Anti-Corruption Commission called in on Phuket land grab

FORMER OFFICIALS ACCUSED IN SCAM

The National Anti-Corruption Commission has been asked to investigate the alleged involvement of a former Phuket deputy governor and a former interior permanent secretary over unlawful land acquisition on the island.

Legal introduction to land lease agreements in Thailand

Long term possession of real estate property by foreigners in Thailand usually includes a land lease agreement, as foreigners are prohibited from owning land in Thailand. It is allowed for foreigners to own the structures upon the land or lease land and then build on that land in their own name. Lease or hire of immovable property (land, land and house, condominium) for residential purpose by foreigners is governed by the Thailand Civil and Commercial Code.

Saleable area in a condominium is not the exact use-able apartment floor area, as sale-able area is measured from the center of the walls of the condominium which are not common property (Chapter II of the Condominium Act). The outside walls of a condominium building is common ownership of the condominium, walls between adjoining units are private ownership. For example the air-conditioning unit attached permanently to the outside wall of a condominium in common property.

Condominium in Thailand, foreign ownership

Usufruct and responsiblities for expenses of the condo and voting rights in the meetings

Whether a condo apartment in Thailand is foreign owned within the foreign ownership quota of the condominium or Thai owned, a foreigner may be given the right of usufruct over an apartment unit registered under the Thailand Condominium Act. Usufruct under Thai property law means that during the term of the usufruct the person granted the right of usufruct is entitled to the use, management and enjoyment of the condominium apartment and the owner gives up these rights for the term of the usufruct.

Ombudsmen urge draconian new law

Source Bangkokpost 28 June 2012

Thai ombudsmen is drafting a carrot-and-stick law to protect Thai lands from illegal foreign nominee ownership, while developers and consultants suggest more legal transparency, a longer leasehold period and higher foreigner property taxes to prevent nominees.

3000 rai without titles

Samui Community October 15 2006

Land seizures begin

The Chief of the investigation into forest encroachments on Samui, khun Thanee Wiriyaratanaporn recently announced that out of 23,546 rai included in the survey, over 3000 rai was found to be lacking legitimate land titles. Some 239 ownership disputes have resulted from the enquiry, including many cases involving local farmers who are using untitled land for crops such as fruit trees and vegetable cultivation.