Preparation of a Standard Will

Entrust the Drafting of Your Will to Opterra Legal

We offer a standard will drafting service in compliance with Thai law, which includes:

• A declaration of intent covering up to four assets (an additional fee of THB 1,000 applies for each additional asset);
• The full drafting and/or review of the will;
• The provision of one witness (Thai law requires two witnesses; an additional fee of THB 1,000 applies if we are required to provide the second witness);
• Drafting in one original language (English or Thai); a bilingual version is available for an additional fee of THB 3,000;
• A meeting of approximately one hour dedicated to the signing and formal execution of the will.

Legal Framework

Under Thai law, any person may arrange the distribution of their assets by means of a will and determine any other provisions permitted by law, which will take effect upon their death.

In the absence of a valid will, the estate will be distributed according to the statutory rules governing succession. Thai law recognizes six classes of heirs, who are entitled to inherit in the following order:

1. Descendants and the surviving spouse
2. Parents
3. Full siblings
4. Half-siblings
5. Grandparents
6. Uncles and aunts

Where no will exists, the administration of the estate may require a longer legal process before the courts, particularly if the court must appoint an administrator for the estate.

Other Forms of Wills

In addition to a standard will, Thai law provides for other forms of testamentary documents, including:

• An official will: prepared and registered at the district office, where its content is recorded by a public officer.
• A secret will: also registered with the district office, but submitted in a sealed envelope to the public officer.

Our firm can also assist you with the preparation of these specific forms of wills

Information and Documents Required

To prepare a standard will, the following information and documents are required:

1. Passport and identification number of the testator;
2. A detailed list of assets together with supporting documents (land title deed, bank statements, vehicle registration, etc.);
3. Clear instructions regarding the distribution of the assets among the heirs, including the full name and local identification document of each beneficiary;
4. The name of the executor of the will;
5. The number of copies required and the identity of the persons who should receive them;
6. The name of the witness or witnesses if they are provided by the testator (a witness cannot be a beneficiary or receive assets under the will);
7. Any additional relevant information;
8. The proposed date for the signing.

For any further information or to arrange an appointment, our team remains at your disposal.

The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. You should seek professional advice for your specific situation.