Inheritance & wills in Thailand

Civil and Commercial Code Book VI applies to all Thais (default statutory shares). Muslims in the 4 southern provinces (Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Satun) may elect Islamic faraid under the Application of Islamic Law in the Provinces of Pattani, Narathiwat, Yala and Satun Act B.E. 2489 (1946) — administered through the Provincial Islamic Council (Majlis al-ʻAlam al-Islami).

Wasiyyah up to one-third in writing, signed by the testator with 2 adult Muslim male witnesses. Holographic and notarial forms also recognised under the Civil Code (Art. 1656–1672).

Provincial Islamic Council Registry (southern provinces) or Amphoe / District Office (rest of country).

2 adult Muslim male witnesses. Civil Code form requires 2 witnesses signing in the testator’s presence.

Collecting authority

Sheikhul Islam Office · Central Islamic Council of Thailand

Tax relief

Donations to RD-approved charities under Revenue Code s. 47(7) deductible.

Maximum relief

10% of net income (individual)

Notes

Provincial Islamic Council Zakat collection concentrated in the 4 southern provinces.

Civil Code reserves a "compulsory portion" (mortgageable to children & spouse). The southern 4-province election removes this for Muslim estates.

Court-appointed Estate Administrator. Bank releases after court order.

Predominantly Shafi‘i. The Sheikhul Islam publishes annual Nisab in THB.

• Outside the 4 southern provinces the Civil Code applies — explicit forum-selection in the wasiyyah is essential.
• Land ownership restrictions for foreign-Muslim heirs (Land Code Act).

• Sheikhul Islam Office of Thailand
• Central Islamic Council of Thailand

• Is Islamic inheritance (faraid) legally recognised in Thailand?

  Civil and Commercial Code Book VI applies to all Thais (default statutory shares). Muslims in the 4 southern provinces (Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Satun) may elect Islamic faraid under the Application of Islamic Law in the Provinces of Pattani, Narathiwat, Yala and Satun Act B.E. 2489 (1946) — administered through the Provincial Islamic Council (Majlis al-ʻAlam al-Islami).

• What makes an Islamic will (Wasiyyah) legally valid in Thailand?

  Wasiyyah up to one-third in writing, signed by the testator with 2 adult Muslim male witnesses. Holographic and notarial forms also recognised under the Civil Code (Art. 1656–1672).

• Where do I register my will in Thailand?

  Provincial Islamic Council Registry (southern provinces) or Amphoe / District Office (rest of country).

• Does Thailand have forced-heirship rules that override an Islamic will?

  Civil Code reserves a "compulsory portion" (mortgageable to children & spouse). The southern 4-province election removes this for Muslim estates.

• How does probate work in Thailand?

  Court-appointed Estate Administrator. Bank releases after court order.

• How many witnesses do I need for a will in Thailand?

  2 adult Muslim male witnesses. Civil Code form requires 2 witnesses signing in the testator’s presence.

• What are the most common Islamic-will pitfalls in Thailand?

  Outside the 4 southern provinces the Civil Code applies — explicit forum-selection in the wasiyyah is essential. Land ownership restrictions for foreign-Muslim heirs (Land Code Act).