Property Title Transfer in Thailand
In any real estate transaction, the most important aspect is proving ownership, rights of possession, and other interests in land. This is where titles come in, and it’s important to understand the different types of title deeds that exist in Thailand and what they provide you with when buying a property.
The highest level of property title in Thailand is the Chanote (or Nor Sor 4 Jor). This is a document that gives you full legal rights over the land, including ownership, and registration of your rights against it. This is one of the most valuable documents you can own as it identifies exactly what you own and where you own it, giving you a clear idea of what you’re buying before you even arrive in Thailand.
There are several types of land titles in Thailand and each one provides you with a different level of security. This is why it’s so important to hire a local Thai lawyer who will be able to do a thorough land title search in order to ensure that you are making the right decision.
Chanote or Nor Sor 4 Jor
A chanote is the most valuable document a foreigner in Thailand can own as it identifies precisely what you own and where you own it, and gives you full legal rights over the land. It also enables you to lease or sell the land, as well as register your rights against it.
Nor Sor 3 Gor
A Nor Sor 3 Gor is a type of land deed that’s granted to land ‘awaiting’ a full title, and it has exact boundaries measured by the Land Department but the boundaries aren’t quite as precise as a Chanote GPS survey. However, this title does still give you a lot of protection from boundary disputes, and it also means that your land is surveyed by the Land Department.
Sor Por Kor 4-01-0
This is a type of land deed which has been granted to Government land that has been transferred for agricultural purposes, normally in rural areas. It’s difficult for non-Thais to own this type of land as it is Government land.
Sor Por Kor 4-02-0
This type of land deed is usually given to people who are poor or have been abandoned, and it’s a good option for people who want to buy agricultural land but don’t have enough money to get a full Chanote title. It’s also one of the most common forms of ownership in rural Thailand and it’s a great way to buy land for a fraction of its value.
Possessory Right
The possessory right is a weak type of Thai land title deed that’s rarely used. It’s similar to the US right of squatters, but it requires tax payments at the local administrative office in order to establish it.
It’s also possible to have a lease over a property, but this isn’t recommended as it does not have the same level of security as a freehold title deed.