What happens when foreigners die in Thailand?

[@gerardwise67]

Over the 20 years I've lived here i helped a few families deal with dying in Thailand 🇹🇭. The question many people are asking is about what happens to the body. You can have Buddhist ceremony where the body is cremated at a temple, you don't have to be an expat or resident, tourist can be cremated. Hey Tiger team you should make a video covering all aspects of the Buddhist beliefs and ceremony involved. Years ago I was going to write a pamphlet on how to Die in Thailand 🇹🇭. The hospitals don't have anything and the few foreigners I helped with this process would of greatly appreciated more help. Everything from preparing the body and bringing it to the temple and all steps involved. Both spiritually and practical.

[@gerardwise67]

Burying the body is more complex as there aren't many cemeteries and the only ones I know of are private Chinese or Islamic.

[@edwardpearce9668]

Not all Thai are Buddhist. there is opportunity for other religious dealings of death including Catholic or Moslem.

[@IrishPhotoArchive1952]

Excellent idea.

[@davedaniels4967]

I think you should do a pamphlet on this subject. People need to have this information. Thanks for the work you are doing.

[@packageism]

Poor interview with little details. Also Tim hinted at the price question and of course the attorney doesn’t even give a price range. Same at another interview about getting Thai permanent residency. If the purpose of these interviews is to attract clients my advice is to give more specific and knowledgeable answers. This advice is free

[@danporath536]

If you have an expat club in your locale, they might have a negotiated package with a Thai attorney.

[@argonaut816]

I have watched videos of this US attorney before. His typical answer is "phone my company on this number and we can help you"

[@gerardwise67]

Depending on your location and how many people you expect to attend the costs of a traditional Thai ceremony and cremation will vary. Lower range 8,000B to 20,000B upper range 50,000B+ and sky's the limit.

[@johnclark7973]

Great topic and information, that is rarely discussed, but much needed. Big Ben for the WIN! 👍

[@MyLifeThai371]

My friend Pook in Thailand said most Thai people do not get buried when they pass away, because real estate is so expensive. Their body is cremated and I'm sure the ashes are given to their family, rather than put someplace. I would think that is what is going to happen to foreigners that have no family....

[@royporter4232]

The ashes are given to the Person who arranged the cremation.

[@MyLifeThai371]

@@royporter4232 My friend Pook did show me a Muslim cemetery. The Muslims have the money to have their bodies buried.

[@steveburke7675]

Love these L,G & M pieces....please...keep them coming.

[@VegasNegus]

Very valuable conversation here. Many thx.

[@flix1710]

Interesting infos but your invited American lawyer is never precise, only approximate answers... I believe that in Thailand you need certain papers done as everywhere like last will, bank accounts beneficiary, etc. Must the last will document be done at lawyer or not?? Many questions no real answers... Tim you should find another lawyer whom will give your viewers more accurate & precise informations! 🙏

[@realpaddy5270]

Flix. If you want specific answers, you must pay for them.

[@danporath536]

A lawyers advice is his stock in trade.

[@bobjackson4720]

If you die in Thailand why waste time and lots of money to get your body sent back to your place of origin?

[@miketzai9209]

Just my thinking, i will be happy, when they though my ashes in the river. Stay safe Rak Thais RAk Thailand samer

[@captainsaveaho4838]

Number 1 thing to do is make sure you or someone in your family requests the Embassy to conduct an autopsy.

[@phillipjohngreenslade1333]

The soul is eternal, the body turns to dust. 👌

[@peterw7012]

Not much information about what happens to body, funeral etc. A lot of people are of the false belief that embassy etc will pay to send body back home. Also, you can't just fed-ex a body back to home country, its an very expensive and complex process. The conventional wisdom is to have a cremation in Thailand and ship ashes back.

[@andrewmunn1724]

Many years ago a friend of a friend's son was killed in a motorcycle accident in Thailand (I lived there for nearly 20 years). The British Embassy asked the man to deposit £2,000 (something like that) into a bank account, and then they would assist and make some arrangements for the repatriation of the body.

[@andrewmunn1724]

@bob ross beard lice Many people, both expats and tourists don't have travel or health insurance.

[@dksharron]

Most travel insurance does not cover motorcycle accidents . As of about 15 years ago, one friend was quoted in the neighborhood of $10,000 to send a his son's body back to the USA. His wife in the US did not want a funeral and cremation here........... until she found out about the price.

