Reviewed by ThaiLawOnline, a licensed Thai law firm practising in Thailand since 2006. Thai lawyer of record: Wichuda Atthamethakon, LL.M., Thai Bar Licence 3149/2556.
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A short video from ThaiLawOnline on the living will in Thailand. Below the video you will find the key points in writing, common questions and a link to our full guide.
Table of Contents
Key points
- Under Section 12 of the National Health Act B.E. 2550 (2007), you can state in advance that you refuse treatment which only prolongs dying, or which aims to end severe suffering from illness.
- A living will speaks while you are alive; a last will speaks after death. They are separate documents.
- It allows passive euthanasia (withholding or withdrawing treatment), not active euthanasia, which remains illegal in Thailand.
- Give a copy to your hospital, your family and your doctor: major private hospitals accept advance directives.
- A bilingual Thai and English document avoids confusion at a Thai hospital.
These points summarise the law as set out in our full guide, Living Will in Thailand, which is reviewed regularly. The video gives an overview; the written guide is the up to date reference.
About this video
| Title | Living Will in Thailand |
| Channel | ThaiLawOnline on YouTube |
| Language | English |
| Published | 27 September 2023 |
| Watch on YouTube | youtube.com/watch?v=7F0Wicjqcjs |
| Full written guide | Living Will in Thailand |
Frequently asked questions
Is a living will legally binding in Thailand?
Yes. Section 12 of the National Health Act B.E. 2550 gives legal effect to a written refusal of treatment that only prolongs dying in a terminal stage, or that aims to end severe suffering.
Can a foreigner make a living will in Thailand?
Yes. Foreigners living in or visiting Thailand can make one. A bilingual Thai and English version is the practical choice for Thai hospitals.
How much does a living will cost?
ThaiLawOnline drafts a bilingual living will for 1,900 THB. You can also build one yourself with our online maker and pay 590 THB to download it with signing instructions.
Get help from ThaiLawOnline
We prepare a bilingual living will for 1,900 THB, or you can build your own with the online living will maker (590 THB to download). The full guide is at Living Will in Thailand.
ThaiLawOnline has advised foreigners in Thailand since 2006, entirely online, in English, French and Thai. Book a consultation or write to info@thailawonline.com.
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