Buyer guide
Buying property through a Thai company
The Thai limited company structure for villas and land: shareholding rules, lawful control mechanisms, compliance costs and the nominee risks you must avoid.
When a Thai company is used
A Thai limited company is most often considered for villas and houses, where foreigners cannot hold land freehold. The company buys the land, and the foreign buyer controls the company. For condominiums, personal foreign freehold within the 49% quota remains the preferred route.
Shareholding structure
Foreigners may hold up to 49% of a Thai company's shares, with the majority held by Thai nationals. Using nominee shareholders — Thai nationals holding shares on your behalf without genuine investment — is illegal and has been actively prosecuted. Structure must reflect genuine shareholding.
Control and protection mechanisms
Lawful mechanisms include preference shares with enhanced voting rights, directorship and signing authority, and registered long-term leases or mortgages over the property in your favour. These are combined by your lawyer so you retain practical control within the law.
Compliance and real costs
A property-holding company must file annual accounts, hold shareholder meetings and may need an audit — expect ongoing accounting fees even with no trading. Authorities scrutinise dormant companies holding land, so budget for genuine compliance and independent legal advice from day one.