Thailand foreign property ownership rules

In July 2026 a guide highlighted the legal framework governing Thailand’s condominium market, noting that foreigners can own only up to 49% of units in any building and that freehold ownership is limited to condominiums, with land and houses restricted to Thai nationals. The piece offered practical advice for foreign investors considering freehold condos versus leasehold arrangements.

A later note, published later that month, reported that a 2025 Supreme Court decision had closed a loophole that previously allowed many foreign buyers to secure leasehold contracts with guaranteed 30‑year renewals. The ruling imposes stricter renewal terms and heightened scrutiny on leaseholds, reinforcing the existing 49% foreign‑ownership cap in condominiums and warning of the legal and financial risks of using Thai‑registered companies to acquire land. Prospective buyers are now urged to reassess whether a freehold condo or a leasehold property best meets their needs under the tightened regulations.