Thai Statutory Laws

This is the start of the listings of Thai statutory laws. The text is for educational purposes as well as for comprehension purposes only. Speak to one of our lawyers for advice if you wish to start a business in Thailand or want to discuss comparative laws. The most questions tend to revolve around immigration, corporate and family law. We have also included where time permits issues on Thai constitutional law and how this compares to the West and the Asian region.

Many businesses started today in Thailand tend to be in the services industry. These range from entertainment venues and all the laws pertaining to zoning as well as business, entertainment and other licences in Thailand. Then there are also other services industries such as hotels and resort partnerships. Note again that we accept no legal liability for the referencing of the text on these articles. Most will be on the statue laws in Thailand while there are some legal opinions on current issues. 

Thai Statue Laws : Academic

The Thai statutory laws are listed below. This is a small but growing list of Thai laws and legal opinions. Check back on a regular bases for more coverage of the laws and other legal views. If you have a question then speak to us online or email us your questions.  We are more than delighted to assist you in this regard.

We have in the past dealt with academics and students who are doing work on their comparative legal studies. The Thai legal system has many features of Roman Dutch law as well as local Thai laws. Over the years there have been many major changes in the legal system. Bringing it more in line with the West as globalism increases. 

Property Law in Thailand

Thailand Condominium Act

Thailand Condominium Act (Chapter 1)

The Condominium Act of Thailand governs the management as well as the creation of apartment units in the condominium block. You will need to understand what the powers are of the body corporate as well as what is needed to appoint directors and management to the building. 

Thailand Condominium Act

Thailand Condominium Act (Chapter 2)

This is Chapter 2 of the Condominium Act of Thailand which governs the management as well as the creation of apartment units in the condominium block. This part of the Act covers the local to foreign ratio in the units. Also the remedies when the foreign allocation has been oversubscribed.

Thailand Condominium Act

Thailand Condominium Act (Chapter 3 & 4)

You will find Chapters 3 and 4 of the Condominium Act which governs the management of apartment units in the condominium. See what the rules are in this section when it comes to owning a condominium unit in Thailand. This part of the Act covers the common property and debt.

Thailand Condominium Act

Thailand Condominium Act (Chapter 5)

You will find Chapter 5 of the Condominium Act explained here. The Chapter covers management of the condominium as well as meetings of the body corporate. Appointment of the manager and staff as well as voting. The general meetings and who can call these. 

Consumer Protection Act (Property Section)

The Consumer Protection Act has been added to this website. Note that this is a brief summary of the Act as it is there only to highlight how this also covers consumers from property developers. It highlights what protection the Act gives to those who buy property.

Contract Controlled Business

Contract Controlled Business (Property)

The Contract Controlled Business B.E. 2543 (A.D. 2000) law is there to show you how the law protects consumers when they buy property from a property developer. This needs to be read together with the Consumer Protection Act on this webiste.

Land Code Act

Land Code Act 1954 (to 2008 amendments)

Those who want to own land in Thailand as a foreigner will need to understand the Land Code Act 1954 (to 2008 amendments). This will show you how to buy and own land in Thailand under the current rules. There are limitations at present. 

Leasehold Agreement

Leasehold AgreementsCivil & Commercial Code

If you are going to lease property or rent property while in Thailand. Then see the leasehold agreement laws in Thailand under the Civil and Commercial Code of Thailand. Speak to our property lawyer before you sign.

Family Law in Thailand

family law

Family Registration Act (1935)

The Family Registration Act covers the first laws in Thailand with regard to marriage registration as well as family law. You can then understand where the laws originated from. Speak to us online with our Thai family lawyer for more assistance and guidance when you are getting married in the country

thailand engagement law

Thai Engagement – Civil & Commercial Code

The Civil & Commercial Code of Thailand sets our the rules for an engagement. This Chapter explains the rules for getting engaged in Thailand. This as well as the issue of damages when the engagement is broken. Its very similar to Roman Dutch law and good for comparison. 

getting married in thailand

Getting Married – Civil & Commercial Code

If you are getting married in Thailand then the Civil & Commercial Code of Thailand sets our the rules. This Chapter explains the rules for getting married in Thailand. From here you can compare how Thai law differs from the laws in your country. Speak to our family lawyer in Thailand for more assistance. 

Definition of Marriage

Definition of Marriage – Civil & Commercial Code

Marriage is defined in Thailand by the Civil and Commercial code. You will note that marriage is defined as being between a man and a woman. Same sex marriage in Thailand is not currently legal. If you have any questions about getting married in Thailand. Then speak to our family lawyer in Bangkok.

community of property thailand

Community of Property – Civil & Commercial Code

If you are getting married in Thailand then you should understand how community of property is viewed. There are similarities to the West however there are broader issues. This mainly with regards to damages and engagement because of the traditional sin sod or dowry.