[@andrewmunn1724]

​@@dksharron Yes, I'm aware of that, with motorbikes. Just recently I read about a British guy who had 'retired' to Thailand, he was the same age as me, 55 He had some serious medical problem and had set up a go fund me page to raise £10,000. He proved my point if you ain't got a spare £10k or health insurance, you can't afford to be living in Thailand. I had maybe 4 or 5 older friends, 70+, move back to their home countries in recent years. I believe that healthcare played a part in all of their decisions to leave Thailand.

[@MegaPixie666]

Shane Warne a famous cricketer from Australia passed away Saturday 5th march on koh samui. Took his body back to the mainland for an Autopsy on Monday. They flew his body back on a private charter flight on Thursday to Melbourne. All pretty straightforward if your connected or cashed up.

[@coastmansingha9980]

Exactly the point I was going to make. It will be interesting to see a autopsy is undertaken in Melbourne and if that one conflicts with the one done in Thailand 👍👍

[@keithorrell1458]

Thanks Tim & Ben, yes thanks for this info, another aspect that I never thought of when I retire to Thailand. I've done a will in South Africa and when my time is up everything I have goes to my Thai wife or if she dies before me then everything goes to my wife's daughter in Thailand

[@russbarrows6689]

The American embassy staff were very helpful to our friend when her husband passed away in Thailand.

[@vivabikerleo7546]

If you married to a thai you write out your WILL sign it infront of 2 witnesses and you have the option to keep it at the Amphoe office for a small fee or just keep it at home. When the time comes all you do is to present the death certificate and the Will to complete your financial affairs. Simple as that so I have been told ny the Amphoe office.🤗

[@MyBelch]

Yep, never heard of "storing:" it at a law office. I made 3 copies. One each to brother and sister abroad, and I keep one in a lock box at home.

[@underworldringside]

He should have told you the cost of a basic will for clearing bank accounts to family overseas

[@richardclaus4751]

Retired AMCIT, wife is AMCIT and lives with me. She will notify two retirement offices in USA to cease deposits. Just a note the US Embassy is really on top of this and very helpful. Question we cannot get answered: if I die how can I be cremated without going through a Temple?

[@edwardpearce9668]

Ask at Catholic church?

[@davedaniels4967]

I think it was a good topic for discussion. Maybe do some follow-up talks on this subject.

[@ronsummers4090]

You didn’t answer clearly what happens to the body. Can it be buried or cremated in Thailand or does it have to be repatriated? Cheers

[@gerardwise67]

yes can be cremated and burial is possible but much more complex and expensive.

[@ronsummers4090]

@@gerardwise67 thanks for the clarification, so cremation it is then! 😁

[@ronsummers4090]

@@erbxvdfb sounds like reasonable alternatives

[@photographerjonathan]

This video doesn't even answer it's own question

[@liamharding5704]

Good to see Ben in his casuals and not his usual suit jacket, shirt , tie and boxer shorts 😀

[@bradleys4783]

State Dept. (U.S.) catches a lot of unfair grief at times. I think they do an outstanding job, and I'm thankful that they do provide the services they do. In the past when I have dealt with them they have treated me with the utmost level of respect and professionalism. Hats off to them, Excellent topic for discussion.... Proper Wills are very important to have. Relatively easy to prepare and update. Certainly worth the few bucks to prepare and file. Great for peace of mind and if you have any loved ones either in Thailand or back in your home country.... makes things tremendously better for them and all others who may be involved in your unfortunate passing.

[@MyLifeThai371]

I watch Ben all the time on youtube!

[@royporter4232]

If you are married whether to a Thai or not, if your bank accounts are in joint names there is no need for a Will as the accounts should transfer to the survivor automatically. The question of property in Thailand doesn't arise as Farangs can't own property here. If you are single then by all means make a Will naming an Executor who will deal with the lawyers and it would be a good idea to leave the Executor a gift of money for his trouble. I do have a Will in England that covers my Estate in England and it's disposal.

[@wetluv4]

Foreigners can buy a condo. And a home. But not the land it sits on.

[@MyBelch]

Agree. It need not be overly complicated. If you trust your wife make everything joint. Teach her how to deal with banks abroad, and where everything is. If you don't trust her, bring nothing here you're not ready to lose. No need to involve Thailand or Thais with your will.

