Thai law, explained in plain English

Thailand’s legal system is a civil-law system with its own codes, courts and customs — and most of it is documented only in Thai. Thai Law Online publishes independent, plain-English guides to how it actually works, so you can walk into a lawyer’s office (or a government office) knowing what to expect.

Start with the big picture

• The Thai legal system

  Civil law, the court hierarchy, and why there are no juries.

• Hiring a lawyer in Thailand

  Who can practise, how fees work, and the questions to ask first.

• Courts & civil procedure

  What suing someone in Thailand actually looks like, step by step.

• Free & low-cost legal help

  Legal aid, court-appointed counsel and complaint centres.

Guides by topic

• Property & land

  What foreigners can and cannot own, leases, condos and due diligence.

• Marriage, divorce & family

  Registering a marriage, prenups, divorce routes and custody.

• Inheritance & wills

  Statutory heirs, making a Thai will, and probate.

• Business & companies

  Company limited basics, restricted businesses and work permits.

• The criminal process

  Arrest to appeal — and the laws that surprise foreigners.

• Debt, loans & enforcement

  Interest limits, lawsuits over debt and how judgments are enforced.

• Visas & immigration basics

  Overstay consequences, 90-day reports and where law meets immigration.

• Documents & translation

  Certified translations, notarial services and legalisation chains.

Find help in your province

We publish companion guides for the lower-northeast (Isaan) provinces, each covering the local courts and where to find help: Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima), Roi Et and Buriram.