Buying Land In Thailand.

[coalminer]

I have been reading this forum and other forums about buying land in Thailand and the longer I read, the more confused I get.

Especialy when I read the remarks of the Governor of Land Department of Phuket a few days ago, stating that if a Thai "woman" has baught land with the money of a fahrang (gift, loan, or whatever), the land will be confiscated.

I have put the word "Thai wife" between brackets, because in all forums there are some threads about this law, but they always talk about a "Thai wife" and not a "Thai Citizen" (son or daughter).

I was going to let my child buy some land as soon as my child would be able to sign (basic requirement), but with all this confusion I have to put my plans on a hold.

Sure, there exist "easy" ways to circumvent the laws (eg. my child would have got the land from another family member for her birthday).

But at the end, if I need to use such things to circumvent the law, it was unlawful from the beginning and if some high-ranked official get another crazy idea, my child would risk to lose the land she had received.

I know very well that there will be as many replies as Thaivisa has members about "how to circumvent the law" or not to buy land for my child in the first place, but that is not the point.

The point is: can anybody here give me answers according what is written in the Thai Law and the Paragraphs.

1. According to what many members wrote, a law has existed that would not allow a Thai "woman" (= Thai national?) to posses land.

Is this law still marked in the Thai Law books or is it annihilated?

Can this law be enforced?

2. Is it possible for a fahrang to buy land for his wife and/or children?

Even when the fahrang signs a paper that he renounces totaly all his rights on that land?

[Pierrot]

1/ According to my knowledge, no law forbid a Thai citizen from buying or owning land as long as he (she) doesn't act on behalf of a foreigner.

2/ It's not possible for a foreigner to buy land for any purpose whatsoever. What should be possible is to give (gift) the money to your relatives (wife, children ...) and they buy the land for themselves.

I don't think there is any law preventing a foreigner to give money to a Thai citizen, but I'm afraid it should be clear that he won't never see it back

Edited June 2, 2009 by Pierrot

[jackdanielsesq]

I concur, Counsel - mostly the traffic is confusing.

Personally, I would approach a good local attorney and get the straight scoop.

Dont touch realtors/agents/snakeoil salesmen.

I would also visit with the local Government - make sure you understand the law.

The Internet is your friend - prepare to do a lot of reading.

Law is 99% logic - our twisted interpretation is what does us in.

I do know that family trusts are good for the type of situation you envisage - it has been going on for eons.

Mostly in any arbitration, the English language is the default. Of course, that might change before the ink dries.

Look at the minor, gift, inheritance, tax angles carefully.

The Feds will look into the original 'reason' or motive.

Softlee, softlee, catchee monkeee - you are already on the right track

BR>Jack