Marriage Annulment

Marriage Annulment – Civil & Commercial Code

Annulment in Thailand is a complex process. You can learn from here about the process as well as the conditions to apply for this. See also the reasons used for the annulment as well as the property consequences of this process.  Always take legal advice from our Thai family lawyer for more advice.

Thai Divorce Law Civil & Commercial Code

The grounds for divorce in Thailand is explained within the Civil and Commercial Code of Thailand. These are the laws which govern a mutual consent divorce as well as a litigated divorce. You can see how to get a divorce in Thailand. This segment is for reference only. 

Child Legitimation

Child Legitimation – Civil & Commercial Code

Today, child legitimation in Thailand is becoming more common. See the change that is occuring when you want to legitimise a child in Thailand. This is when you apply for child legitimation in Thailand. See the link above for more information or speak to our family lawyer in Bangkok for more information. 

Thai-Will-and-Testament

Thai Will and Testament – Civil & Commercial Code

There are a number of types of wills you can have in Thailand. There is a public will as well as the standard written will. There are also those who want a living will in Thailand and the holographic will. You can see the basics of the Thai will and testament explained here. 

Hague Convention on Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is a treaty signed by multiple countries with the aim of ensuring the prompt return of children who have been wrongfully taken or retained across international borders. See also kidnapping in Thailand on here.

Domestic Violence in Thailand

Domestic Violence in Thailand

Despite the enactment of the new Domestic Violence Victim Protection Act of 2007, it still falls short in providing adequate safeguards for those enduring abuse within their homes. See also the article on assault in Thailand on this website and other laws.

Marital Rape in Thailand

Criminal Code Amendment Act (No.19)

The Criminal Code Amendment Act (No.19) B.E. 2550 (2007) represents a significant legal change in Thailand. It broadens the definition of rape to encompass acts committed against individuals of all sexes. Likewise also see our Thai criminal lawyer on here.

Persons Name Act Thailand

Persons Name Act

However, this era of women’s autonomy in selecting their surnames came to an end in 1941 when the government enacted the Personal Name Act 1941. This legislation mandated that women adopt their husband’s surname after marriage, effectively eliminating the option of retaining their maiden name.

Maiden Surname

Female Title Act of 2008

A shift in legislation began with the Constitutional Court ruling on Thai women’s right to retain their maiden surnames. Subsequently, changes were implemented, including the Female Title Act of 2008 and amendments to the Person’s Name Act.

Gender Equality

Thailand Gender Equality Act

The enactment of this Act stems from the absence of effective measures to counteract unjust gender discrimination. See the article on LGBTQ rights in Thailand. Note however that currently that there are issues.

Apostille Convention

Hague Conference on Apostille Convention

This explains the Hague Conference on Apostille Convention. The Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents, which is also commonly known as the Apostille Convention.

child custody Thai

Parent & Child – Civil & Commercial Code

This explains the family law section of the Civil and Commercial Code which covers the rights of the child and the parental power or child custody as it is called in the West. Likewise see Child Legitimation as well as the other family issues on here.

Thai Maintenance

Maintenance – Civil & Commercial Code

You can see the laws in Thailand when it comes to alimony or child support and maintenance. This falls under the Civil and Commercial Code – Maintenance. So see under the articles Child Support as well as articles under the Family Law page and Support in Thailand.

Business Law in Thailand

storage

Deposit Laws – Civil & Commercial Code

What are the laws which govern deposits (storage) in Thailand. This will give you are good overview. The law is covered in the Civil and Commercial Code deposits are explained. The Deposit Protection Agency Act in Thailand however should be read to understand the financial laws. This is about storage. 

Entertainment Law in Thailand

entertainment license

Entertainment Places Act BE 2509 (1966)

The statue which covers entertainment venues in Thailand has become important with the advent of Covid 19. Many venues have been closed such as bars, nightclubs and restaurants. The tourism industry has also been shut down.This is the Statue which covers the entertainment industry.

Hotel Laws

Hotel Law – Civil & Commercial Code

This is a brief view of the laws which governs guests and hotels, inns and other such facilities. The provisions in the Code is mainly concerning your stay at a hotel where property is lost or damaged and the liability. The Thailand Hotels Act covers management and registration of hotels and motels in Thailand. 

The information contained in our website is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advices. For further information, please contact us.