Can a foreigner married to a Thai citizen buy a house in joint names?

Oct 14, 2024
2 months ago
Paul ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello, I'm a flang married to a Thai lady and we want to buy a house, can it be in joint names? (I'm on a retirement visa)

Thanks very much
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The general consensus among expats is that foreigners cannot legally own a house in Thailand in joint names with a Thai spouse. While foreigners can own condos, houses must be placed in the Thai spouse's name. Several commenters advised exploring Usufruct agreements or long-term leases as alternatives to secure living arrangements. Many warned against the risks of property ownership due to potential legal challenges, especially in the event of divorce or relationship breakdowns.
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Patsy *******
Chips with that?

Salt & flang!.
Ste *******
What's a flang?
Paul ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ste ******
a foreigner
Ste *******
@Paul **************
Its a Farang! Not Flang lol. And not just a foreigner. It's a white western foreigner. Trust me they do not call Indians a Farang! šŸ˜…
Ninos *************
Don't buy anything as is not not going to be yours and soon you buy the house,good bye is round the corner. I have been there and know many others too.
Allen ******
If you cannot trust your partner, why are you in a relationship. I bought a house, I know the risks.
Ross **********
It will be her house forever . Just be prepared to lose it . Donā€™t buy an expensive house
Jeff *******
@Ross *********
Why comment when you don't know? I own my house(s) and they are MINE 'forever'
Ross **********
Nick *******
What the hell is a Flang?
Paul ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nick ******
a foreigner
Nick *******
@Paul **************
no it's Falang
Gordon *******
@Nick ******
Correct
Greg ***********
if in the countryside, forget all ownerships, pre-nups, leases and all that crap. Buy her the house and pay. If you can't afford to lose what you spent in Thailand, you are in the wrong place. If you relationship turns sour, you don't want to stay living there anyways, because if you divorce in quarrel, she will make your life hell, no matter what she and you signed
Gordon *******
@Greg **********
Best advice yet on this post.If she wants you out of the house she'll continue Police who will remove you.

Everything is against you
Tim ********
Get legal advice, you can own property in your name and lease the land for 30 years.
Samuel ********
Easy solution: go and buy a free hold condo in your name.

Iā€™m of the opinion why buy into a system which doesnā€™t afford you fair and reciprocal treatment like your home country offers.
Nongnuch ********
don't complicate it. Let her buy the house in her name. In case of a a dispute, you would no want to live in a house surrounded by people who are fond of your ex-lady
Divya **********
Unpopular opinion, but I would say do not be afraid to buy a house. As long as you're buying the house to live in it (and not purely for investment and price speculation), you can go ahead and buy a house in Thailand. However, you do need to understand the Thai laws and seek a lawyer to advice you on how to protect your rights legally.

In the event of divorce, you're legally entitled to 50% of the property, i.e, your ex-wife can't just evict you of your property (as long as you have the right visa to stay in Thailand, your marriage visa expires as soon as you get a divorce). You both have the option to either sell the property and divide the proceedings
*****
. But the issue arises when one of the partner (usually the Thai wife and her relatives) doesn't want to sell the house. Hence, you need a Usufruct Contract and a pre-nup agreement. Talk to your lawyer and have an agreement drafted where you both agree to sell the house upon divorce and also what happens to the property (and to the personal assets) in the event where one of the partner dies, i.e, what'll happen if your wife dies and what'll happen if you die.

Don't leave anything unto luck. Every scenario needs to be considered and taken into account and an agreement needs to be drafted and legalised. Believe it or not, more often than not it'll be your wife's family and relative that'll try screwing you up.
Jeff *******
Yes of course, It can be in your name only as well if you prefer
Craig ********
Simple question NO
Jeff *******
@Craig *******
It can, why comment if you don't know?
Craig ********
@Jeff ******
been here many years own business here and my understanding is a foreigner can't own the land in his or her name the actual house yes with a company set up yes but the company can't be set up just to buy a house and land as it's not legal
Jeff *******
You can own the house without any 'company' involvement - I think your land/house wires are getting crossed tbh. I've always owned my houses alone (yellow book), with the land owned by the wife, with a land office issued usufruct as a guarantee to use that land. There is some debate as to whether that gets cancelled in a divorce but the natural thing then would be to sell up anyway.
Michael *********
@Craig *******
Incorrect sir. My Thai wife & I own a house, she is 51% owner, I am 49%. You just need to prove marriage & there is no problem.
Craig ********
@Michael ********
Through a company
Xjwhudkwhry ********
yeah, you certainly sound like a flang...
Frank-Steven ***********
If you really want to go down this road, forget about illegal constructs of nominees and companies. What you could do is boy the land in her name. Then lease the land back for 30 days from her in your name (maximum amount of time legally guaranteed), then build a house on it in your name. Depending on how old you are - that should be good enough.
Frank *********
My advice on being married to a thai lady and considering buying land or house?

