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.
Last updated on
A short video from ThaiLawOnline on usufruct 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
- A usufruct gives you the right to possess, use and take the income of property owned by someone else (Sections 1417 to 1428 of the Civil and Commercial Code).
- It can be for life or for a fixed term; a fixed term cannot exceed 30 years, and the usufruct always ends on the death of the usufructuary (Section 1418).
- It must be registered at the Land Office to be effective against third parties.
- Foreigners often use it to secure a home on land bought in the name of a Thai spouse or partner.
- A usufruct cannot be passed on by inheritance.
These points summarise the law as set out in our full guide, Usufruct in Thailand, which is reviewed regularly. The video gives an overview; the written guide is the up to date reference.
About this video
| Title | Usufruct in Thailand: Comprehensive Guide for Foreigners |
| Channel | ThaiLawOnline on YouTube |
| Language | English |
| Watch on YouTube | youtube.com/watch?v=qY42meeQjJY |
| Full written guide | Usufruct in Thailand |
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner hold a usufruct in Thailand?
Yes. A usufruct over land or a house can be registered in favour of a foreigner at the Land Office.
What happens to a usufruct when the owner sells the land?
A registered usufruct binds the new owner: it stays on the title deed until it ends.
How much does a usufruct agreement cost?
A lawyer-drafted bilingual usufruct agreement is a fixed 3,900 THB, plus the Land Office registration costs.
Get help from ThaiLawOnline
We draft a bilingual usufruct agreement for a fixed 3,900 THB. The full guide, with the bilingual text of Sections 1417 to 1428, is Usufruct 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.
More ThaiLawOnline videos
- Last Will in Thailand
- Living Will in Thailand
- Divorce in Thailand
- Child Custody in Thailand
- Marriage in Thailand
- Property Due Diligence in Thailand
- Superficies in Thailand
- All videos
Thai Law Updates, free by email
Plain-English updates on Thai law changes that affect foreigners: property, visas, marriage, business and wills. One short email a month from a firm practicing since 2006. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.