Property Ownership Structures in Thailand
Why this matters
For many foreign buyers, confusion doesn’t start with the property itself — it starts with how ownership is described. Similar-looking homes can be offered under very different legal structures, and the language used to explain those structures is often informal, simplified, or inconsistent.
In Thailand, ownership structure is not a technical detail added at the end of a transaction. It defines what is actually being purchased, how it is registered, what rights are attached to it, and what responsibilities continue after completion.
This page exists to create orientation, not certainty. The goal is not to make you an expert, but to help you recognise the different structures that exist so you can better understand what is being proposed when reviewing a specific property.
Clarity at this level tends to reduce misunderstanding later — especially when timelines, documents, or expectations start to differ from what was initially assumed.
The reality: common ownership structures
At a high level, Thailand distinguishes between ownership of condominium units and land. This distinction shapes most of the structures available to foreign buyers.
What follows is an overview of the most common ownership arrangements you will encounter. These are descriptions of what exists — not guidance on what is preferable.
Condominium ownership
Foreigners can legally own condominium units in their own name, provided the building’s foreign ownership quota allows it and the unit is correctly registered. This structure applies to registered condominium projects and does not extend to land or standalone houses.
Ownership is tied to the specific unit and recorded at the Land Department. The land beneath the building is not owned individually, but the unit itself is freehold property.
Leasehold arrangements
Leasehold structures involve the right to use land or property for a defined period, rather than owning it outright. These arrangements are commonly used where freehold ownership is not available.
Leasehold terms can vary significantly in duration, renewal conditions, registration status, and what happens at the end of the lease. In practice, leasehold can apply to land, houses, or even condominium units, depending on how the property is structured.
Thai company structures
Some properties are offered through Thai limited companies, where the company — not the individual — holds ownership of the land or property. In these cases, the buyer acquires shares in the company rather than registering ownership directly in their personal name.
Company structures come with ongoing obligations, governance requirements, and documentation responsibilities. While commonly discussed, they are not uniform — each company has its own structure, history, and compliance status.
Other arrangements
You may also encounter less common or hybrid arrangements, including usufruct rights, superficies, or contractual usage agreements. These structures typically grant defined rights without transferring ownership and can differ substantially in scope and duration.
Each of these exists within Thai law, but they are not interchangeable. The structure determines what is owned, what is controlled, and what is temporary.
Common misunderstandings
Many ownership-related issues arise not from bad intentions, but from loose terminology and assumptions. Below are some common misunderstandings that often create confusion.
- “Foreigners can’t own property in Thailand.”
Foreigners cannot own land freehold in their personal name, but they can legally own condominium units under specific conditions. Saying “can’t own property” oversimplifies a more nuanced reality. - “Leasehold is the same as ownership.”
Leasehold grants usage rights, not ownership. While it can offer long-term stability in some cases, it does not function the same way as freehold title. - “If a company owns it, I own it.”
Owning shares in a company is not the same as holding title personally. Rights depend on company structure, compliance, and governance — not just share percentage. - “This is how everyone does it.”
Common practice is not a substitute for clarity. Two arrangements that look similar on the surface can differ significantly in registration, risk exposure, and long-term implications.
Recognising these misunderstandings early can help shift the focus from assumptions to verification.
Pratical Implications
Understanding ownership structure changes how properties are evaluated — even before pricing or location is considered.
Decision-making
Two properties with similar appearance and price may represent very different propositions once ownership structure is understood. What matters is not only what is being purchased, but how it is held.
Timelines
Different structures can involve different approval steps, documentation checks, and registration processes. These differences often affect how quickly a transaction can move from agreement to completion.
Risk awareness
Risk is not only about market movement. It often relates to documentation clarity, registration accuracy, and alignment between what is described and what is legally recorded. Understanding structure helps identify where attention is required.
Ongoing responsibilities
Some ownership formats carry continuing obligations — such as company filings, lease renewals, or administrative maintenance — that exist independently of property use.
None of these implications are inherently positive or negative. They simply reflect how different structures function in practice.
Optional next step
If your next step is to evaluate specific properties or locations, you may find it helpful to place ownership structure alongside local context.
You can explore this further here:
If you prefer to pause, that’s equally valid. A clear understanding of structure tends to make later decisions calmer — and more deliberate.