I have a lady friend who is a Burmese citizen but with the legal right to reside in Thailand who maintains she owns a house in Chiang Mai. If this is indeed the case can other Asean country citizens with similar legal permissions to reside in Thailand also buy property?

Everyone can own property including you.

To own land you must be Thai.

Land Ownership: In general, non-Thai businesses and citizens are not permitted to own land in Thailand unless the land is on government-approved industrial estates. Under the 1999 amendment to the Land Code Act, foreigners who invest a minimum of 40 million Baht (approximately US$1.2 million) are permitted to buy up to 1,600 square meters of land for residential use with the permission of the Ministry of Interior. If the required land is not used as a residence within two years from the date of acquisition and registration, the Ministry has the power to dispose of the land.

http://thailand-business-news.com/real-estate/36475-thailand-property-pattaya-reforms-foreign-ownership

After 2015 the rule might change considerably for AEC citizen

The minister never has given permission to individuals to buy land worth at least 40 million.

The minister never has given permission to individuals to buy land worth at least 40 million.

''foreigners who invest a minimum of 40 million Baht (approximately US$1.2 million) are permitted to buy up to 1,600 square meters of land for residential use with the permission of the Ministry of Interior''....

Precisely. And since the Minister never gives his permission, as has been said, no foreigner ever can buy land under that clause.

Change may well come in 2015. when it is anticipated that,apart from many other changes, those from ASEAN countries can buy property/land in any of the other ASEAN member countries

http://www.asean.org...ANCommunity.pdf

Edited July 18, 201214 yr by Thailand

Thailand, on 18 Jul 2012 - 17:47, said:

Change may well come in 2015. when it is anticipated that,apart from many other changes, those from ASEAN countries can buy property/land in any of the other ASEAN member countries

http://www.asean.org...ANCommunity.pdf

Are you sure? Somehow I'm not sure the nationalistic Thais would want to sell land to Burmese, Vietnamese or cash upped Singaporeans.