Who can make a secret-document will under Section 1660?

Any person—Thai or foreign—may make a Section 1660 secret-document will in Thailand, provided the legal formalities are met. No nationality or residency requirement applies in the statute.

What are the formal steps for a Section 1660 will?

The testator signs the will, seals it and signs across the seal, then presents it to the district officer in front of two witnesses. The officer records the declaration and date, applies the official seal, and the testator, witnesses, and officer sign across the cover. Any alteration must be signed by the testator.

1660

Glossaries

Term	Definition
1660	Secret-Document Thai Will (Sec. 1660): A last will signed and sealed by the testator, then presented sealed to the district officer (Kromakarn Amphoe) with two witnesses. The officer records the declaration, date, and seal on the cover, and all sign. Contents stay confidential until opened. Open to both Thais and foreigners; interpreter allowed if needed. Secret-Document Will (Section 1660) A secret-document will (พินัยกรรมแบบเอกสารลับ) is made by signing and sealing a written testament, then presenting the sealed document before the Kromakarn Amphoe (district officer) and at least two witnesses, declaring that it contains the testator’s last wishes. The officer records the declaration on the cover, applies the official seal, and all parties sign across it. Summary Legal basis: Thai Civil and Commercial Code, Section 1660. Formalities: Testator signs will → seals document and signs across seal → presents it to Amphoe + 2 witnesses → declares it is his will → officer records declaration, date & seal → all sign the cover. Alterations: Any erasure or addition is invalid unless signed by the testator on the sealed will. Eligibility: Available to any person, Thai or foreign. No nationality, residency, visa, or house-book requirement. Language: Declaration is in Thai; an interpreter can be used if the testator is not fluent. Storage: The sealed will may be deposited at the district office; a receipt is issued for retrieval by heirs after death. Case law: The Thai Supreme Court (Judgment 1396/2518) confirmed the validity of properly executed secret wills. Why use this form? This form preserves the privacy of the will’s contents, while ensuring official recognition. The will itself remains sealed, but the act of delivery and certification by the Amphoe and witnesses guarantees validity. It is suitable for both Thais and foreigners with assets in Thailand. Official References Thai Civil and Commercial Code – Sections 1658 & 1660 (Senate site, Thai text) Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) – Will-making procedures (PDF, Thai) Conflict of Laws Act B.E. 2481 – Section 40 (OIC, Thai text) ← Previous: Public Will made at the Amphur Next: Inheritance, Wills and Succession in Thailand → Synonyms: secret will

Term

Definition

1660

Secret-Document Thai Will (Sec. 1660): A last will signed and sealed by the testator, then presented sealed to the district officer (Kromakarn Amphoe) with two witnesses. The officer records the declaration, date, and seal on the cover, and all sign. Contents stay confidential until opened. Open to both Thais and foreigners; interpreter allowed if needed.

Secret-Document Will (Section 1660)

A secret-document will (พินัยกรรมแบบเอกสารลับ) is made by signing and sealing a written testament, then presenting the sealed document before the Kromakarn Amphoe (district officer) and at least two witnesses, declaring that it contains the testator’s last wishes. The officer records the declaration on the cover, applies the official seal, and all parties sign across it.

Summary

Legal basis: Thai Civil and Commercial Code, Section 1660.
Formalities: Testator signs will → seals document and signs across seal → presents it to Amphoe + 2 witnesses → declares it is his will → officer records declaration, date & seal → all sign the cover.
Alterations: Any erasure or addition is invalid unless signed by the testator on the sealed will.
Eligibility: Available to any person, Thai or foreign. No nationality, residency, visa, or house-book requirement.
Language: Declaration is in Thai; an interpreter can be used if the testator is not fluent.
Storage: The sealed will may be deposited at the district office; a receipt is issued for retrieval by heirs after death.
Case law: The Thai Supreme Court (Judgment 1396/2518) confirmed the validity of properly executed secret wills.

Why use this form?

This form preserves the privacy of the will’s contents, while ensuring official recognition. The will itself remains sealed, but the act of delivery and certification by the Amphoe and witnesses guarantees validity. It is suitable for both Thais and foreigners with assets in Thailand.

Official References

Synonyms: secret will