[@jampasurprenant1794]

That's were great to learn about Thailand if you happened to be dead in Thailand very interesting to learn about the situations .

[@bernardlaverton9077]

What happens if you have a foreign will? Will that be valid in Thailand?

[@KimmyWood]

No

[@richardclaus4751]

Thank you.

[@deandecoursey2334]

Ben, it’s been a long time since I last saw you. You helped in getting my Thai wife and family get U.S. visas and eventually Green Cards. Only one step daughter has gotten citizenship so far. My infant son is now 14 years and 4 years away from graduating from high school, at which point I pack everything up, sell my U.S. house and move to my house in Chiangmai. I don’t know if you deal with U.S. visas for Thais going to U.S. but my wife’s niece who is around 20 would like to come to the U.S. to cook in my wife’s Thai restaurant in the Kansas City area. I’ll be in Chiangmai for September and October and could schedule some time in Bangkok to talk to you about it. Regards, Dean

[@martypoll]

I have US and Thai bank accounts. I have an estate plan written by a US lawyer and I have all the documents here with me in Thailand. It is in English though and would cost a fortune to translate. I think I need to create a document in Thai and English describing the existence in the Estate plan. I am also depending on some assistance from my sister in the US.

[@davidstreet2949]

Got many paperwork translated was a bit high cost but was worth it. As you keep that stuff a lifetime.

[@photographerjonathan]

I have been wanting to make a Will, this video gave a small amount of information, not even an average price.

[@argonaut816]

A will written by a solicitor here in the UK typically costs about £200. You can get them for peanuts if you include a bequest to a charity. So I think about 8,000 baht would be a fair price for Thailand

[@HiHi-xy1qf]

It depends on how complex it is and the practice , ballpark figure 12- 20 thousand bhat, you have to do it it' s a must.

[@brianmcintyre8563]

Is a hand written will signed by a notary legal?

[@kennethwhite5158]

With all due respect, not every retiree has 800,000 baht in a bank account. Therefore, some retirees use the monthly income option for retirees as written in the VISA laws for Thailand.

[@maxmiguel500]

This is mainly about people living in Thailand . If you die there as a tourist, is it a difficult process for say , a family member to organise a cremation ? And how much would it likely cost ?

[@bernhardfellhauer3748]

Not really very informative,

[@argonaut816]

Surprising advice from a lawyer. You should always have a will. I would suggest made in your home country. And for Ex Pats in Thailand, I believe your become liable to Thailand's equivalent of UK inheritance tax, after 6 months residence. (And for UK Ex Pats, you have to be non-resident for 10 years for your estate not be subject to the UK tax). Moral: make a will, don't cut corners, pay the money and get a rock solid will in your home country. And find an English speaking agent to help you! Darren at Key Visa in Pattaya was very helpful - there are plenty of others.

[@patrickjoneill5836]

A few years back I made a Thai will via an online lawyer - printed and properly witnessed etc. Does my beneficiary/executor (my wife) have to go back to that lawyer to get probate (or whatever they call it in Thailand) or can she get it done by anybody?

[@HiHi-xy1qf]

I was informed recently that any lawyer in thailand can process your thai will.( just made one, had to sign over the envelope flap before it was all taped up and can only be opened by a thai lawyer) rgards.

[@HiHi-xy1qf]

@Tawan Paradize could you elaborate on that statement i don' t understand.

[@patrickjoneill5836]

@@HiHi-xy1qf Thank you

[@frankcherry3810]

Some instructions are helpful for those left behind

[@blackthorn5620]

The good ones go to heaven. The bad boys go to Pattaya I think.

[@seanmccarthy3690]

Awesome program today guys. As usual Mr Hart is a wealth of knowledge. I would like to know if I need a will in Thailand as well as in the United Kingdom? I still have many assets in the UK. In other words two wells or will one suffice?

[@KimmyWood]

You need both! My lawyer does a will for 10k THB and it can be changed as situation changes at no extra charge! Unlike UK

[@dreamer6894]

Unpopular but most important subject.

[@alecynot.2016]

What about the fees Law firm charge?

[@jonathanwilliamson1931]

I would not like to pay this Guy by the hour! Bullshit for hours,get nowhere and then asks you to make another appointment.

