Thailand Law Blog
Basics of Thai Investment Promotion Law
Thailand’s investment promotion laws are a particularly important element of its overall plan for future economic growth, especially regarding its competitiveness with other nations in the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). The Investment Promotion Act of B.E. 2520 (1977), amended as recently as 2001, empowers the Board of Investment (BOI) of Thailand to grant tax and […]
Betrothal Agreements under Thai Law
Under Thai law, a promise to marry creates a legally binding agreement if the groom transfers property called the khongman (a “reverse dowry” or “bride price”) to the bride after the betrothal has taken place. Therefore, as a legal contract, a betrothal gives rise to legal ramifications. According to Sections 1439 and 1440 of the […]
Victims of Fraud in Thai Criminal Law
A fundamental issue that arises in Thai criminal law is whether a certain person directly affected by a crime may be considered a victim of that crime. This issue is particularly important because in Thailand, as in other countries that follow the European Continental Law tradition, victims are allowed to join the prosecution as a […]
Challenging Condominium Resolutions under Thai Law
Do owners of condominium units in Thailand have the right to challenge unlawful resolutions passed by a general meeting of the condominium’s co-owners? The Condominium Act of B.E. 2522 (1979), amended as recently as 1999, has detailed rules regarding general meetings of the co-owners, but in fact does not have any provision addressing the cancellation […]
Import/Export Companies and Tax Implications for Defective Goods
A common problem faced by import/export companies is when goods that are ordered from overseas turn out to be defective. International traders in Thailand should be aware that there are tax implications arising under the Revenue Code regarding their defective stock. Further guidance is provided in Revenue Department Advisory Opinion No. Gor Kor. 0702/8141 issued […]
Child Custody Under Thai law
Aside from divorce, child custody proceedings under Thai law may arise where it is alleged that a parent or guardian is not fit or should not be allowed to exercise parental power. Specifically, Section 1582 of the Civil and Commercial Code provides that where a parent or guardian is “adjudged incompetent or quasi-incompetent, or abuses […]
NCPO has tentatively agreed to impose inheritance tax in Thailand
There is currently no inheritance tax in Thailand but recent news is that National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has tentatively agreed in principle to impose an inheritance tax to reduce wealth inequities. It has been reported that the Ministry of Finance is looking at a graduated inheritance tax between 5 person and 30 […]
Defenses to Defamation
Under Thai law, defamation is generally the act of imputing something regarding a person to a third person that is likely to damage the reputation of that person. Unlike in some other jurisdictions where the act of defamation only carries civil liability, defamation is a criminal offense in Thailand punishable by up to one year […]
International Headquarters and International Trade Centers
Siam Legal has extensive experience in working with foreign investors to help them establish their business operations in Thailand. For the convenience of our foreign clients, we prepare brief translations and synopses of Thai government announcements that directly or indirectly affect them. Recently, on January 15, 2015, the Department of Business Development issued an announcement […]
Disinheritance from a Will
The Civil and Commercial Code generally provides two categories whereby a testator may disinherit one of his or her statutory heirs from a will. According to Section 1608, the testator “may disinherit any of his statutory heirs only by an express declaration of intention… by will” or “by writing deposited with the competent official.” Furthermore, […]
