Changing names on land title

[NanLaew]

The mother-in-law has a piece of land that is still in the name of her deceased husband. She wishes this to be shared among her four remaining siblings before she expires. Initial queries at the land office suggests that all parties need to attend in person to sign documentation. One of her sons works overseas and only comes home for 2 weeks each year. Follow-up inquiries now suggest that the transfer is not a one-off office visit and may entail two visits, again with all parties attending in person, to complete the procedure.

 

Our understanding from how the land office handled a title transfer a few years back when my father-in-law was on his deathbed with cancer, he had to attend in person to be seen signing the paperwork. There was no way the land office would entertain a home visit to get his signature or even allow a power of attorney. It was very distressing and quite humiliating.

 

If anyone has any experience or can offer any clarity on what can be reasonable expected of the land office in Meaung Udon Thani, or a recommendation of legal assistance, it would be appreciated.

 

Thanks!

NL

[blackcab]

A person abroad can sign a Letter of Authority and have it witnessed at a Thai Embassy. The original must then be sent to Thailand and presented at the Land Office.

 

You must use the specific Land Office authority form. Nothing else is acceptable.

 

You may also need Embassy witnessed signed copies of the absent person's Thai ID card, and possibly their House Book entry aswell.

 

However, the fact is the Land Office can refuse any transaction if they are not satisfied, and there is not a lot you can do about it.

[NanLaew]

On 11/30/2019 at 11:59 AM, blackcab said:

A person abroad can sign a Letter of Authority and have it witnessed at a Thai Embassy. The original must then be sent to Thailand and presented at the Land Office.

 

You must use the specific Land Office authority form. Nothing else is acceptable.

 

You may also need Embassy witnessed signed copies of the absent person's Thai ID card, and possibly their House Book entry aswell.

 

However, the fact is the Land Office can refuse any transaction if they are not satisfied, and there is not a lot you can do about it.

Thanks for that. Despite the guy being able to provide copies of his ID card and tabian bahn to the Thai Embassy, the logistics are not too encouraging. I will check if there's any renewed hint of compassion at the Udon Thani land office since their bolshiness when FiL popped his clogs a few years back. If they do have a specific form and say they will accept it several weeks/months after the fact (the guy does have a job!), that will a be a first step. Even if they get the ball rolling with this LoA, we need to ensure that they won't have a cow if/when he fronts up in person on his holidays to finalize whatever needs finalizing.

 

I hate pedantry just for the sake of it.

[blackcab]

4 hours ago, NanLaew said:

If they do have a specific form and say they will accept it several weeks/months after the fact

 

An authority letter is normally valid for 1 month. The day it gets issued, it needs to be sent by FedEx or DHL to Thailand.