How to Make a Will in Thailand 2026

Short answer: to make a will in Thailand you list your Thai assets, choose a legally recognised will form, name your beneficiaries and an executor, then sign the written will in front of two qualified witnesses at the same time. Done properly, the whole process usually takes only a few working days. This guide explains each step for Thai nationals and for foreigners who own property or money in Thailand.

Is a Will Made in Thailand Legally Valid?

Yes. Wills are governed by Book VI (Succession) of the Thai Civil and Commercial Code. A will is valid as long as it follows one of the forms set out in the Code and the person making it (the testator) is at least 15 years old and of sound mind. Thai law does not have "forced heirship", so you are free to decide who receives your assets — but if the form is wrong, the will can be declared void and your estate will pass to statutory heirs instead.

Step 1: List Your Assets in Thailand

Start with a complete inventory. Your will should identify each asset clearly enough that a court, bank or land office cannot misunderstand it:

Condominium units – project name, unit number and title deed number
Land and houses – Chanote (title deed) number and location
Bank accounts – bank, branch and account number
Vehicles, company shares, investments and valuable personal items

If you are married, remember that marital property (Sin Somros) is shared: you can only leave your own half by will.

Step 2: Choose the Right Type of Will

Thai law recognises several will forms. The two most practical are the ordinary written will and the public document will made at a district office.

Type of will	Legal basis	How it is made
Ordinary written will	Section 1656	Written (typed is fine), dated and signed in front of two witnesses present at the same time
Holographic (handwritten) will	Section 1657	Entirely handwritten, dated and signed by the testator; no witnesses required
Public document will	Section 1658	Declared to a district officer (Amphoe) in front of two witnesses
Secret will	Section 1660	Sealed document lodged with a district officer
Oral will	Section 1663	Only in emergencies such as imminent danger of death

For most people — and especially expats — a lawyer-drafted ordinary written will in Thai and English is the best balance of speed, cost and certainty. Learn more in our article on the types of wills under Thai law.

Step 3: Choose Beneficiaries and an Executor

Name each beneficiary with their full name and ID or passport number, and state exactly what each person receives. Always add a residuary clause that says who receives anything not specifically mentioned, so no asset is left to intestacy.

Then appoint an executor (estate administrator). The executor must be an adult who is not bankrupt or legally incompetent. Choose someone who lives in Thailand or can easily act here, and name a backup. Read more about the role of an estate executor in Thailand.

Step 4: Draft the Will

A well-drafted Thai will normally includes:

Your full identity details and a statement that you are of sound mind
A clause revoking earlier wills (or limiting the will to Thai assets if you also have a will abroad)
Specific gifts of each asset, plus the residuary clause
Appointment of the executor and an alternate
Wishes about funeral arrangements, if any

For foreigners we prepare the will side by side in Thai and English so that Thai courts and officials can use it directly. See our complete guide to last wills for foreigners in Thailand.

Step 5: Sign in Front of Two Witnesses

For an ordinary will you must sign in front of two witnesses who are present at the same time, and they sign immediately as witnesses. Witnesses must be adults of sound mind. Most importantly, a beneficiary or the spouse of a beneficiary must never act as a witness – under Section 1653 they would lose their gift. Our firm provides qualified independent witnesses.

Step 6: Store the Will Safely

Keep the original in a safe place and tell your executor where it is. You may also lodge or register the will with a district office for extra security. Review the will after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or buying or selling property.

How Long Does It Take?

Once your documents are ready, drafting, review and signing usually take 2–5 working days. Urgent cases (for example, before surgery or travel) can often be handled faster. More detail: how long it takes to make a will in Thailand.

How Much Does a Will Cost in Thailand?

Our fixed-fee will drafting starts at ฿10,000, including two witnesses and a legal compliance check. Complex estates receive a written quote in advance. See the full will lawyer cost guide for Thailand.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using a beneficiary as a witness
Vague asset descriptions (“my condo” without a unit or title deed number)
Leaving out a residuary clause
A home-country will that accidentally revokes your Thai will – or the reverse
Never updating the will after marriage, divorce or selling property

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I write my own will in Thailand?

Yes, but self-made wills are the most common cause of disputes and void wills. A lawyer checks the form, the witnesses and the wording so the will survives a court petition.

Does a Thai will need to be notarised?

No. Thailand does not require notarisation. Validity depends on following the correct form, such as signing in front of two witnesses.

Can I change my will later?

Yes. You can make a new will that revokes the old one at any time while you have mental capacity.

Need help? Book a free consultation with our Thailand will lawyer team by WhatsApp on +66 80-500-2222 or email [email protected].