Does Anyone Know For Sure........

[PostmanPat]

what happens if a Foreigner dies intestate ( no will or instruction ) in Thailand, has no partner here, or next of kin, but has bank accounts here with money in? Is the money lost to the bank or government? Any help greatly appreciated.

[Beetlejuice]

Under Thai law, when a deceased (Foreigner or Thai) has no statutory heirs and no will, the estate of the departed person will be possessed by the State, after any debts owed obligations have been met to the satisfaction of creditors.

I believe (not100% certain) that any next of kin has 12 months from date of death, to lay claim to assets and monies left by the deceased and would be required to hire the services of a Thai lawyer to state their case in the civil Thai court and claim they’re rights as beneficiaries of the said estate based in Thailand.

[Dancealot]

Very original question!

Very unlikely situation stated but it is plausible.

I suppose if you have a lot of liquids on the bank or assets you make sure when you die it is properly protected.

But a lot of people who die(commit suicide) don't have 1 satang left on the bank in Thailand, so why bother with that.

Just a thought ;-)

[PostmanPat]

Very original question!

Very unlikely situation stated but it is plausible.

I suppose if you have a lot of liquids on the bank or assets you make sure when you die it is properly protected.

But a lot of people who die(commit suicide) don't have 1 satang left on the bank in Thailand, so why bother with that.

Just a thought ;-)

This is an actual situation, single guy, fiercely independent, no will, no GF or wife here, wont listen to advice from friends about drawing up a will, but we know he has quite a bit in the bank.

[besth]

Legal heirs, even from your friend's home country, could initiate a process to claim his estate in Thailand. If that isn't contested, it could be more or less costly/long but they should succeed ("should" as nothing is ever 100% sure here).

They should know what they are going after. A list of bank accounts. Any properties, valuables, etc. If they just went for a probe to try to find out what your friend had it is very unlikely that they would be able to do it (or that it would be worth it for them at the end of the process).

As Beetlejuice said above, if no heirs at all, the Thai State will eventually own everything. Not a question that OP has asked and from the message it seems clear it is in your mind already but, wouldn't your friend rather make a will in favor of some charity (or a random person) rather than that?

[payak]

will it bother you you when your dead

[Beetlejuice]

Ex-pats living in Thailand, if they have assets, should make a will, regardless of they’re situation, and place either a reputable lawyer or trusted friend as an executor of the will and estate.

The making of a will in Thailand is not necessarily cheap, about 10000 baht, but it`s worth the cost for peace of mind.

Also keeping in mind, that an ex-pat can only leave what he is legally entitled to own under Thai law. In the cases of real estate and business ownerships, it would be wise to put your financial and ownership affairs in order prior to the making of a will, to save any future problems in the event of death.

[RabC]

Ex-pats living in Thailand, if they have assets, should make a will, regardless of they’re situation, and place either a reputable lawyer or trusted friend as an executor of the will and estate.

The making of a will in Thailand is not necessarily cheap, about 10000 baht, but it`s worth the cost for peace of mind.

Also keeping in mind, that an ex-pat can only leave what he is legally entitled to own under Thai law. In the cases of real estate and business ownerships, it would be wise to put your financial and ownership affairs in order prior to the making of a will, to save any future problems in the event of death.

Not wanting to argue but making a valid will in Thailand isnt that expensive at all if you cut out the money grabbing lawyers. See the sticky thread in the Pattaya forum about registering a will at the local Amphur. http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/447336-will-advice/#entry4251030

[Dancealot]

Ex-pats living in Thailand, if they have assets, should make a will, regardless of they’re situation, and place either a reputable lawyer or trusted friend as an executor of the will and estate.

The making of a will in Thailand is not necessarily cheap, about 10000 baht, but it`s worth the cost for peace of mind.

Also keeping in mind, that an ex-pat can only leave what he is legally entitled to own under Thai law. In the cases of real estate and business ownerships, it would be wise to put your financial and ownership affairs in order prior to the making of a will, to save any future problems in the event of death.

Not wanting to argue but making a valid will in Thailand isnt that expensive at all if you cut out the money grabbing lawyers. See the sticky thread in the Pattaya forum about registering a will at the local Amphur. http://www.thaivisa....e/#entry4251030

Coming from RabCNessbit?

[Beetlejuice]

Ex-pats living in Thailand, if they have assets, should make a will, regardless of they’re situation, and place either a reputable lawyer or trusted friend as an executor of the will and estate.

The making of a will in Thailand is not necessarily cheap, about 10000 baht, but it`s worth the cost for peace of mind.

Also keeping in mind, that an ex-pat can only leave what he is legally entitled to own under Thai law. In the cases of real estate and business ownerships, it would be wise to put your financial and ownership affairs in order prior to the making of a will, to save any future problems in the event of death.

Not wanting to argue but making a valid will in Thailand isnt that expensive at all if you cut out the money grabbing lawyers. See the sticky thread in the Pattaya forum about registering a will at the local Amphur. http://www.thaivisa....e/#entry4251030

Yes, another good point.

There are probably other options, but this is Thailand and I prefer to be safe than sorry.

It`s up to each persons preferences and making a will using any methods is better than not making a will at all.

Something I told an elderly relative some years ago. If you are getting old or are elderly, and have a few bob, spend it, enjoy your life and begrudge yourself nothing if you have the money.

My elderly relative died age 94, scrimped and saved all his life and as mean as hell. Wouldn’t pee in your mouth if dying of thirst in the desert, one of those types, including not spending his money on himself. And after his death it became a winner gets all from his children and close family. There were legal suits filed, stealing of money and so on. In the end all the children fell out, with most of the estate mysterious disappearing being taken by the grasping hands of close family and other relatives.

1/3 Steptoe & Son...Oh, What A Beautiful Mourning

[mogandave]

If he has a bank account would he not list a beneficiary? Actually, I think a beneficiary has to be listed, and in the event of the account owners death, the account will become the property of the beneficiary, regardless of any will that may be in existence.

[JimGant]

If he has a bank account would he not list a beneficiary? Actually, I think a beneficiary has to be listed, and in the event of the account owners death, the account will become the property of the beneficiary, regardless of any will that may be in existence.

No provision in Thailand for listing a beneficiary to one's bank account, i.e., no "pay on death" (Totten Trust) option for your bank account.

So, having a Will listed at the Amphur seems to be the next best option (per the above sticky link in the Pattaya forum).

Another related link on Amphur Wills here:

http://www.thaivisa....13-amphur-will/