Letter of Wishes
Settlor / Testator · used for Trust governance · Discretionary distributions
The Letter of Wishes is a cornerstone of any estate plan, prepared by Settlor / Testator and accepted by both Thai courts and overseas probate registries.
Dedicated runners at the Land Department, Civil Court (Ratchada), MFA Chaeng Wattana, and every Bangkok embassy.
Preparation at Settlor / Testator takes 3-7 working days at 5,000-15,000 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 Letter of Wishes
Drafted by a licensed Thai lawyer with parallel-language QA (3-7 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?
Trust governance, Discretionary distributions
Total cost?
5,000-15,000 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?
3-7 days for drafting + 5-14 days for MFA/Apostille/embassy.