Thailand - FAQ's

Can foreign nationals own property in Thailand?

Yes, you can own freehold property and there is a recognized process that is not too complicated. The property will be owned by a Thai limited company of which a foreign national can only own 39% with the other 61% being held by six Thai shareholders. On the day of company registration, the six Thai shareholders sign their share transfer forms, which are all blank and undated, and all proxy voting forms are signed and handed over.

This process is performed by reputable accountants and solicitors. The cost of setting up a company is approximately 25,000 Baht (£360). The only other company fee is 15,000 Baht (£215) a year.

However, the hassle-free way to own a property in your own name is to buy into a condominium development where Thai nationals own the majority of the units.

Why should I choose Thailand?

The conditions for investment in the property in Thailand have never been better and the relatively undiscovered nature of Thailand as a property investment destination has kept prices low. Today market growth stands at around 10-15% indicating a healthy investment climate.

Thailand has recently attracted significant foreign investment and has become one of the Asian economic leaders. It is a regional base from which many companies keep their employees working all around Asia.

Property is much cheaper in Thailand than elsewhere and an increase in overseas interest in property purchase has helped to create an economic recovery in Thailand.

An exotic destination with beautiful mountains, dense forests and stunning beaches, Thailand is an established and sophisticated tourist destination with great universal appeal. Thailand is one of the cheapest places to fly to in Asia. The completion of the Suvarnabhumi-Bangkok International Airport (SBIA) is expected to spur growth in commercial property markets in eastern Bangkok as well as make Thailand even more accessible by air.

Thailand has good schools, an efficient health care system and it is seen as a friendly country in which to live or visit.

What is the economic and political situation?

Thailand’s economy is continuously undergoing reforms, giving it a promising future in terms of economic growth (GDP 5.7 in 2005) and this directly translates to the property market.

Today, the Thai Prime Minister, Dr Thaksin Shinawatra, and his government see foreign investment as a great asset while the dropping of certain financial requirements now makes investment in Thailand an easier option than ever before.

After a series of coups after World War II, and mass protests forcing the military-backed government to resign, the country has enjoyed full political stability since 1992. Thailand is the only South East Asian country not to have been colonised by a foreign powers in the past.

Today, the Thai Prime Minister, Dr Thaksin Shinawatra, and his government see foreign investment as great asset while the dropping of certain financial requirements now make investment in Thailand an easier option than ever before.

How do we travel to Thailand?

Thailand has three international airports; Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket.

Heathrow – Bangkok: Thai Airways International currently flies twice daily.
Other airlines going to Bangkok include Eva Air, British Airways, Qantas, Phuket Air and Emirates

A new international airport is opening in Pattaya, with flights at around £500 return from the UK.

Bangkok is building the new Suvarnabhumi Airport, expected to open by early 2007.