeyar Strength CO. ,Ltd, Yangon, Myanmar, since 2013

    Low Keng Hoong, Jeremy

    A-30-7 Residensi PR1MA Kg
    Paloh, Jalan Paloh, 30200
    Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia

    Phone: +601165711996 Email: jerelow@yahoo.com

    Distinct Skills

    • C-Level Leadership & Management
    • Business/Organization Planning
    • Market Feasibility Studies
    • Tertiary Education Pedagogies
    • Educational Leadership
    • Educational Accreditation
    • Start-ups
    • Mentoring

    Experience

    2019 – Present • CEO • KMC Medical Centre, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
    2017 – 2019 • CEO • Welly Hospital, Weihai, Shandong, China
    2016 – 2017 • Business Consultant • Thonburi Healthcare Grp, Bangkok, Thailand
    2015 – 2016 • Marketing & BD Director • Penang Adventist Hospital, Penang, Malaysia
    2012 – 2015 • Head & Lecturer, International Programs • Lingnan University, HKG
    2009 – 2012 • Associate Professor • Lingnan College, Sun Yat-Sen University, China
    2011 – 2012 • Int’l Accreditation • Lingnan College, Sun Yat-Sen University, China
    2008 – 2009 • CEO • WJ International Hospital, Beijing, China
    2006 – 2008 • Adjunct Business Professor • Bradford, Plymouth, Sunderland, Dublin
    1996 – 2005 • Marketing & BD Director • Hong Kong Adventist Hospital, Hong Kong
    1994 – 1996 • Assistant Professor • Southeast Asia Union College, Singapore
    1986 – 1994 • Marketing Information Analyst • San Francisco Music Box Co., USA
    1981 – 1983 • Mechanical Piping Draftsperson • Sime Darby Engineering, Malaysia
    1978 – 1981 • Church Pastor • West Malaysia & Singapore Mission SDA Church, Malaysia

    Education

    Doctor of Business Administration (2010), University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
    Master of Business Administration (1994), San Francisco State University, California, USA
    Bachelor of Science (Information Science) (1986), Andrews University, Michigan, USA
    Bachelor of Theology (1979), Southeast Asia Union College, Singapore

    Career Highlights

    KMC losing money since 1996, 2020 started making profits during COVID pandemic year
    after more than 23 years & 2021 with revenue increased by 25% with profits.
    - developed a retirement home facility (Ipoh); international healthcare wing at General
    Hospital of Armed Police (Beijing); Adventist Oncology Centre (Penang); Adventist Eye
    Centre (Hong Kong); & Adventist Dialysis Centre (Hong Kong)
    - developed from an empty old hospital building to a new general hospital of 250 beds with
    new facilities and equipment working closely with various government agencies for Welly
    Hospital (China).
    - performed market feasibility studies of Penang (2015), Ipoh (2015), Huzhou (2016), Beijing
    (2008), Chengdu (2015), Weihai (2017), Xiamen (2003), Shanghai (1999), Hong Kong
    (2000), these studies were used as supporting documents to develop or expand hospital or
    elderly care facilities, new buildings, hospital strategies and healthcare investments.
    - successfully led and assisted Lingnan (University) College in obtaining international
    accreditations (EQUIS - European Quality Improvement System & AMBA - Association of
    Master of Business Administration) in 2011
    - taught master and bachelor business modules: Strategic Management, Branding,
    Marketing Strategy, and International Business Strategy
    - consultant for fund-raising agencies - Helping Hand, Hong Kong Adventist Hospital
    Foundation, Penang Adventist Hospital, HK Diabetic Society.
    - doctoral, master, and bachelor business students’ thesis supervisor, advisor, or examiner.