[@davidstreet2949]

I wish to be cremated ashes and thai wife's maybe put in stupa at our temple. We have land under both our names. But this has got me thinking about talking to abbot about buying our stupa early? And the paperwork needed, just thought it would be easy we go to many cremations in our village town Wat. My wife just talked about ashes in the garden, I have not brought up my stupa idea yet. Thank you for this talk I am not getting any younger.

[@masteryancodesan]

Ya me too. I'll be cremated and put in the family crypt. Yes buy it early. You should be spending money at that temple every year.

[@frankcherry3810]

I have a will, and lawyer as well as executor in the USA, for those things in America. Things in Thailand, banks, cars, ect go to those in Thailand. Funeral arrangements are in writing. What happens after that, Haha, I dont care. Thailand lawyers want 35,000 baht for a will. Kiss my butt. Ben is a great guy

[@pip6136]

What happens to your body? You didn't answer that. What if you want your remains to stay in Thailand? Is that allowed? Can you choose to be buried in Thailand? Will your wishes on burial be respected and not overturned by relatives?

[@pacospain5042]

Yes you can most people are cremated here, many of my friends died already and they just cremated them here. To be buried not sure in Thailand is for the poor to be buried

[@pip6136]

@@pacospain5042 Thank you for your reply. Do you need to leave legal instructions to have your body cremated to stop overseas relatives having your reminds repatriated back to your country of birth?

[@somkit9102]

Did you expect them to answer a question you asked in the comment section after the video was already uploaded?

[@pip6136]

@Somkit look at other uploads of there's and also if you had followed the channel. You would know they often do. Plus why you sticking your nose in with no practical help? Mind your own business and get with be miserable looking in the mirror

[@pip6136]

@Tawan Paradize cheers for that 👍

[@dukeofedinborough]

A rough idea of the cost of the will might have been useful. I appreciate there are many factors so a ''between xxx and xxx' could have been shown. I bet a lot of viewers would like to know this! Also, if one has estate/assets in two countries would that require 2 wills? I mean... is there international recognition for the document or not? Thanks

[@IrishPhotoArchive1952]

Very good article 👍 Where there's a will there's a relative 😁

[@jduncan48]

What about the body?

[@danporath536]

Mine will be sent to Chiang Mai University to help medical students learn.

[@MyLifeThai371]

Thai people are cremated, because real estate is expensive.

[@TheAlphacad]

You did know you're quoting a song lyric by Warren Zevon right? Lawyers guns and money. So is the CRDA the document the next of kin should ask the embassy for?

[@tweedharris9803]

What happens to body?

[@fandechichoune8516]

I did take care of 2 friends , so after clearance of ambassy I barbecue them for few bucks and drop the ashes in the sea as the family told me ,. Have will cleared with a 3 years period

[@somkit9102]

Where there's a will, there's a way.

[@tweedharris9803]

Didn’t answer question. What happens to body?

[@georgecorey1941]

Can you just bring a copy of your will with you and place it with a local Attorney?

[@metalstamping]

How would the lawyer know that u are gone?

[@pip6136]

He said. Multiple copies of the will are printed and given to you and the beneficiaries. They keep a copy on file. When you die. Your beneficiarie notifies them and they start the process. That's how they find out you've died.

[@stevedom1]

the body is cremated or buried as wished - not repatriated. Bury my ashes in garden & grow a tree there!

[@oliverkirkland6541]

They go to heaven!

[@goatseyelash]

They go through your pockets

[@phampx1]

Either one will go to hell or heaven after one dies. The rest is insignificant.

[@williamdavies2375]

Wills are for the benefit of the bereaved not the deceased lol

[@pip6136]

And if there's no heaven or hell?

[@williamdavies2375]

And what about reincarnation?

[@williamdavies2375]

@@pip6136 then you’re fxxxed anyway

[@somkit9102]

None will go to hell and none will go to heaven. Those are imaginary destinations.

[@peterfryearson9247]

This guy doesn't seem sure of anything... I think, I think, I think ..

[@petmak4998]

what if you're married to a Thai and DON'T have a will?

[@danporath536]

Get advice or throw caution to the wind.

[@coastmansingha9980]

If you want her to have access to your bank account make sure she knows your pin number, else your money may end up in the hands of the bank.