Only invest what you could afford to loseā€¦

I try to not say in a bad way but relationships are not guaranteed to last forever

And land will be in her nameā€¦

Yes can get lawyers to draft certain papers saying itā€™s agreed to be ā€œ joint ā€œ

But if it does go south?

It will still be a pain in the ballsā€¦

Better to just cut your losses and move on

I have seen it happen to many farang friendsā€¦

Is why I wonā€™t do it

I feel little safer investing in condos

Because then your guaranteed to at least get little something back if trouble ever arisesā€¦

Best of luck tho šŸ™
David ********
@Frank ********
that's not true. If you want to be a stupid farang go ahead. But you should know your legal rights in Thailand. The problem is farang listen to the lady and her family which is wrong. Village marriage is not legally binding so you have no claim. Cars motorcycle should be in your name,keep receipts and bank statements only pay using bank transfers for any buildings or renovation even if you pay for land. But marry in registry first. That's gives you legal rights and take her to court. The judge will look at your evidence. Get a yellow book with you house address and a pink Thai id card with you house address. All proof you live there and have paid significant costs. Problem is stupid farang just walk away and it sets a precedent all Thais think that's what farang do but it stuffs it up for others. Know your rights and don't commit to anything if you are not legally protected. Minimum is unfastruct for 99 years that gives you rights until you die. You can even rent out the house then and rent comes to you she cannot remove you.
Frank *********
@David *******
I guessā€¦

But a farang canā€™t own land here

And putting everything thing you can in your name after marry and not including the woman usual goes over like a fart in church with most Thai lady 555

Is all I know my friendā€¦

And gets the whole Thai family and there friends gossiping about how much of a paranoid and cheap farang you are as well

You may no hear it if you canā€™t speak Thai but it 1000% happens

Because Iā€™ve personally heard it before
David ********
@Frank ********
mate there are so many Thai ladies here easy to sort them out if you stick to your guns. If she doesn't agree to your terms move on dot come. If it starts with drama and costing you all the time with nothing from their side except pussy how do you think it's going to end. Why do you think there are so many horror stories because it is not her fault it's the stupid farang for getting in that situation.
Frank *********
@David *******
I thought I gave him solid advice..

That would cost him the least stress and headaches

And everything I said I have personally seen and heard beforeā€¦

More than a few times

Thereā€™s a million ways to skin a catā€¦

But are they all worth it mentally?

Probably not my friend.. šŸ™

Just try help out my fellow bakseeda or farang

Or whatever you want call us
David ********
@Frank ********
keep it real mate. " Only invest what you can afford to lose" why lose when you marry in western country men get screwed. Why do it here if you don't have to. Hold on to your money mate. 10,000 bht is 10 ladies a night @ one a night do the maths why invest in someone who who gets millions of baht for nothing šŸ¤£šŸ¤£šŸ¤£
Frank *********
@David *******
Variety is the spice of lifeā€¦

Girlfriends and condos will be cheaper for many of us in the longhaul

But to each their own šŸ¤£šŸ¤£
Frank *********
@David *******
But wives and houses work out for a few of the luckiest ones

But they are definitely the minority in my experience.. šŸ¤£
David ********
@Frank ********
depends what you call lucky. He is probably paying her a monthly salary to be the doting wife. But once she has the house car motorbike business and money in the bank oh also full wardrobe and kit of make up she is counting the days you are 6 foot under
Frank *********
@David *******
Exactly..

Or heā€™s paying for her cousins cousins cousin to go to
****
everyday
Frank *********
@David *******
Or..

