How Safe is Your Villa Investment
- Kanokpich Ukritdutsadee
- Oct 25, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
Foreigners cannot own land (including the land on which a villa or house is built) in Thailand in their own name.
Any attempt to circumnavigate this law could result in losing the land and being deported from Thailand. However, there are legal options available that follow the law that make so much more sense and offer the foreign buyer protection.
Many foreigners have chosen to not follow the law and have set up companies to bypass these laws and circumnavigate the law.
It is illegal for a foreigner to set up a company for the sole purpose of owning land in Thailand.
It is illegal and dangerous to use nominee shareholders.
Every foreigner who has purchased a villa this includes from a developer or had one built should have a registered lease (minimum requirement )as part of a solution to protect their investment.
The lease and your name registered on the back of the land title.
If you do not have this you need to reach out to us today!
The DCI Department of Criminal Investigations are investigating companies that have foreign directors and/or shareholders that own land.
A Thai company can own property but what is the definition of a legal Thai company?
It is not using nominees this is illegal.
To find out more and how to follow the law and protect your property investment contact Brian Ramsden the General Manager of Foreign Affairs at lawyers for Expats Thailand to arrange a free consultation Tel +66956583038 WhatsApp and Line
About the Author:
Kanokpich Ukritdutsadee, widely known as Lawyer Pook, is a highly experienced Thai lawyer and barrister serving as the head and managing director of Lawyers for Expats Thailand (www.lawyersforexpatsthailand.com).
With over 21 years of qualification and practice (celebrating her 21st anniversary in the profession as noted in recent updates), she has dedicated her career to addressing the unique legal needs of foreigners living, working, and investing in Thailand. Her expertise spans key areas such as property law, immigration and visas, business setup, matrimonial law (including prenuptial and postnuptial agreements), company formation, wills, and civil/criminal matters, always emphasizing legal compliance and safe solutions for expats and their families.
Lawyer Pook leads a dedicated team focused exclusively on expat clients, combining deep legal knowledge with a compassionate and kind approach. She and her firm are committed to working from the heart, providing empathetic, practical guidance to help foreigners navigate Thailand's legal landscape securely and effectively. Her practice reflects both professional excellence and a genuine care for her clients' well-being.
Ready for more? Our full blog collection delivers practical legal strategies for expats thriving in Thailand, covering nominees, wills, and beyond. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE
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