Thailand Tightens Rules on Foreign Property Ownership After 2025 Supreme Court Ruling

A 2025 Supreme Court ruling in Thailand closed a long‑standing loophole that allowed many foreign buyers to rely on leasehold arrangements with guaranteed 30‑year renewals. The decision means leasehold contracts are now subject to stricter renewal terms and increased scrutiny.

Under Thai law, freehold ownership is limited to condominium units and is subject to a 49% foreign‑ownership cap within any building. Foreigners cannot own land or houses freehold, and the alternative of using a Thai‑registered company to acquire land carries significant legal and financial risks, drawing greater attention from authorities.

Prospective buyers must assess whether a freehold condominium or a leasehold property best suits their needs, taking into account the new limitations on lease renewals and the enduring 49% quota for foreign condo ownership.