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 making a last will in Thailand. Below the video you will find the key rules in writing, answers to common questions and a link to our full guide.
Table of Contents
Key points
- A foreigner can make a valid will in Thailand covering assets in Thailand. Capacity to make it is governed by the testator’s national law, and the will may follow the form of either that law or Thai law (Conflict of Laws Act sections 39 and 40).
- The usual form is a written will, dated and signed by the testator in front of two witnesses who also sign (Section 1656 of the Civil and Commercial Code).
- The person who writes the will, a witness, and the spouse of either cannot take under it (Section 1653).
- Without a will, Thai law shares the estate among statutory heirs in a fixed order (Section 1629), which may not match your wishes.
- A Thai will for Thai assets usually spares your family a long cross-border probate.
These points summarise the law as set out in our full guide, Last 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 | Last Will in Thailand |
| Channel | ThaiLawOnline on YouTube |
| Language | English |
| Watch on YouTube | youtube.com/watch?v=Ld5boA28GnE |
| Full written guide | Last Will in Thailand |
Last reviewed: 30 September 2026. Checked against the Thai text of Civil and Commercial Code sections 1629, 1653 and 1656 and Conflict of Laws Act B.E. 2481 sections 39 and 40. Added that capacity to make a will follows the testator’s national law and that the bar in section 1653 also covers the person who writes the will. The video itself was not re-watched for this review; the written points above govern.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner make a will in Thailand?
Yes. A foreigner can make a will in Thailand, usually a written will signed before two witnesses under Section 1656 of the Civil and Commercial Code. It is normally limited to assets in Thailand. Whether you have capacity to make it is decided by the law of your nationality (Conflict of Laws Act section 39).
Does a Thai will have to be in Thai?
No. A will can be written in another language, but a bilingual Thai and English will avoids translation delays at the bank, the Land Office or the court.
How much does a last will cost at ThaiLawOnline?
A lawyer-drafted bilingual Thai will is a fixed 3,900 THB. You can also start from our free bilingual will template.
Get help from ThaiLawOnline
Our lawyers prepare a bilingual Thai and English last will for a fixed 3,900 THB, entirely online. See Last Will in Thailand for the full guide, the five forms of will and the signing guide, or start from the free bilingual will template.
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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