Making A Will

[sinbad]

Sorry to be gloomy, but I was interested in Vagin's topic titled, Dying here, Making a Will, dated 22 July 2004. I am referring to the elderly long-term expats, most who will die here, unless they are struck down with illness and return home before. Death is somehing that most people put out of their minds, and the idea of making a Will is something many people say they must get done, but never get round to doing. The reason why I am writing this is because I also know someone who recently died here and who lost much of their assets in Thailand due to incompetence of authorities and corruption. So I cannot emphasise more the need for elderly expats, even young ones, not to procrastinate and make provisions for their deaths. Make a Will. Find good lawyer - not a fake one in Pattaya. Make enquires to find this information and get it done. Don't put it off. If you don't want to leave all your assets to a Thai then leave it to a good friend in Thailand - it is very difficult for people back home - because they dont have the time or knowlede of this place, and this is where many of the problems lie, and the authorities know it. People come over and are completely dissorientated. They may have never been here before and may only have a week or two to sort things out, and thats without any knowledge of the place. Its a disaster before they even start. So first, make a Will, and in doing so strongly consider who you want to leave things to - either a Thai, a freind, or send assets back before you die. Sinbad.

[astral]

Wherever you live you should have a Will.

You also need someone you can trust to act as you executor and make sure your wishes are followed

Whether you need a Will in Thailand depends on what assets you have here.

For example a Will made in the UK, will need to be probated in the UK, but is then acceptable to the authorities here in Thailand.

I expect this is true of other European countries and also the USA.

If all your assets are in Thailand then it is best to make a Will in the thai language, but make sure you know what you are signing.

If you look in the Pattaya forum you will will find names of lawyers that people recommend.

[Emuu]

Maybe even more important than a will, you need a Power of attorney. Problably and enduring one.

If events like a motor cycle accident or heart problems or a stroke or viagra overdose put you into a coma, who has the power to access your money to ensure you get proper medical attention and/or don't overstay your visa?

Or what if you break both arms and can't sign your correct signature for 3 months?

Without the proper arrangements, you could be well and truly screwed if or when you wake up.

Oh, and by the way, there are at least a few legit lawyers in Pattaya, just check with the Thai Law Society first.