ฉบับภาษาไทย: อ่านหน้านี้เป็นภาษาไทย
Why does a Thai bank require a court-appointed estate administrator?
Short answer
Because the bank has no lawful way to decide who inherits. Under the Civil and Commercial Code, control of a deceased person's assets passes to an administrator appointed by court order, and the bank releases funds against that order — not against a will, a death certificate or a family agreement.
This surprises families who hold a valid will. A will says who should receive the estate; it does not by itself give anyone authority to deal with third parties such as banks, the Land Office or the Department of Business Development. The petition to appoint an administrator is filed at the court with jurisdiction over the deceased's domicile, and where the deceased lived abroad, at the court where the estate property is located.
Typical documents are the death certificate, evidence of the heirs' relationship (house registration, marriage or birth certificates), the will if any, a list of estate assets, and consent letters from other heirs. Foreign-issued civil status documents need translation and legalisation by the Department of Consular Affairs before a Thai court will accept them, which is usually the longest step — start it first. Scope, turnaround and fees are confirmed by IVC staff by phone, LINE or email — this site does not publish prices.
Reviewed as of 2026-08-04. General guidance only, not case-specific advice and not a guarantee of outcome. Government fees, conditions and processing times are set by the responsible authority and can change. This site does not publish prices — please ask our staff.
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