When people die without a Will it’s called dying “intestate.” Instead of the decedent’s assets being distributed as specifically instructed under a Will, the distribution of assets will follow the inheritance and succession laws of Thailand. While there’s a “bloodline” logic to the categories of heirs, the law doesn’t account for all modern situations, such as living together but not married, step-children, guardianships, and same-sex marriage registered in a foreign country. The deceased’s relatives will need to initiate the probate process in Thailand. They’ll need to present documents to the Probate Court, such as their relationship to the decedent as the rightful heir. An administrator will be appointed to carry out the funeral arrangement and the distribution of assets under the law.

Foreign Wills may be enforceable in Thailand, but only to the extent they are consistent with Thai law. All documents presented to the Probate Court must be in the Thai language.

Yes. And the translation must be done by a professional, certified translator.