When a loved one passes away in Thailand, one of the most common questions is:
“How to appoint an estate executor through the Thai court?” or “What documents are required to apply for inheritance in Thailand?”
If the deceased left behind assets such as land, a condominium, bank accounts, or company shares, these assets cannot be transferred or managed until the court officially appoints an estate executor (ผู้จัดการมรดก).
Below is a summary of the court process and documents required under Thai law.
🔹 Step 1: Check if there is a will
If the deceased left a will, it usually names an executor. The person named can file a petition to the court to be officially appointed as the estate executor.
If there is no will, an heir (such as a spouse, child, or other legal heir) may apply to the court to become the estate administrator.
It is also possible for the heirs to appoint a third party, such as a trusted lawyer or advisor, to act as the estate executor on their behalf.
🔹 Step 2: Prepare the required documents
Here’s a list of documents commonly required by the Thai court when filing a petition for appointment of estate executor:
Petition for appointment of estate administrator (to be submitted to the Civil Court where the deceased last resided) — This legal petition must be drafted and filed by a licensed Thai lawyer.
Copy of death certificate of the deceased
Copy of Thai ID card / passport and house registration of the deceased
Documents proving the relationship between the applicant and the deceased (e.g. birth certificate, marriage certificate)
List of heirs with full contact details
List of assets such as:
Land title deeds (โฉนดที่ดิน)
Condominium ownership documents
Bank account statements
Share certificates or company registration documents
Copy of applicant’s ID card and house registration
Power of attorney (if the case is filed by a lawyer)
Court fee and stamp duty receipts
📄 All documents must be in Thai language.
If the documents are issued abroad or in a foreign language, they must be translated into Thai and certified as true translation in accordance with Thai legal standards before submission.
🔹 Step 3: File the petition with the court
The petition must be filed by a lawyer with the Civil Court in the area where the deceased had their domicile at the time of death.
The court will schedule a hearing date, and all heirs will be notified.
The hearing will be conducted in Thai language, so a court-approved translator must be present if the applicant or heirs do not speak Thai.
If no one objects and the court finds the applicant qualified, the court will issue an order appointing the estate executor.
🔹 Step 4: Obtain the court order and proceed with estate management
Once the court order becomes final, the appointed executor can use a certified copy of the court order to manage, transfer, or distribute the estate.
For example:
Submit the order to the Land Office for property transfer.
Submit to the bank to withdraw or transfer accounts.
Submit to the Department of Business Development (DBD) for changes in company shareholding or director registration.
⚖️ Legal reference
The process of appointing an estate executor in Thailand is governed by:
Civil and Commercial Code, Sections 1711–1733 (Book VI – Succession)
Civil Procedure Code (for court procedures)
💡 Common Questions
Q: How long does the process take?
Usually around 2–4 months, depending on the court’s schedule and whether there are objections from any heirs.
Q: Can foreigners be appointed as estate executors in Thailand?
Yes. Foreigners can apply to be the estate executor, but the court may require a local address in Thailand and additional supporting documents such as passport, visa, and proof of relationship.
📝 Summary
If you need to apply for appointment of an estate executor in Thailand, you should:
Prepare the correct documents in Thai format
File the petition through a qualified Thai lawyer
Attend the court hearing (with translator if needed)
Obtain the court order for estate management
Having a lawyer experienced in inheritance and probate law will make the process faster, smoother, and legally compliant.
📞 Contact Us
If you need assistance with inheritance cases or court appointment of estate executor in Thailand, our team can:
Prepare and translate required documents
Represent you in court proceedings
Provide certified translators during hearings
Communicate with you in both Thai and English
📧 Email: wpk.notary@gmail.com
📍 Facebook: WPK Notary
📲 Line: @519clses
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