When you read the comments and 90% sayā€¦

ā€œRun itā€™s a trapā€

Should tell you all you need know about how it ends for most šŸ¤£šŸ¤£
David ********
If you marry a Thai in a registry office not a village wedding you are entitled to 50% of the value of the property that includes land and house. Most farangs don't know or pursue the legal route after break up because they don't know the law or are convinced by the Thai woman that they have no claim. Also don't move out of the house if you split you have the right ti stay there. Keep all the receipts to prove it was your money to build or renovate. If you break up get a lawyer you will get a happy ending she will not have a leg to stand on
Sven ********
@David *******
yes, she will need to buy him out for 50% of the value of the house and land when divorce.
Himanshu *****************
I'd prefer to start as a tenant, testing the waters with my partner before investing in a property together. Given my financial capabilities, I'm cautious about entrusting full authority to someone else, especially after witnessing numerous expats suffer financial losses in similar situations.
Robert ***********************
The house can be owned jointly, but not the ground it stands on. Have it in her name and make sure you have a usufruct in the documents that grants you the right to lease for 30 years if you run into a scenario in which your wife dies before you. Forget about all the people here screaming you will loose it all as they are only reflecting on their own lack of social skills and in any case (and country) life is a gamble
Gordon *******
Use your brain you will lose it all
Jeff *******
@Gordon ******
Get back to your Leo mate
Mark **********
Farang not flang, though you might be one of those as well......šŸ˜‰
Sasi ************
Thai law prohibited foreigners to own a land ; with an exemption of the most recent regulations which allowable on certain conditions and requirements like 40 million THB, long term governmentā€™s bonds (must be qualified), at least 5 years or longer terms, so on and so forth.

A house is failed under the same as land , so no you canā€™t have a joint property.

Many mentioned Usufruch agreements, thatā€™s your best bet.
Gary **********
Don't do it ....that's the best advice ...
Nate ******
Go to an attorney she owns the land. You can have a 99 year lease on the house. It will protect you generally speaking if you get it done correctly. ļæ¼
Max **********
You canā€™t own land but can lease house on land for 30 years. The lease has to be registered with lands department to be legal. For 30 years you live in the house as normal owner. Usufruct lease is the most secure option.
Dalene ************
You are taking a huge risk!!!
Trevor *************
The fact you say 'Frang' is telling me you are so green that you are about to fall into a trap.
Gordon *******
Tom ********
Yes you can buy a house and lease the land from your Thai Wife for a nominal fee, Get yourself a good Lawyer and make sure you are well covered in the event anything should happen to her, ie the Family can not sell or mortgage the land and must continue to give you full use of it as per lease contract.
Ian *********
rent a house and make sure the lease is in your name , and you wont have any issues .dont buy something u cant own !!!. i rent . i have heard of guys buying it in the wifes name but getting a proper solicitor to set up a 30 yr lease to your name only .to get round issues . but still better to rent in your own name .
Lawrence *******
Hi Garry. Been here since 2005. I have 2 houses with my girlfriend of 10.5 years and I am well-versed in the ins and outs of purchasing/building homes as well as owning a business together.

It is true....all that glitters is not gold, but occasionally one finds a gem in the rough. My wife has a great family including 3 lovely sisters and a no nonsense brother and pragmatic father.

But, that being said, thanks for your concern for all of us on this site. Have a great day. Thanks for your well wishes. Hope everything stays spectacular for you and your beautiful wife.
Nick *******
@Lawrence ******
he is asking a question, not wanting your so called perfect lifestyle
Lawrence *******
@Nick ******
Never said it was perfect. There is a learning curve with everything in life. That being said, I adressed my remarks to Garry . Garry is perfectly capable of speaking for himself. As for you...FY and FO. Sorry you are living such a miserable life.
Garry ********
You should familiarise yourself with how things work in thailand, before you dig a big hole for yourself, I would strongly suggest renting for a year or so,and learn what you are and aren't entitled to, before committing your hard earned money to anything, and that the marriage is going to work. Im not being negative, It's just friendly advise, I hope it all goes well for you.
Peter *****************
Don't cause you never know tomorrow.
Rod ********
Farang
Gordon *******
@Rod *******
Falang for Thai people (can't pronounce the R)
Steve *******
You can own a portion of the house but not the land.

Thereā€™s a rare (expensive ) loophole for Americans but itā€™s very expensive.
Ivan *********
Watch her
Ivan *********
Just rent if I were you .
Jon ********
Do not do it. Same for a carā€¦.. if itā€™s not in your name you have no rights and can lose it all.
Michael ********
Ok got two basic choices. Forget company route if they crack down on that you could lose everything.

