Transcript of the above video: 

As the title of this video suggests, we are discussing foreigners or 'dodgy' types, whatever, buying upland in Thailand. What are we talking about here? I thought of making this video after reading a recent article from the Bangkok Post, that is bangkokpost.com, the article is titled: 'Dodgy' types buying up land on Koh Chang Island. Quoting directly: "National Parks Chief Chaiwat Limlikhit-aksorn has expressed concerned about an increase in land acquisitions on Koh Chang in Trat province by investors with suspected links to shady businesses. Mr. Chaiwat, who serves as the Director of the National Park's Office under the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation Centre, said private investors had bought large areas of land from locals. Quote: "Some investors are alleged to have links with shady businesses," Mr. Chaiwat said. Quote "The government and local officials must keep an eye on them."

Yeah look, especially for foreigners here, it is worth noting, foreign nationals are prohibited from owning land in Thailand, and if it's suspected that you're doing it, there are going to be folks not only within law enforcement here in Thailand but within the broader community who become very concerned about that. Look the history of Thailand is one of having to stave off colonialism, they had to keep foreigners out of their domain and foreigners owning land is very much a hot button issue both politically and just personally for many Thais. If it's viewed that there are "shady operators" of any extraction coming into a community, that is going to cause a stir, but if it's viewed that foreigners are coming into a community and trying to buy up parts of the community and sort of lay down stakes or something if you will, that's going to raise the hackles of a lot of folks here in Thailand. 

So what are we talking about? Well what's the solution to that for a foreigner? Keep in line with relevant Thai Law regarding land ownership? What is that? Well again, foreigners are restricted from owning land but it is possible under the Thai Condominium Act to buy a condo in Thailand. So in many ways, a Thai condo may be the most optimal way of buying property here in the Kingdom of Thailand.