My uk based thai lady friend (not married) bought a plot of land across the soi from her family home in Isaan.

Part of the purchase was that I could use the land as a garden/orchard with some sort of prefabricated accommodation for my retirement. I asked if i could lease the land . I am concerned that we could fall out or she passes before me and have no security with her existing family.

Without her knowledge I visited the local land office branch to enquire about the process. I did wonder if something was lost in translation. The head person made it clear that a 30 year lease was not possible. I was told that a 3 year lease was possible.

I understand that percentage of the lease is payable . There is no payment intended for the lease.

Any comments or thoughts.

Your concerns answered your own question. Yes, you should be concerned and the head man at the land office pretty much pointed out, that 3 years please renewal, is all you're going to get.

Only invest what you can lose, as if you're UK friend dies before you do, the family will be moving in & you'll be moving out.