Gift

Under Thai law, a gift is a contract whereby a person (the donor) voluntarily transfers ownership of property to another person (the donee) without receiving compensation, and the donee accepts it (Section 521). A gift may also take the form of releasing a debt or performing an obligation owed by the donee (Section 522).

In principle, a gift is valid only upon delivery of the property (Section 523). If the gift involves a written instrument or property requiring official registration (e.g. land), additional formalities such as written notification or registration are required (Sections 524–525).

A registered promise to give, if not fulfilled, entitles the donee to demand delivery but not damages (Section 526). If the gift includes ongoing obligations (e.g. regular payments), these end upon the death of either party unless agreed otherwise (Section 527).

Gifts may be encumbered with a charge, and if the donee fails to fulfill such a burden, the donor may reclaim the gift under certain conditions (Sections 528–530).

A gift may be revoked for ingratitude in limited cases, such as serious offenses against the donor or refusal to provide necessary support (Sections 531–533). Revocation is subject to time limits and exceptions, and revoked gifts are returned under the rules of undue enrichment (Section 534).

Some gifts, such as those given in return for services, under moral duty, or in consideration of marriage, cannot be revoked for ingratitude (Section 535). Gifts intended to take effect upon death are governed by inheritance law (Section 536).