thailand
Ask question

What legal assistance is available for expats facing property issues in Hua Hin, Thailand?

Property disputesHua HinLegal assistanceExpat issuesThai property lawsReal estateLaw firmsVilla purchase problems
Sep 15, 2023
a year ago
Carlos *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello,

I am a USA citizen married to my Thai wife. She has dual citizenship and we purchased a Villa in Hua Hin in 2021. It was paid in full in December 2022 and the developer continues to delay the transfer to her. Next scheduled transfer date is 9/25/23, which we doubt will take place. Now there are other issues with the property, such as not having the proper electric hook up for full use at the villa. The developer claims to not have the money to get things done. We have contacted a couple attorneys and there seems to be little interest in helping us out. Does anyone on here know of any Law Firms in the Hua Hin area that could help? We will be there in late November for 3 months with these matters resolved hopefully.

Thanks for your help!
3,043
views
9
likes
68
all likes
30
replies
1
images
25
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
An expatriate couple from the USA is experiencing significant issues related to their property purchased in Hua Hin, Thailand. They are facing delays in the transfer of ownership from the developer, who has also failed to address necessary utility connections for the villa. Despite contacting several attorneys, they've found little interest in assisting them. The community is responding with suggestions for law firms, including options in Bangkok and offering cautionary tales about purchasing property in Thailand. Additionally, they discuss the importance of choosing a trustworthy lawyer and the potential difficulty in recovering losses if the developer lacks funds.
Levent **********
To increase your chances of success, it's advisable to engage a well-qualified lawyer, many of whom are proficient in English, although their services can be quite costly. Typically, you'll find such lawyers in Bangkok, where most major law firms are located. Remember the old adage: "You get what you pay for!" Additionally, it's wise not to depend on the builder's financial advice; managing your finances is a personal responsibility, as there's a good chance the builder lacks ethical standards in this regard.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Gregg *************
Welcome to

Thailand

Please come back again soon
a year ago
Like
Reply
Gregg *************
Bob Dylan said that
a year ago
Like
Reply
Marc ********
@Gregg ************
 and bring more money😀
a year ago
Like
Reply
Gregg *************
@Marc *******
 ain’t that the truth

The times they are achangin
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Gregg *************
Reply
Kuan ******
You can sue the developer for breach but it may just be a paper judgment. You should get somebody to finish the work.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Winfried *************
The first person I would probably talk to is Brian Ramsden from
******************************************
(just like
@Gordon ******
@https://www.facebook.*********************
 (just like Gordon Brown wrote already).
a year ago
Like
Reply
Gordon *******
Brian Ramsden Issan lawyers for you , all English speaking , paying for an unfinished house in Thailand though , there may be trouble ahead , is the builder a relative of the wife?
a year ago
Like
Reply
Billy *******
Sleep with one eye open.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Billy *******
Told ya so... rent
a year ago
Like
Reply
Tony *********
A lawyer won't be able to help if the developer has no money left.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Keiron ********
@Brian ********
a year ago
Like
Reply
Hristo ***********
I really doubt you will be able to get the house as it was presented to you while buying. If I were you, I would just try to make him transfer whatever is built and finish by myself...
a year ago
Like
Reply
Graham *******
*************************
a year ago
Like
Reply
Braulio *********
Remember, TIT...
a year ago
Like
Reply
Michael *******
a year ago
Like
Reply
Us *****
I warn everyone not to buy condos or houses in Thailand because the return in investment is horrible. Just got to Hua Hin and find a local lawyer. You might have to hire another developer to finish it.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Sheikh *************
don't expect any thing in thailand. not buy anything and not trust any person.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Dave **********
@Us ****
 not my experience!
a year ago
Like
Reply
James **********
@Us ****
 Not everyone buys property for investment
a year ago
Like
Reply
Us *****
@James *********
 I know, some farangs are forced to buy them for the Mrs. That's another one of my warnings. 🤭
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Us *****
Reply
Michael ********
@Us ****
 Actually sometime better not to get a local lawyer, as people have found sometime they have connections to the builders
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Michael ********
Reply
Frank **********
Did you purchase this villa sight unseen ir was you in Thailand when you bought it?
a year ago
Like
Reply
Steve *******
@Frank *********
 Sounds like it was bought 'off plan'
a year ago
Like
Reply
Frank **********
@Steve ******
 I personally would not make a major purchase like that unless I was there personally and made sure it was ready.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Steve *******
@Frank *********
 Me too but many people do. It's the way many new developments are sold, the benefit being that they are quite often heavily discounted.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Steve *******
Reply
Kool *******
Even though they are based in Bangkok, give this attorney a call. They can advise you at the very least. They are a good law firm.

Siam-Legal.com
a year ago
Like
Reply
Alistair ********
Run Carlos run. You may get piped very hard up your "hello kitty".
a year ago
Like
Reply
Roberto ************
@Alistair *******
 best advise available ... Run
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Roberto ************
Reply
Henry *********
You could try a Hua Hin focused group like:
***********************************************
(if you don't get a response here)
**********
*****
*****
*****
(if you don't get a response here)
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Henry *********
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
What are the options for finding a lawyer in Thailand after a dive accident leading to decompression sickness?
27 comments
2 months ago
Who can recommend a lawyer for condo purchase and visa advice in Thailand?
15 comments
2 months ago
What should I do to obtain a simple Thai will as a condo owner in Phuket, and can anyone recommend a lawyer in Cherngthalay?
20 comments
6 months ago
How can I find an attorney to help with buying a condo in Thailand while staying abroad?
15 comments
7 months ago
What should I do if I feel deceived after purchasing property in Phuket?
15 comments
8 months ago
Can anyone recommend an English-speaking lawyer in Thailand for a contract dispute?
11 comments
8 months ago
Can a foreigner lease or buy land in Ko Phangan for building a rental property?
141 comments
9 months ago
What are some good law firms for expats in Thailand?
14 comments
9 months ago
What are the best options for hiring an immigration attorney in Phuket for a long-term resident visa?
14 comments
10 months ago
What types of visas can I apply for if I want to invest in a stalled property project in Chiang Mai?
33 comments
10 months ago
What should I do if the seller of my leased property in Thailand is unresponsive after I wired funds?
7 comments
a year ago
What legal steps should an American expat take when buying a house in Thailand with a Thai spouse, particularly regarding usufruct rights and inheritance?
115 comments
a year ago
What are some positive experiences of expats buying property in Thailand?
120 comments
a year ago
What are the benefits and pitfalls of purchasing property in Thailand as a foreigner?
70 comments
2 years ago
How Can Expats in Thailand Find Information on Legal and Lifestyle Matters?
62 comments
2 years ago
Can anyone recommend an English-speaking lawyer for property transactions in Mueang Phetchaburi?
3 comments
2 years ago
What steps can I take to recover my investment from a duplicitous Thai business partner?
192 comments
2 years ago
What are some recommendations for a lawyer to help set up a business under the Treaty of Amity in Thailand?
16 comments
2 years ago
What steps can I take to find a local lawyer for my father's estate in Thailand after his passing?
69 comments
2 years ago
What should expats consider before buying a house in Thailand?
80 comments
2 years ago
What are the best attorney recommendations for verifying legal issues in Chiang Mai real estate transactions?
4 comments
3 years ago
What are some recommendations for solicitors in the Hua Hin area for small property purchases and house building?
0 comments
3 years ago
Where can I find an English-speaking attorney specializing in estates in Thailand?
14 comments
4 years ago
What are the risks and considerations of building a house on land leased from a Thai spouse?
67 comments
4 years ago
What are the best practices for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand for an American expat and spouse?
12 comments
7 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.