Section 1656 (Thai Civil and Commercial Code) – Will Formalities in Thailand
A Thai will under Section 1656 must be in writing, dated, and signed by the testator in the presence of at least two witnesses present at the same time, who then sign certifying the testator’s signature. Any erasure, addition, or alteration is valid only if executed in the same form. Under Section 1665, a fingerprint may replace the signature if two witnesses certify it at the same time.
Summary
- Legal basis: Thai Civil and Commercial Code, Section 1656 (and Section 1665 for fingerprint option).
- Core formalities: writing, date, testator’s signature before two witnesses present together; witnesses sign then and there.
- Alterations: any erasure/addition/alteration is valid only if made with the same formalities.
- Fingerprint alternative: permitted under Section 1665 if two witnesses certify at the same time.
What Section 1656 Requires
- Writing: the will must be in writing.
- Date: include the date of making the will.
- Signature + Witnesses: the testator signs before two witnesses present together; both witnesses sign to certify the testator’s signature.
- Changes: no erasure/addition/alteration is valid unless executed with the same form (re-signed and re-witnessed together).
- Fingerprint option (Section 1665): a fingerprint may substitute for a signature if two witnesses certify it at the same time.
สรุปภาษาไทย: พินัยกรรมต้องทำเป็นหนังสือ ลงวัน เดือน ปี และลงลายมือชื่อผู้ทำพินัยกรรมต่อหน้าพยานอย่างน้อยสองคนพร้อมกัน ซึ่งพยานลงชื่อรับรองในขณะนั้น การแก้ไขใด ๆ ต้องทำตามแบบเดียวกัน (มาตรา 1656) และอาจใช้ลายนิ้วมือแทนลายมือชื่อได้ หากมีพยานสองคนรับรองพร้อมกัน (มาตรา 1665)
Examples under Section 1656
Testator signs at home; two friends watch one after another, not together.
How Section 1656 applies: Invalid witnessing: witnesses must be present at the same time and sign then and there.
Will contains a handwritten correction without new signatures/witnessing.
How Section 1656 applies: Alteration is invalid; changes must be executed in the same form as the will.
Testator cannot sign but can place a fingerprint.
How Section 1665 applies: Permitted if two witnesses certify the fingerprint at the same time.
Foreign testator leaves Thai condo to spouse; two colleagues witness together.
How Section 1656 applies: Formalities met (writing, date, testator signature/fingerprint, two witnesses present together); proceeds to probate.
What Foreigners Should Know
- Witness rules: use two independent, competent adult witnesses; have everyone sign together.
- Executor clauses: name a reliable executor and a substitute; include powers consistent with Thai practice.
- Executor choice: probate in Thailand usually requires court appearances; consider naming a Thai co-executor to ease procedure.
- Probate: Thai assets typically require Thai probate; originals and witness details are important.
- Cross-border planning: if you have assets in multiple countries, consider separate, coordinated wills limited to each jurisdiction.
Official References
FAQ: Section 1656 (Thailand)
How many witnesses are required for a Thai will?
At least two witnesses, present at the same time, who sign certifying the testator’s signature.
Can I use a fingerprint instead of signing my name?
Yes. Under Section 1665, a fingerprint may replace a signature if two witnesses certify it at the same time.
Are handwritten changes to a will valid?
Only if the change is executed with the same formalities as the will (re-signed and re-witnessed together).
Do foreigners need a Thai will for Thai assets?
Generally advisable. Thai courts require probate for local assets; a Thai-compliant will helps avoid delays. If you have assets in multiple countries, consider separate, coordinated wills limited to each jurisdiction.
What about appeal periods and deadlines?
Probate orders and filings are subject to statutory timelines under Thai procedure. Discuss specific deadlines with counsel to ensure timely filings and to preserve rights of appeal.