Advice?? Bank accounts on death

[rasalvaje]

I have accounts in two banks here in Thailand.  I am in my 80s and would like to leave the contents of those accounts to a Thai friend, who has always helped with visas  banks, doctors and hospitals for many years.  What is the easiest and most thrifty way to leave it to him after I am gone?  Thank you for your help!

[Ralf001]

do you have a Thai will ?

[scubascuba3]

Wills are about 5k, BTW you aren't dead yet, you may need the money, medical expenses are expensive the last 6 months of your life

[worrab]

Get your Will written by a Thai Lawyer and this will include the 2 bank accounts. Then state who you wish to leave the contents to. Name who you wish as executor and this can be the Lawyer, if need be. Job done. 

[Surasak]

49 minutes ago, worrab said:

Get your Will written by a Thai Lawyer and this will include the 2 bank accounts. Then state who you wish to leave the contents to. Name who you wish as executor and this can be the Lawyer, if need be. Job done. 

Personally I wouldn't use a Thai lawyer to write my will. I walked away from two, who insisted they had to be the executor. I might be cabbage looking, but I'm not green.

There is no reason you cannot write your own Will, and have it witnessed. Just ensure the bank books are not given to the police, no matter what they threaten.

[wwest5829]

So, I am the Executor for my Aussie friend who passed in December 2024. As regards the bank accounts, I am dealing with that now. Now? Yes. As stated in the Will ,I am designated as Executor. BUT, you have to go to the Thai Provincial Court and give testimony so the Court can officially designate you as Executor having power to carry out the terms of the Will. Court testimony was given at the beginning of March, mid April document received (Songkran). Off to the branch bank. OK, copies of all documents, bank books, sign all pages. That now will be submitted to the District Manager, who will in turn submit all to Bangkok. Should hear back within another month. TIT. Yes, I accepted doing all as a friend but … I do recommend having an Attorney draw up the Will, he made the Court appointment, acted as translator for my testimony in English, accompanied me to the Bank. Hopefully, his time will no longer be required until I sell the Condo and the final inheritance payment is sent to Australia.

[WDSmart]

I do this for my Thai wife, even though my bank account is only in my name, which Immigration requires to use it to get one-year stay extensions. I give her the right to withdraw money from it over the counter at the bank. To do this, you have to have their signature recorded on your account. At least this works for my savings account at Krungthai (Ayudhya) Bank.

[parallelman]

If you have only one benificiary then it would be easy to make the Will at the local Amphur office. See AN forum Creating a Last Will and Testament at an Amphur office April 8 2024.

[khunPer]

Make a last will and sign it in the local ampor-office, it's not that difficult...

 

 

 

[worrab]

4 hours ago, Surasak said:

Personally I wouldn't use a Thai lawyer to write my will. I walked away from two, who insisted they had to be the executor. I might be cabbage looking, but I'm not green.

There is no reason you cannot write your own Will, and have it witnessed. Just ensure the bank books are not given to the police, no matter what they threaten.

Using a reputable lawyer actually makes sense. A will needs to be in Thai as well as English. We had to ask if our lawyer could be an executor alongside family members. The reason being that the banks have to be seen regarding the accounts and applications have to be made to the courts for the release of money from the accounts. There are other considerations a Thai lawyer is more able to do than you as a farang.

Yes, you can do it yourself but you will be leaving a minefield behind you for others to sort out! 
My wife and I did it this way to make life a damn sight easier for our son. Everything is in black and white and will be easy to go through probate.

[soi3eddie]

Be sure to ask any lawyer the cost of executing the will and getting probate. I was told that probate is required by the lawyer but don't know for sure. I visited a lawyer and was quoted 5,000 Baht for the Thai Will. I asked the cost of probate and was told 150,000 Baht. I wrote it down. Still have it. Can that really be correct? If not then what is the process as I need to do a will for my Thai bank accounts.

 

[OneManShow]

1 hour ago, soi3eddie said:

Be sure to ask any lawyer the cost of executing the will and getting probate. I was told that probate is required by the lawyer but don't know for sure. I visited a lawyer and was quoted 5,000 Baht for the Thai Will. I asked the cost of probate and was told 150,000 Baht. I wrote it down. Still have it. Can that really be correct? If not then what is the process as I need to do a will for my Thai bank accounts.

 

IMO Lawyer perhaps will be needed when beneficiary/beneficiaries are not Thai. Otherwise what "Khun per" suggested (a civil documented will) would be the way.