What are the different types of title deeds to land in Thailand?

 
Chanot (Nor Sor 4):
This type of title deed, registered at the Land Department in the province in which the land is located, grants the holder of the documents full rights over the land. It is therefore the strongest type of title deed. The title deed contains a legal description of the land boundary markers that are carefully ascertained and referenced by satellite images.

Nor Sor 3 Gor:
This land title designates ownership of land with fairly certain boundaries, however it is not yet a full land title (chanot). A final official measuring is required by the land department along with the placing of official markers. This type of land title may be sold, transferred, or mortgaged.

Nor Sor 3:
Although ownership of the land covered in this title is relatively ascertained, the Land Department has never measured or recognized the boundaries. Therefore boundary markers are normally placed by property owners rather than government authorities. Accordingly, the main risk is whether the boundaries and size of the land is accurate.

Possessory Right:
This is normally an inherited land right proven by tax payments at the local administrative office. It is one of the weakest types of land rights.

Sor Por Kor 4-01:
This is an agricultural title deed, usually found in rural areas. Government land is transferred for agricultural purposes to needy families. Residence is allowed on a portion of the land. It is difficult for a non-Thai to obtain an interest in this type of land deed.

How do land mortgages work in Thailand?

Land mortgages in Thailand must be made in writing and registered with the Land Department of Thailand. Mortgages do not include the buildings built on the land after the mortgage date unless they were agreed upon before the mortgage documents were signed. In addition, buildings and other immovable structures may be mortgaged separately and should be registered with the Land Department or local Amphur (province).

What types of taxes must be paid when purchasing land or property in Thailand?

The transferring fee, withholding tax and the stamp duty or Specific Business Tax (SBT) must all be paid by either the buyer or seller when a property is purchased. Although Sale and Purchase agreements differ, the buyer is typically responsible for the transfer fee, while the seller pays the stamp duty or specific business tax and the withholding tax.

Transferring Fee: 2% of the registered value of the property; paid at the Land Office on the day of transfer of ownership
Stamp duty: .5% of the appraised value of the property or the purchasing price, whichever is higher
Specific Business Tax (SBT): 3.3% of the appraised or actual price of the property, whichever is higher; Imposed only if the property is transferred less than five years after its purchase (If the SBT is levied, stamp duty will not have to be paid.)