Transcript of the above video: 

As the title of this video suggests, we are discussing Thai Wills and personal remains. I have had a fair number of folks ask me when we are in the process of assisting them with drafting a Will, "what happens in the event of my passing here in Thailand?" In the context of the American Embassy, I can give a great deal of detailed information here. With regard to like the British or the Australians, or Canadians, I expected their procedure is similar. For other nationalities it may not quite be the same way. 

With regard to an American who passes away here in Thailand, basically what immediately happens is once it's discovered, the Police immediately notify the Embassy that an American has passed away. They then very quickly, and by the way I've actually had friends over the years that worked at the Embassy, that have been Duty Officers and had to deal with this - I have actually seen this firsthand - this is something that the Embassy does do with great alacrity. The moment that they receive a notification of an American deceased here they move very, very quickly to find the next of kin, somebody to contact; they also move rather quickly in dealing with disposal of remains. So they will either coordinate with a loved one in the United States, have the remains sent back to the United States, if being buried for example stateside is what is preferred, again cremation is an often-undertaken procedure here in Thailand, so that may be something that can occur as well. 

Now the terms of ones Will may dictate how the remains are dealt with. And again I stress, the American Embassy is very assiduous and acts with a great deal of alacrity and efficiency in ascertaining what the wishes of the deceased are and in trying to fulfill those wishes. 

Now again, the Embassy is not in the business of paying for such things, but they will coordinate with again loved ones, next of kin or legal counsel. We have dealt with the Embassy many times in the event of folks that have been deceased out here, and deal with the remains and how to get them back to the loved ones etc. The Will itself can also stipulate things like financial instruments and bequests and things, but it can also stimulate as to how remains should be dealt with in the event of the passing of a foreigner here in the Kingdom Thailand.