Date: August 12, 2026

Can I own land in Thailand through my company?

It depends. A Thai company may be able to own land, but if the company is considered foreign under Thai law, restrictions will usually apply. Using a Thai company simply to allow a foreigner to own land through nominee shareholders is illegal and carries significant legal risks.

What We See In Practice

I've been told I can own land in Thailand if I just set up a Thai company with Thai shareholders. Is that true?

WHAT CLIENTS ASK US

Not necessarily. A Thai company can own land in certain circumstances, but the company must be genuine. If Thai shareholders are only included to help a foreigner get around Thailand’s land ownership rules, the arrangement is illegal and can have serious consequences for everyone involved.

Whether a company can own land in Thailand depends on how it is structured. Companies that are considered Thai under the Land Code may generally acquire land for legitimate business purposes. However, companies that are classified as foreign are usually prohibited from owning land unless they qualify for a specific exemption, such as certain BOI-promoted projects or other investment schemes.

When reviewing a land purchase, the authorities look beyond the shareholding percentages. They may examine where the investment funds came from, whether the Thai shareholders genuinely invested their own money, whether they exercise real shareholder rights, and whether the company is carrying on a genuine business. If the arrangement is found to rely on nominee shareholders, the land transaction may be challenged and those involved can face civil and criminal penalties.

Author: Vincent Birot

Vincent Birot is a French-trained international business lawyer based in Bangkok. He holds a Master’s degree in International Business Law from La Sorbonne and an LL.M in International Commercial Law from the University of Exeter (UK), and has passed the Paris Bar examination. He is the Founder of Belaws, a one-stop platform for legal and corporate matters, facilitating access to trusted legal and business professionals who deliver compliant, practical solutions aligned with local laws and on-the-ground realities. He has advised foreign investors for over 10 years on corporate structuring, BOI promotion, cross-border tax, and regulatory compliance in Thailand. He previously served as Vice President of the Franco-Thai Chamber of Commerce and is a founding member of French Tech Bangkok.