[@argonaut816]

The question you need to ask yourself is: on my death do I want my estate to go to my Thai wife or to friends and family back home? Make a will! From a UK perspective, your estate would go automatically to your wife, but assuming your are in Thailand you would need to check their intestacy rules to see who it goes to.

[@coastmansingha9980]

@@argonaut816 Yes I agree. But lets suppose you have a bank account in your name only because you need to have one to satisfy Thai Immigration who will not accept a joint account as proof of finances. In that situation your Thai wife would not have access to your account but your relatives back home could.

[@martypoll]

I think my Thai wife can claim my individual account balance from the bank by making a claim and providing proof of our marriage. It may take a while but I think it would be OK. We also have a joint account so if I am able I can quickly transfer from one account to the other and then definitely she would have access to the money.

[@dv4072]

he thinks a lot and knowns nothing.

[@danporath536]

Sez’ you…who talks alot about nothing in particular.

[@joloue1]

Well that didn’t really answer the question, did it, Mr Thaiger…..

[@thebangkokconnection4080]

Pay to ship home, cremated or in toto. Most deceased left plans after their demise. I have a grave marker both my and my wifes ashes will be locked in in a Thai temple. Planning is the key.

[@murphy6053]

if you have a Thai friend they can okead poverty and the monks will heat you up tthats what we did with my fruend

[@MyLifeThai371]

Yep. All my Thai friends said they cremate the Thai's when they pass away.

[@masteryancodesan]

Topic suggestion - legal projectiles in Thailand? Guns are a no go, but what about bow and arrow? Crossbow? Potato gun? Airsoft? Out in the rice fields, you need something.

[@creamblythe9853]

Only if you have money

[@christinacaffrey9596]

Thanks for this! Really appreciate the information and better understanding about the process. It is different for each country. Looking forward to the next video. Not keen about the pet pussy comment …

[@JanLandy]

I want to know what your arrangement is with Ben Hart!! He is he paying you for this segment? Every one of your Lawyers Guns and Money is with this guy and I feel that the information is less than basic and is just a promotion for his law firm. Also, I find it difficult that you are not giving Warren Zevon any credit for stealing his creative content. By the way if anyone reading this does not know who Warren Zevon is, just Google Lawyers guns and money-

[@TheThaiger]

We don’t play Warren Zevon’s music. And Ben isn’t paid. We’ve screen tested a few other ‘lawyers’ but they weren’t good communicators. Recommend someone for our next batch of LG and M.

[@cleasberg3461]

dont need lawyer you get paper last will and testament its paper its law of kingdom thailand 2 witnesses signed of testator ITS FOR FREE

[@kevininsiam]

No need to do anything you're already in heaven. Rip 🙏

[@MyLifeThai371]

Why do they say "Good guys go to heaven, Bad guys go to Pattaya?" ;p

[@danporath536]

I prefer the firm of Dewey, Cheatum, and How! Nyuk! Nyuk!

[@ras9875]

Tim's girlfriend name is pet?

[@bangkokbaby]

iv a good story ,but not suitable for her.

[@frankcherry3810]

Ben looks so different out of a suit

[@bangkokbaby]

??

[@ras9875]

It's ruled a suicide!

[@bluefishblitz9577]

Luv me sum Warren Zevon.

[@coastmansingha9980]

This a copy of an email I sent to the Ambassador of the UK embassy in Thailand on this subject:- Your latest e-mail alert concerning Bereavement information reads very much like all other advice about what to expect from the British Embassy in Bangkok, a disclaimer. That is to say, a British Citizen finding themselves in need of help or assistance will not find it from the UK civil servants posted to Thailand and paid for by the UK taxpayer. I can see the logic in your dismissive advice. Having little or no regard for British Citizens in Thailand whilst alive you can hardly be expected to have any consideration for them once they are dead. It of course begs the question why does the UK government have any diplomatic representation here in Thailand at all? The UK does not sell arms or military equipment to the Thais, nor does it have much in the way of commercial interests here. Those UK businesses that do operate in Thailand do so despite the UK diplomatic mission not because of it! So is the UK Government here to spy on the Thais or perhaps offer a regional Asian hub on behalf of its paymasters the NSA? That leaves just Immigration & Consular duties which are, as is so often the case, reluctantly provide, if at all. The immigration department is a money making scam. The consular department comprises of just one Consular Officer and maybe two other diplomats and is mainly served by locally employed staff! Yet Thailand has according to the FCO “1,000,000 British visitors each year and it is also home to over 50,000 British people and their families.” So is the UK Government in Thailand merely here to fly the flag and try and look like the UK has some validity in world affairs? The only thing the Thais think the UK excels at is Premiership Football. Perhaps it serves as a first blooding for all those raw Oxbridge recruits the FCO is so fond of employing? It certainly isn’t in Thailand on behalf of or to serve the UK taxpayer.

