How Long Does Probate Take in Thailand? A Step-by-Step Timeline Guide
One of the most common questions we receive from international families and foreign heirs is:
How long does probate take in Thailand?
The short answer is:
👉 Typically 6 to 8 months for uncontested cases.
However, the actual timeline depends on several legal and procedural factors.
Probate in Thailand is a court-supervised process. It requires formal appointment of an estate administrator before assets can be accessed, transferred, or distributed. Below is a practical breakdown of each stage and what affects the overall timeline.
Step 1: Filing the Petition for Appointment
Under Thai procedural law, a petition for appointment of an estate administrator must be filed with:
- The court where the deceased had domicile at the time of death; or
- If the deceased had no domicile in Thailand, the court where estate assets are located.
Documents Required
The timeline is significantly affected by document preparation. Common required documents include:
- Death certificate
- ID card or passport of the deceased
- ID card or passport of the petitioner
- House registration documents
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Birth certificates
- Name-change certificates (if any)
- Family tree (prepared by lawyer)
- Written consent of other heirs (to prevent objections)
- Copy of heirs’ ID cards
- Will (if any)
- Death certificates of predeceased heirs
- Asset documents (land title deeds, condominium title, bank book copies, vehicle registration, etc.)
If any documents are in English, they must be translated into Thai and certified.
Delays often occur when:
- Documents are incomplete
- Heirs cannot be located
- Foreign documents require legalization
When documents are ready, the lawyer drafts the petition describing:
- Relationship between petitioner and deceased
- Details of death
- Description of estate assets
- Reason probate is necessary (e.g., bank or Land Office refusal without court order)
- Qualification of petitioner
- Consent of other heirs
- Formal request for court appointment
Step 2: Court Filing and Publication Period
After filing:
- The court schedules a hearing date.
- Typically, the hearing is set 45–60 days later.
Why does it take this long?
Because Thai law requires public notice to allow potential objections.
The court will require:
- Posting notice at the courthouse
- Posting notice at the deceased’s last domicile
- Or electronic publication (e-Notice)
Interested parties have 15 days to object.
If no objection is filed, the case proceeds smoothly. If objections arise, the timeline may extend significantly.
Step 3: Hearing Date (Court Examination)
On the hearing date:
- The petitioner must testify.
- The court verifies:
- Relationship to the deceased
- Date of death
- Existence of assets
- Status of other heirs
- Absence of bankruptcy or incapacity
- Intention to administer honestly
If documents are complete and uncontested, the court may issue an order appointing the estate administrator shortly thereafter.
Step 4: After the Court Issues the Appointment Order
Once the court issues the order appointing the estate administrator, the process is not immediately complete.
Under Thai procedural practice, there is a waiting period before the order becomes final. Typically, this stage may take approximately 30 days after the court issues the order or judgment.
During this period:
- The parties must wait for the expiration of the appeal period.
- After the appeal period lapses, the administrator may apply for a Certificate of Finality, confirming that the court order is legally final and enforceable.
The Certificate of Finality confirms that the court order is final and no appeal is pending.
Only after obtaining:
- A certified copy of the court order, and
- The Certificate of Finality
can the estate administrator proceed to deal with estate assets, such as:
- Transferring condominium units at the Land Office
- Withdrawing funds from banks
- Transferring vehicle ownership
- Managing or distributing estate property
This additional 30-day period is an important procedural step and should be factored into the overall probate timeline.
Total Estimated Timeline
For uncontested cases:
| Stage | Approximate Time |
| Document preparation | 2–4 weeks |
| Court waiting period | 45–60 days |
| Court order issuance | 2-4 weeks |
| Finality certificate | 30 days |
| Total | 6–8 months |
What Can Extend the Timeline?
Several factors may increase the duration:
- Missing heirs
- Disputes among family members
- Objection filed during publication period
- Foreign documents requiring legalization
- Complex estates (real estate + business assets)
- Multiple jurisdictions
- Incomplete documentation
- Court backlog
In contested probate cases, the process may extend beyond one year.
Special Considerations for Foreign Clients
For international families:
- All foreign documents must be translated and certified
- Power of attorney may be required
- Embassy legalization may be necessary
- Coordination across time zones may delay document collection
However, with proper preparation, most delays can be minimized.
Can Probate Be Faster?
Yes, preparation is key.
Probate proceeds faster when:
- All heirs cooperate
- Written consent from heirs is prepared
- Documents are complete and translated
- Asset details are clearly documented
- Petition is professionally drafted
Many delays arise not from the court, but from incomplete documentation or procedural errors.
Why Professional Guidance Matters
Although the court hearing itself is often straightforward, the process leading up to it requires careful legal preparation.
Professional legal support helps ensure:
- Proper court jurisdiction
- Complete document package
- Accurate drafting of petition
- Compliance with publication requirements
- Efficient post-hearing processing
This reduces unnecessary delays and avoids rejected filings.
Final Thoughts
Probate in Thailand is a structured legal process that requires formal court appointment before estate assets can be accessed or distributed.
For uncontested cases, the process typically takes between six and twelve months. However, careful preparation, proper documentation, and legal guidance can significantly reduce procedural delays.
If you require assistance with probate or estate administration in Thailand, KTP Legal Advisory provides comprehensive support from petition drafting through final asset transfer.
To understand the broader framework of probate and estate administration in Thailand, please visit:
👉 https://ktp-legal.com/probate-and-estate-administration/
