Section 1382 — Adverse possession — ten years (immovable) / five years (movable)
Statutory text (Thai original)
บุคคลใดครอบครองทรัพย์สินของผู้อื่นไว้โดยความสงบและโดยเปิดเผยด้วยเจตนาเป็นเจ้าของ ถ้าเป็นอสังหาริมทรัพย์ได้ครอบครองติดต่อกันเป็นเวลาสิบปี ถ้าเป็นสังหาริมทรัพย์ได้ครอบครองติดต่อกันเป็นเวลาห้าปีไซร้ ท่านว่าบุคคลนั้นได้กรรมสิทธิ์
Verbatim from the Royal Gazette / Office of the Council of State
English translation
A person who, peacefully and openly, possesses the property of another with the intention of being its owner acquires ownership of such property when he has been continuously in possession for a period of ten years if the property is immovable, or five years if it is movable.
This English translation is provided for reference only and has not yet been firm-verified — always rely on the Thai original.
Firm annotation
Three elements must be proved cumulatively: (1) peaceful possession — no force, no concealment, no permission from the owner; (2) open possession — visible to a reasonable owner exercising diligence; and (3) intention to own (animus domini) — possessor must hold the property as their own, not as tenant, caretaker, or licensee. The 10-year clock is broken by the registered owner's express objection, by litigation, or by acknowledgement (§1377). Note: adverse possession does not run against state land or land held under Sor Por Kor 4-01 or other restricted title.
Supreme Court decisions interpreting this section
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