[@andrewmunn1724]

What do we think that the Embassy should be doing to help us over there? (I lived there for nearly 20 years). I expect that many years ago the Embassy paid to help people on condition that the money was repaid, then when the person got home they were refusing to repay the money, Maybe reasonably, the gvt expects people to make provision for themselves. One example, many expats in Thailand have no health insurance or enough money stashed to pay for medical emergencies. I saw a report of an example of that last year. I got the impression that many expats can't really afford to live there.

[@coastmansingha9980]

@@andrewmunn1724 Let’s say it’s a big subject to which I cannot do full justice too in this reply. There is a big disconnect between what people expect of embassies and what they can offer their fellow citizens whilst abroad. There is also a big difference between different countries embassies on what they provide. It is not the case that the British Embassy as you claim pays for your repatriation that has to be paid for up front. In order to facilitate this, they will contact friends/relatives on your behalf. Every service they provide which maybe just providing a letter has to be paid for and a copy of consular fees is easy to find. Just for the record I was employed by the UK Foreign Office and severed abroad in many countries and held Diplomatic status.

[@coastmansingha9980]

@@andrewmunn1724 Herewith an example of the the most current fees: Thailand: Consular Fees Notarial and related matters Fee number Consular service Cost in £GBP 2 Preparing any certificate, declaration or document not listed on this page: (i) in English £50 (ii) in any other language £50 4 Administering an oath, declaration or affirmation £50 6 Certifying a copy of a document £25 Births, marriages, civil partnerships and deaths Fee number Consular service Cost in £GBP 15 Issuing a certified copy of an entry in the consular register £50 16 Making a search in: (i) the consular register of births, deaths, marriages or civil partnerships where the number of date of entry is not provided £50 (ii) the naturalisation, registration of renunciation records kept by a consular officer £50 Emergency assistance Fee number Consular service Cost in £GBP 19 Administering an application for, and if successful providing, an Emergency Travel Document and in addition to direct costs, if any £100 20 Exceptionally, administering an application for, and, if successful providing an Emergency Passport, on emergency occasions when not possible to provide an Emergency Travel Document (in addition to direct costs, if any) £75 21 Arranging, exceptionally, for currency to be made available against the deposit of funds: (i) £0.01 - £99.00 £10 (ii) £100.00 - £499.99 £25 (iii) > £500.00 £50 Other services Fee number Consular service Cost in £GBP 22 Providing the services of a consular officer or a consular employee in relation to any other service which the consular post or diplomatic mission has agreed to undertake, for each hour or part hour (to include travel time if performed away from the consular premises) and in addition to direct costs, if any £150 The most alarming of these fees is surely the last one. You have to pay a consular official £150.00 per hour or part of an hour to help you!

[@thomasjohnrobinson4658]

They stop breathing.

[@vaga.spiritus]

Send it to who now 😹

[@sotalife6230]

*His legal office is on my to do list so my Thai wife has someone to turn to when I die* Thx Thaiger! 🏆

[@wSpaceArt]

good man !

[@realpaddy5270]

Good information well presented.

[@wernervotava1542]

who cares ? funny not ?

[@wolfgangbohme1836]

Hello, please advise me how to react to emails I that I should update personal details in Thailand Pass - I used Thailand Pass last december. I think it is spam? Th system noticed some problems in the documents you submitted to the embassy ระบบ Th สังเกตเห็นปัญหาบางอย่างในเอกสารที่คุณส่งไปยังสถานทูต You should correct some information so that you are not held responsible by the government

[@Siz_LiveLifeLive]

Hi Wolfgang, this is spam. Do not click on links, and delete the message!

[@dksharron]

I got the same thing. There is no way any of us could have made it through the system if anything was wrong i the first place.