While Thailand might be a developing nation, there are laws that are very similar to those you would find at home and one of these concerns construction. In order to be able to build a house in Thailand, you will need a permit issued by the local authority, who will inspect the plans and the site.
Construction Standards
One of the main roles of the local municipal authority is to inspect building plans for structures. If you have bought a plot of land on Koh Samui, a reputable Koh Samui law firm can process the building permit, which is required before work can begin.
Important Aspects To Consider
The following aspects might be relevant to your application for a building permit:
- Height and width of the structure
- Size of the building plot
- Distance from other buildings
- Type of structure – residential/commercial
- Land elevation
- Roof type & colour
A local government official would survey the site, as well as going through the building plans to ensure that the structure is of sound construction. The Thai people can take their time to process things and some patience is needed. Having said that, a good Thai lawyer will always keep you updated, and they have their own methods to move things along.
When Is A Building Permit Required?
A building permit is required when you:
- Construct a new building
- Add to an existing building
- Relocating a building
- Changing the usage of a building
- Modifying the parking area
If you are planning any of the above, search online for a local English-speaking Thai lawyer, and they can take a look at the plans and the site. They will help you obtain the building permit you need to take the next step, which is the actual construction.
Architect Signs Off
The architect has to sign off the plans and take full responsibility that the structure is safe; only then will a government official examine the plans and survey the site. The architect must be qualified to design buildings, while the construction company is also involved in the building permit process.
Title Deeds
You need to have the Title Deeds in your hand before you can apply for a building permit. The Thai lawyer would ensure that you have everything you need to proceed with the building permit. In the event you go ahead and build without obtaining the permit, you are breaking the law and that could lead to a large fine and maybe even demolition of the building.
Things To Check
Prior to applying for a building permit, you should check the following:
- Title Deed
- Title Deed type
- Whether there are any land disputes
- Whether there is public or private servitude over the land
While you might be very excited about the prospect of building your dream home, you do need to go through the proper channels prior to starting the build.
Start With A Visit To A Lawyer
Prior to doing anything, find a good English-speaking Thai lawyer and let them check that there are no issues, then you can go ahead with the design, knowing that your plot is suitable.