Last Will and Testament

If you die in Thailand and have left no will and testament then the estate will divided as follows with respect to your heirs. The first people to inherit would be you wife and or children who are left behind. If there are none then it would be your parents and failing that your brothers and sisters.

• Wife / Children
• Parents
• Brother and Sisters
• Brothers and Sisters of half blood
• Grandfathers and Grandmothers
• Uncles and Aunts.

Much like Roman Dutch law where the spouse claims ‘child’s share’ of the estate in Thailand the wife inherits half of the state if there is no will. The remainder of the estate will then be divided amongst the children as stated above. Much like in the West if there is nobody to inherit in the estate then the estate belongs to the government. Now as a foreigner you might also have a lease on a property. when you die so does the lease as that is a right which cannot be inherited. If you want a lease to be included in your will then you must ensure that the lease agreement makes provision for this in the original lease agreement. In other words the lease must have a succession clause.

Now as an expat in Thailand you need to make provisions for any property or investments that you have in your home country. This is why it is always best to seek advice from an expatriate law firm. If you are going to retire in Thailand then consider having a will drafted in Thailand so ensure that when your time arrives that there are no issues left open.Speak to us online or see our main website for more details.

Do it now!