Death Certificate (for probate)
District Registrar · used for UK Probate · US Probate · Insurance claim
Families with cross-border assets cannot skip the Death Certificate (for probate) — it is the single document that prevents heir disputes when wealth straddles multiple jurisdictions.
Dedicated runners at the Land Department, Civil Court (Ratchada), MFA Chaeng Wattana, and every Bangkok embassy.
Preparation at District Registrar takes 1-5 working days at 20-100 บาท. NYC Legal handles the intake, drafting, witnessing, and safe storage.
The document is then translated into the destination language by a registrar-listed translator, MFA-legalised, and either Apostilled or attested at the destination embassy.
Our 14-country network of overseas counsel (French Notaire, Dutch Notaris, UK Solicitor, US Estate Attorney, SG Lawyer) verifies enforceability on both sides.
First-pass acceptance at overseas probate registries: 94-96%.
Coverage
How it works
- 1
Intake & planning
Interview heirs, asset map, jurisdictions, estate-tax exposure, and chosen pathway (will / trust / POA / probate).
- 2
Draft Death Certificate (for probate)
Drafted by a licensed Thai lawyer with parallel-language QA (1-5 days).
- 3
Witnessing & execution
Two witnesses under CCC s.1656 or public-will route at the District Office.
- 4
Translate & notarise
Registrar-listed translator + Notarial Services Attorney.
- 5
MFA + Apostille / embassy
MFA Chaeng Wattana → Apostille (Hague) or destination embassy (2-7 days).
- 6
Safe storage & overseas counsel
Stored in our safe deposit + dispatched to overseas counsel.
Frequently asked questions
How many witnesses does a Thai will require?
CCC s.1656 requires two witnesses signing in the testator's presence — we provide them at our office.
Where can this document be used?
UK Probate, US Probate, Insurance claim, Bank closure
Total cost?
20-100 บาท + translation + MFA + Apostille/embassy depending on destination.
Where is the original stored?
Original kept in our office safe deposit + scanned copy to client and overseas counsel.
Can the document be amended?
Yes — by codicil or by drafting a fresh instrument revoking the prior one.
Is Thai inheritance tax payable?
Inheritance Tax Act 2015 applies above THB 100M — 5% direct heirs, 10% others.
Can a trust be registered in Thailand?
No — CCC s.1686 prohibits Thai-situs trusts on land/property; offshore jurisdictions (SG, Jersey, Cayman, Labuan) are used instead.
When is the document operational?
1-5 days for drafting + 5-14 days for MFA/Apostille/embassy.