@Nongnuch *******

handwritten will doesn't need witnesses. If it needs, please show the specific section where it states that witnesses are needed for handwritten will.

SCB bank website even has an information page about the different wills, with information about the handwritten will :

พินัยกรรมแบบเขียนเองทั้งฉบับ ผู้ทำพินัยกรรมจะทำเป็นเอกสารเขียนเองทั้งฉบับก็ได้ แต่ผู้ทำนั้นต้องเขียนพินัยกรรมนั้นด้วยลายมือตนเอง ลงวัน เดือน ปีที่ทำ และที่สำคัญต้องลงลายมือชื่อผู้ทำด้วย !!-> กรณีนี้จะมีพยานมารับรู้การทำพินัยกรรมด้วยหรือไม่มีก็ได้ <--!!

@Nongnuch *******

I base my comments on the original Thai text regarding the different types of wills described in Thai civil law. The difference between the 5 types are described in sections (มาตรา) 1656 to 1663 as part of the whole set of laws regarding Thai will.

@Steve *********

The law doesn't dictate it has to be in Thai. Other languages are accepted.

But obviously if written in Thai it will make things a lot easier.

@Nongnuch *******

This must be a misunderstanding, there is nothing in the specification of handwritten testament which limits the beneficiaries to legal partner.

There are 5 different types of testament specified in Thai law.

The handwritten type is the second one --> พินัยกรรมแบบเขียนเองทั้งฉบับ and described in ป.พ.พ. มาตรา 1657 : has to be entirely handwritten and properly signed (no thumbprint as signing) by the person and needs a date (day month year).

To read the law Article 1657 go to the source at

%20law/pang01.htm

Then use the find function of your browser to look for 1657 and it will bring you to the specific Article for handwritten testament.

@Phil *****

No stamps needed, no witnesses needed if written in own handwriting.

@Dave ***************

Handwritten doesn't need witnesses (but can have witnesses). 2 witnesses needed if printed document.

IF you have an extension based on "money in the bank" , you also need to prepare your updated bankbook + copy.

A residence certificate (and thus TM30) is not needed if you have a pink i.d. and thus yellow house book. In that case the whole process starting from getting a medical certificate to receiving your license will take about 2 hours in Bangkok.

" I don’t recall the actual literal Thai wording for it but it’s something along the lines of “Visa for waiting out the term of your life”

The correct wording is วีซ่าใช้ชีวิตบั้นปลาย

I don't think the English translation "retirement" is for PC reasons, but rather that it is short and easy to use. English translations have no legal binding whatsoever anyway.

@Bennett *******

Bangkok allows 45 days. (and don't forget your re-entry)