What types of land titles can be transferred under Thai law?
True land title deeds are called “Nor Sor 4 Jor” or “Chanote” and are issued by relevant Land Office. Land held under a “Chanote” title deed is accurately surveyed by the relevant Land Office and GPS plotted in relation to a national survey grid, and marked by unique “numbered” marker posts set in the ground by Land Office officials. Land which has not been officially surveyed by the Land Office is commonly held under a “certificate of utilization” known as either “Nor Sor 3 Gor” or “Nor Sor 3.” Such certificates of utilization may be upgraded to “Chanote” following an official land survey conducted by the relevant Land Office. However, both “Nor Sor 3 Gor” and “Nor Sor 3” certificates may be sold, leased and mortgaged in the same manner as a “Chanote.” From a risk management perspective, however, only land held under “Chanote” or Nor Sor 3 Gor should be purchased by foreign investors. The difference between the two types of certificates of utilization (Nor Sor 3 Gor and Nor Sor 3) rel
