What forms of will does Thai law recognise?

The matter being asked about is “What forms of will does Thai law recognise”, so it deals with the case-specific points first and the shared rules afterwards. Before starting, verify the source document is still within any validity window the recipient applies, then count the number of certified sets needed before work starts, because extra sets restart the certification steps, then confirm with the receiving body whether it wants an original, a certified copy or a certified translation. For documents going abroad, include international shipping time in the plan. When several certification layers are required, start with the slowest one. The terms that frame this page are forms · Thai · recognise. The deciding factor is the receiving body's requirement, not only the format of the Thai-side document. What changes the timeline most here is whether the source documents are complete on day one. Assets abroad usually require a recently issued document proving heir status. After filing, follow up on the cycle the office states rather than waiting past the deadline. Attach a document index to the bundle so nothing is lost during review. High-resolution photos of seals and signatures help when the destination asks for re-verification. Run the Thai and overseas document tracks in parallel, since their timelines differ. The Civil and Commercial Code recognises several forms of will in sections 1655 to 1663: the ordinary written will with two witnesses, the holograph will written entirely in the testator's own hand, the will made as a public document before the district officer, the secret-document will and the oral will in exceptional circumstances. Each form has its own signature, date and witness conditions. A document provider neither drafts a will nor certifies its validity; its role is to render the text completely and literally so the receiving party can read and verify it. Succession in Thailand is governed by the Civil and Commercial Code, Book VI on Succession, which sets out the classes of statutory heirs and their shares from section 1629 onwards, with the lawful spouse inheriting alongside the statutory heirs in the order fixed by law. Translations must therefore reproduce names, dates of birth, identification numbers and registered relationships identically across every document, because the receiving authority uses exactly those details to establish heirship. ILC handles documents only — translation, certified translation, arranging notarial-attorney certification and running legalisation at the Department of Consular Affairs and embassies. It is not a law firm, does not draft wills as legal counsel, does not act as estate administrator, does not pursue claims on a policyholder's behalf and guarantees no decision by any court, registrar or insurer. Cost and lead time depend on page count, target language, how many certified sets are needed and the steps the receiving authority requires, so every file is quoted before work starts. Send scans of every page together with the written requirements from the court, bank, insurer or receiving authority via LINE @NAATI, call +66 80-557-8887 or email ilc@thainotary.co.th.

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