Transcript of the above video: 

As the title of this video suggests we are discussing Thai Wills, specifically we are discussing notary issues and ID documentation. When we do intake for new folks who are getting a Will drafted by our team here, basically the Thai Attorneys along with myself, we send back a Will organizer, and we also send over a list of documentation and information we need in order to perfect drafting of the Will. 

Now oftentimes, not often but every once in a while, we will get someone that kind of pushes back and says, "why do you need all this ID documentation on myself or my perspective heirs or my executor?" Well unfortunately in Thailand, there is a high level of formality associated with drafting these documents and we want to be absolutely, well Thai Law as well as we, the folks that have to actually draft these documents as well as eventually the Courts when it goes through what we would colloquially call probate in the Common Law vernacular, what is called succession in the Thai legal vernacular, but basically when the Court sees it as well, they want to know who is who especially when it pertains to foreign nationals and again ID documentation such as passport copies and things are necessary when drafting Wills in Thailand especially for foreigners, and especially where there are foreign beneficiaries involved. 

That said, on top of that, you also have to deal with notary because there are certain formalities associated with drafting of Thai Wills including witnesses. A notary is also just one extra step if you will of formality that ensures that in the event of one's passing, the Will will be processed through the Courts in a timely manner and in such a way that the beneficiary gets the estate quicker, basically. If you've got all your I’s dotted, and your T’s crossed.

So these are the reasons for the need for identity documentation as well as notarial services associated with the drafting of Wills here in the Kingdom of Thailand.