You can get Usufruct agreement with your name on the chanote that gives you a lot of protection and in case of your wifes demise you get one year to be able to sell it. (Need lawyer to set this up)

Or you get a lease aggrement from your wife
Greg *********
@Michael *******
totally agree with you on the lifetime Usufruct root. The best way to go. I've heard some land offices don't like to register Usufruct's tho.
Michael ********
@Greg ********
Some dont its true but its legal and a good lawyer can explain that to them
Paul ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael *******
Thanks Micheal
Richard ******
Don't buy a house! Financial independence does strange things to them.
Daniel *****
You can own the house, not the land.
Judy **********
Cannot be in joint names. Don't be another statistic.
Jeff *******
@Judy *********
It can - FB needs to have IQ level requirements to stop people commenting on things they are clueless about
Winston ********
Best advise. Take a 30 year lease. Its very affordable. But if you really trust your wife then at least you will leave behind a roof over her head if you buy a house.
SJ *******
Don't buy a house will be in her name. The more you put in her name the greater danger you are in.
Jeff *******
@SJ ******
Muppet
SJ *******
@Jeff ******
Enjoy your high dive.

*************************************************************************
Jeff *******
@SJ ******
I need to find a shitting dog emoji! šŸ˜†
SJ *******
@Jeff ******
post your picture will be close enough.
Bob **********
No
Gianni ******
One wonders: in the 70s foreign missions in bangkok were overwhelmed by foreigners ripped off by thai wives

How can it be explained that after 50 years of the same medicine people havent cured the disease?
Frank *********
@Gianni *****
Amen to that statement šŸ™
Us *****
Listen bro, I'm sure she is talking you into buying a house knowing you can't do it legally. These Thai girls are pro. So here is what you are gonna do. You are going to rent a house and put some of that unused money in an investment account for her just in case if anything happens to you. She'll be taken care of and it'll probably be worth more than the house. This would protect you and her.
SJ *******
Bro keep most of your money in your home country and access it through the internet. Dont tell her what you have.

Say it is a pension that ends when you die.

Give her an allowance but make sure she understands it stops when you die.

This will stop you being a ā€˜suicideā€™ victim.

Only ever bring to Thailand the minimum required by law to get your visa
Detlef ***********
@SJ ******
sound advice in my opinion!
Chris *******
How about a Usufruct Contract?
Peter **********
@Chris ******
you'll need that but you still not own anything. basically you will pay and gift it to her. under the usufract you can legally live there
Chris *******
@Peter *********
until I meet with an 'accident '
Paul ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Chris ******
whats one of those?
Paul ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Chris ******
Thanks Chris
Chris *******
@Paul **************
I think it would be easier for you to Google search and read ..good luck though

I have this contract in place if anything goes belly up
Peter *********
You can have in your name if you put it in a company name
Ryan ****
@Peter ********
you still require a trustee in the company in which 51% belongs to a thai individual.
Lawrence *******
@Ryan ***
Not if you are American and use the Treaty of Amity to set up a legitimate company. Can be owned 100%. Requires no Thai partner.
Ryan ****
@Lawrence ******
i dont think it applies to land ownership.
Peter *********
NO šŸ‘Ž
Bucky ********
yes she will own 100% and you pay for it
Christopher ***********
@Bucky *******
Absolute truth!
Christopher ***********
Went to our local land office with my Thai Mrs and the wife of our (her) house builder. The officer very clearly explained in excellent English that although my signature was required on the deeds it doesnā€™t in any way make the house mine. I was, apparently, signing in the capacity of ā€˜guarantorā€™. Didnā€™t know what that meant and still donā€™t!
Dennis *********
@Christopher **********
guarantor that means you are financially responsible
Christopher ***********
@Dennis ********
For what though?
Dennis *********
@Christopher **********
for any and all costs
Christopher ***********
@Dennis ********
Can you be more specific please? Costs for what? Repairs? On a house I donā€™t own? Water, electricity and internet are in my Thai wifeā€™s name. If she defaults does that make me liable?
Sasi ************
@Christopher **********
There is a doc you must sign. That doc stated that itā€™s HER and HER only you have no intention of claiming it nor you have any right to do so.

Iā€™ve attached the mentioned doc here;
*****************************************
ą¹ąøšąøšąø«ąø™ąø±ąø‡ąøŖąø·ąø­ąø£ąø±ąøšąø£ąø­ąø‡_ąø—ąøµą¹ˆąø”ąø“ąø™.pdf
Christopher ***********
@Sasi ***********
Thank you. My phone wonā€™t open it but Iā€™ll try tomorrow on my laptop.
Marty *********
You can buy a condo in your name but not a house. Condo or house, donā€™t buy anything you arenā€™t willing to walk away from.
Greg *********
No
Marco *******
@Greg ********
law changed now you can
Ivan *********
@Marco ******
who tell you that a bar girl
Greg *********
@Marco ******
ok go buy a house
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