Land Titles in Thailand

True land title deeds are called “Chanote” (or “Nor Sor 4 Jor”) and are issued by the Phuket Provincial Land Office.
 
Land held under “Chanote” titles are accurately surveyed and GPS plotted in relation to a national survey grid and marked by unique "numbered" marker posts set in the ground.
 
When searching for land expect to find many land documents in the form of “Nor Sor 3” or “Nor Sor 3 Gor” which are in the strictest interpretation of the law, certificates of land utilization.
 
They are to all practical purposes equivalent to land title deeds because they allow the land to be sold, leased or mortgaged in the same way as land held under a “Chanote” title.
 
The difference lies in the fact a “Nor Sor 3” certificate is less accurately surveyed than the “Chanote”.
 
“Nor Sor 3” boundaries are recorded in relation to its neighbouring plots and therefore there may be survey errors in land size.
 
The newer “Nor Sor 3 Gor” is in general a much more accurately surveyed title as each plot is crossed referenced to a master survey of the area and a corresponding aerial photograph.
 
We recommend that any foreigner wanting to buy land should consider only those held under a “Chanote” or “Nor Sor 3 Gor” title.
 
Remember, whenever in doubt, please consult a lawyer.