Related Topics:

• Thailand Will and Estate Planning
• Foreigner's Inheritance Rights in Thailand

Inheritance Law Thailand—Background

Chaninat and Leeds: Thailand Probate and Inheritance Proceedings

As a practical matter, the distribution of a deceased person’s estate assets that are held by a third party will require a court order to enforce under Thailand probate law.  In this situation, bank accounts and land title deeds will require filing in a Thailand court by an experienced probate attorney so that heirs may receive the assets, land and bank account funds of a descendant’s estate.

Foreign Wills and Foreign Court Judgments

Foreign court judgments are not enforceable in Thailand.  A foreign judgment can, however, be introduced as evidence in Thailand court proceedings.  Foreign last wills and testaments may or may not be enforceable, based on whether they conform to Thai inheritance law and other matters such as the procedural status of the case. 

If a Relative Dies in Thailand –Probate Court Proceedings

If a relative dies with assets in Thailand, and the relative is a non-Thai citizen, the Thai authorities will usually contact the Embassy of their home country in Thailand.  The Embassy will typically have preliminary documents such as the death certificate.  As this point, a qualified probate lawyer will need to be involved to determine if there are assets to be distributed, other heirs involved and begin the Thai probate court proceedings as required.