Can Foreigners Own Land in Thailand?

What are the Thailand real estate hunter'sregistered owner is the foreigner who also owns
options? Are there legal mechanisms that maythe majority of the voting rights.
allow foreigners to secure guaranteed andOption 5:
uninterrupted access to the land and use of the30 Year lease with option to extend the lease.
land for his lifetime?This is probably the preferred method for most
Option 1:foreigners. The foreigner buys the land in a Thai
1 Rai of land - 40 million Baht in Thailand.citizen and leases it back from the Thai citizen for
A foreigner may be allowed to own up to 1 Rai30 years with option to renew. Many foreigners
of land in his/her name if he/she brings 40 millionchoose this option with their Thai spouse.
Baht into the country. Conditions apply.Which is the best option for you?
Option 2:You will be best advised to consult a law office in
Long-term lease from current owner.Thailand. Legal fees are a fraction of the cost in
This option is also known as 'never ending' leasemost western countries but in the long run will
option by the owner. The lease agreement willsave you money and minimize your investment
specify negotiated balloon payments at 1, 3 or 5risk.
years intervals. This may be a good option if theIn tourist areas you will have no problem finding
leasee does not want to commit a large amountlaw firms with experience and a good reputation.
of money up front.If you are moving to a rural area you may have
Option 3:a more difficult time to find a law firm but you
Other land owner ship and right of use methods.can still work with a larger company from
This is a right to enjoy and use advantages andPattaya, Bangkok or other areas.
benefits of property belonging to another entityThe research and finding the right law firm to do
as long as the property is not altered orbusiness is may be one of the most important
damaged.tasks. Legal fees are inexpensive compared to
Option 4:many western countries. A land deal may cost
Creation of a majority owned company.around 15- 30,000 Baht but this investment is
This method may be more of an expensive andnecessary and may save you a lot of trouble and
fairly complicated one. The foreigner owns 49%money in the long run.
of shares and Thais own 51% of shares. The