A foreigner – under certain conditions – may own or invest in land without becoming a Thai resident or citizen.

If you are the main investor in a new export-orientated Board of Investment (BOI) approved company, your company may own land up to one (1) rai, or about 1,600 square meters (see 2.3.7 Board of Investment Applications).

It is possible to lease residential land in your name for 30 years with pre-paid options to renew the lease for two (2) additional 30-year periods. Normally an option to buy the land is included in case Thai ownership laws change. Under Thai law, you may own any structure (e.g. a house) built on land you have leased.

If the lease is for more than three (3) years, the lease must be made in writing and registered at the Land Office to be legally enforceable.

H. Toosi’s advice concerning long-term leasing in Thailand:

Before signing a long-term lease agreement, verify that the other party has the right to lease the property to you. In addition, once a long-term contract is completed, your lease agreement must be included in the land deed itself.

Foreigners can buy condominiums in their name provided Thai citizens own 51 per cent of the condominium project. To buy a condominium as a foreigner, you will need to transfer 100 per cent of the purchase price from overseas.

When bringing money into Thailand to purchase a condominium both your bank and the company selling the condominium unit will prepare the documentation needed to complete the transfer of funds.

H. Toosi’s advice concerning purchasing a condominium in Thailand:

When buying a condominium, verify that the selling party has the right to transfer ownership. Second, before buying, investigate the condominium's condition and the building administration's reputation.