Thread: Can anyone recommend a Bangkok lawyer for writing a will

I haven't updated my will for some time and need to get a few things in order. Can anyone recommend a good Bangkok lawyer that has knowledge of dealing with wills that cover Thai and international assets?

Try your local 'tassabahn' who will provide the required documents and will assist you at a fraction of what a lawyer charges. As well this will likely be the first stop upon the death of anyone within its jurisdiction. I believe you handle your national assets with a simple will update there. But if you have the $$ go the international route.

When all else fails read the instructions already covered here, good luck:
https://teakdoor.com/doing-things-leg...ce-please.html

I have used and would recommend Sunbelt Asia Co Ltd Dindaeng BKK. for Thai assets.

I would suggest that if you are intending to cover international assets then make a separate will originating in that country.

Originally Posted by mickyg

I would suggest that if you are intending to cover international assets then make a separate will originating in that country.

Yep, what he said.

Also be aware that the concept of a 'living will' is not generally recognised here (e.g. provisos relating to assets/treatment in the event of your incapacitation). Small point, but it seems quite important to some people.

Thanks for the answers guys.

Make sure the tassabahn isn't a relative or friendly with your Thai Wife/GF's family. You mightend up on the "BBQ" @ the local Wat.

Originally Posted by mickyg

I have used and would recommend Sunbelt Asia Co Ltd Dindaeng BKK. for Thai assets.

I would suggest that if you are intending to cover international assets then make a separate will originating in that country.

Would not recommend sunbelt asia as their prices are too high.

Originally Posted by xanax

Would not recommend sunbelt asia as their prices are too high.

Do not be daft their prices are for fuck all!
Remember the guy has to get it right - He has assets abroad so probably is not swigging his piss from the pavement outside 7-11 on a regular basis - If he was he could have just got your opinion directly.

Originally Posted by superman

'will' done at the "tassabahn" is incontestable, whereas a Thai lawyers is

Sorry to enlighten you not so superman but wills in all countries are contestable - even more so when conjured up by the local witch doctor!!

Originally Posted by mickyg

I would suggest that if you are intending to cover international assets then make a separate will originating in that country.

definitely

Originally Posted by mickyg

Originally Posted by xanax

Would not recommend sunbelt asia as their prices are too high.

Do not be daft their prices are for fuck all!

Here is the quote they gave me for a simple usufruct, found out later can DIY for 200 baht. I don't agree their prices are 'for fuck all'

Thank you for your email and your interest in Sunbelt Asia's services.

Our professional fees for drafting a usufruct are 15,000 Baht plus 7% VAT.

Originally Posted by xanax

Here is the quote they gave me for a simple usufruct, found out later can DIY for 200 baht. I don't agree their prices are 'for fuck all'

Thank you for your email and your interest in Sunbelt Asia's services.

Our professional fees for drafting a usufruct are 15,000 Baht plus 7% VAT.

Well if u did it yourself you are pitting your wits against a country's legal system - a person who represents himself has a fool for a client

Usufruct is not straightforward and certainly not as simple a legal task as a will.

perhaps this link will enlighten you.

https://teakdoor.com/williams-legal-s...-thailand.html

The link I posted in post #12 is the same as this link. https://teakdoor.com/doing-things-legally/33238-a-will-for-my-missus.html

Originally Posted by superman

I hold my hand up and say I was wrong that a will can be made at the 'Tessaban'. It should be the 'Amphur'. The will is called a 'Public Will' and is as I claim "incontestable". I found a link to this fact but is not the original link I wanted to post. The link is directed at people who live in Pattaya. I recommend the whole of this link to be read.

I will state again that every will is contestable - some points more so than others mistakes in drafting, errors in leaving wife for eg out - I stick with use a lawyer if you have anything worthwhile to will

Originally Posted by mickyg

Originally Posted by xanax

Here is the quote they gave me for a simple usufruct, found out later can DIY for 200 baht. I don't agree their prices are 'for fuck all'

Thank you for your email and your interest in Sunbelt Asia's services.

Our professional fees for drafting a usufruct are 15,000 Baht plus 7% VAT.

Well if u did it yourself you are pitting your wits against a country's legal system - a person who represents himself has a fool for a client

Usufruct is not straightforward and certainly not as simple a legal task as a will.
perhaps this link will enlighten you.

https://teakdoor.com/williams-legal-s...-thailand.html

Read that already, never bothered in the end as pretty worthless. So you think 15k is 'fuck all'? I think it is overcharging ( months wages for most Thai's) for a simple job that will probably take a short time. How much do they charge for wills? I might give them a go if it really is fuck all.

Originally Posted by xanax

Read that already, never bothered in the end as pretty worthless. So you think 15k is 'fuck all'? I think it is overcharging for a simple job that will probably take a short time. How much do they charge for wills?

$500 per hour is the norm in OZ for an average - decent solicitor. I would think that 3 hours would wrap up the average will so let's say 45000 baht.

Sunbelt Legal will draw up your will and register it for a total of 9500 baht so in my money $300

I think that is SFA for peace of mind - If this amount is too much then I would not bother with a Will but just let the hordes search for my jam jar upon my demise!

Never used Sunbelt myself, however from reports from those I know who have they seem to be decidedly ordinary.

Originally Posted by xanax

I think it is overcharging ( months wages for most Thai's)

2 months for most where I live.

Originally Posted by xanax

I can get a will drawn up for half that in the UK so why is it twice the price in Thailand where labour costs are so much cheaper?

I am not advertising anyone just recommending a lawyer based upon a company that did a good job for me - That what the poster asked for.

Do your own will and get it for free - Forget the ho's give yourself a handjob. Forget the bars drink piss in your house -Homebrew of course) that will be cheaper as well. Reuse your tea bags etc etc

There are lots of ways to save money - you can get a good feed from a dustbin - but I suggest it is not the best starting place.

Better not to wish it cost less work on wishing you had more!!!

Originally Posted by AntRobertson

Never used Sunbelt myself, however from reports from those I know who have they seem to be decidedly ordinary.

That is a good rec coming from ANT - ordinary in LOS is great by Thai standards

Haha, you might have a point there.

Also I should have added that none of those reports where related to drafting of a will, it was all other property/business related stuff.

Originally Posted by mickyg

Usufruct is not straightforward and certainly not as simple a legal task as a will.

I found it very straightforward, they did the whole thing in the land office for me

no lawyers needed, they have the forms and any other paperwork all ready

and no need to use Sunbelt who charge over the odds

most lawyers I have met speak good English and can easily advise you on the best form your will should take