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What should I do regarding my arrangements if I pass away while living in Thailand?
Cremation in ThailandExpats in ThailandDeath and Funeral ProceduresLegal Matters for ExpatsWills and Estate Management
Jul 24, 2025
9 months ago
Polat *******
ORIGINAL POSTERI’d like to ask about something that has been worrying me since I moved here. What happens if I pass away in Thailand? I live alone and honestly wouldn’t want anyone from my distant family to go through the trouble and expense of flying here just to take my body home. I would simply prefer to be cremated locally.
Does anyone know what the procedure is in this situation? Maybe someone has had experience dealing with this for a friend or relative?
Does anyone know what the procedure is in this situation? Maybe someone has had experience dealing with this for a friend or relative?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the procedures related to cremation in Thailand for expats who want to ensure their wishes are carried out after death, specifically preferring local cremation to avoid burdening distant family members. Various comments suggest making a will, appointing a lawyer, and informing the embassy about funeral arrangements. The importance of having legal documentation and the role of local authorities in cremation procedures are also highlighted, along with potential costs involved.
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Richard *********
Do not worry. Police and Temple will take care. Body will be cremated. Monks will hold service. If money available the cost is about 5000 baht per day..usually 2 days. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Gary ******
Very important question that I would be asking in the future.
Jason ******
Get a new will registered locally. Inform any relatives or friends you have in your home country. It will help with everything if you pass over there, and will also help with any assets you have etc.
Troels ******
Just write a will. I used
************************************
'Mod' speaks excellent English & wrote my will and my Thai wife's- She also signs my form to say I am still alive for my State PensionHenry *********
If you're bothered, make a will.
David **********
You can let your embassy know about funeral details so they can let your wish be carried out
Colin **********
@David *********
I'm not sure there going to be that interested to get involved or manage this, thats down to relatives, however, its worth an email to them asking what he needs to do now to avoid problems later.Reply to
Colin **********
Reply
Det *******
My wife has scheduled me an appointment at the crematorium, next Tuesday.
Jeremy ********
@Det ******
that’s true lubbbb make sure you get a bigger life insurance policy by Monday 🤣🤣🤣Det *******
@Jeremy *******
I think the wait time between police purchase and full cover ends on Monday.Jeremy ********
@Det ******
not if you get SGLA 🤣🤣Reply to
Jeremy ********
Reply
Jeremy ********
After your expiration date is it really your problem anymore????
Dan *********
I don’t know if they can do pre pay at a cremation service. May be an option
Tom ********
@Dan ********
I think ****
do 'pay as you go'Dan *********
@Tom *******
to go with a slurpee for the roadTom ********
@Dan ********
There's always one for the road 🙂Reply to
Tom ********
Reply
Carole ********
Very valid question which I like the replies but can I ask if you don't want the family to come over for a funeral how can they get your death certificate after. TIA
Walrus *******
@Carole *******
the Thai embassy deals with itReply to
Walrus *******
Reply
Chris ****
If cremated quite easy to ship remains as long as you’ve made accommodations in advance. Funeral parlors won’t mind a visit and are very informative.
Chireen *******
Having just had a surgery, I updated my will to state that my organs be donated and my body also be donated to a university for research or whatever other reason.
Just check with a lawyer regarding the laws of a valid will.
Just check with a lawyer regarding the laws of a valid will.
Jim ******
Write in the will that you want to be cremated locally. Hospitals can do it
Colin **********
You dont say if you have someone in Thailand to help afterwards.
Polat *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Colin *********
No. I don't have at the moment.Susan *******
@Polat ******
I'm here if you want someone to talk to and I am also alone in Bangkok aloneness is only in the mindset attitude learn to enjoy your time even when no one is with you that's what I do...🥰Colin **********
@Polat ******
like alot of people are saying here get a will. I used @Paul *******************
great service reasonable price, provides two copies in Thai and English, but you need to get clear what you want to say.Reply to
Colin **********
Reply
Max *************
You need a reputable lawyer and then make a will.That's basically all. The cost is from about 3,000 and up depending on lawyer/company.
Reply to
Max *************
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