Can You Buy Property in Thailand Without Flying In?

Yes. Thai law does not require the buyer to be present at any stage, and many foreign buyers see their unit for the first time on a video call. This is how a remote purchase works.

1. Viewing by video

We go to the unit and show it to you live on WhatsApp or Telegram: the view from the balcony at the time of day you will use it, the noise from the street, the bathroom, the corridor and the pool. You can ask us to open the cupboards and switch on the air conditioning. For a new project we film the show unit and the construction site.

2. Reservation

You sign a reservation agreement electronically and pay a deposit, usually 100,000 to 300,000 baht depending on the unit. Pay only to the developer's company account, never to a private person.

3. Contract

The developer sends the sale and purchase agreement in English. Have it read by an independent lawyer rather than one appointed by the seller. You sign it electronically or sign printed copies and return them by courier; the developer will tell you which.

4. Payments from abroad

Every payment goes from your bank account abroad, in foreign currency and in your own name. In the payment purpose write the project, the unit number and "purchase of condominium unit". The Thai bank then issues an FET form (for each transfer of USD 50,000 or more) or a credit advice. You will need these to register the unit in your name. You do not need a Thai bank account to buy.

5. Registration by power of attorney

The transfer at the Land Office is signed by someone you appoint. You sign the Land Office's own power-of-attorney form, have it notarised and then legalised at the Thai embassy or consulate in your country (Thailand does not accept apostilles), and send the original to Thailand. Your representative signs the transfer, pays the fees and collects the title deed.

6. After the transfer

The title deed is kept at our office or sent to you by courier. We put water and electricity in your name, collect the keys, check the unit against a defect list and, if you want, hand it to a rental manager.

What to watch out for

• A power of attorney should cover one specific unit and one transaction, not "all property matters".
• Never send money because of a message that changes bank details. Confirm any new details with the developer by phone.
• Ask for scans of every document the Land Office issues on the day of transfer.

More on the legal side: what foreigners can own in Thailand. To start, write to us on WhatsApp or get a shortlist; the first viewing call can be the same day.