What is the legal definition of a condominium in Thailand

The Thailand Condominium Act defines a condominium as a building that can be separated into units for individual ownership and which include personal and common properties (land on which the building sits, hallways, elevators, etc.). The Condominium Acts does not specify in any detail the specific requirements necessary in order for it to be identified as a condominium. As long as the building is able to hold ownership separately according to the area, whereby each area consists of private ownership in the property and joint ownership in the common property. There are no specifications outlining height or space requirements, nor are there any specifications outlining the minimum amount of individual units necessary within the building.

A condominium in Thailand can be a flat or horizontal building structure or vertical high rise building structure. Horizontal condos or a ' Villa Condominium' are as such not defined in the Condominium Act. Technically a condominium can be a group of attached or low rise buildings. A villa condominium under the Condominium Act is based on a decision by the government's legislative advisory but must obtain a condominium license. The legality of this type of (horizontal) condominiums under the Condominium Act is controversial and licensing is usually refused.

Relevant Condominium Acts (laws)

Apartment/ condominium structures must comply with the Building Control Act and its Ministerial Regulations as a residential building, and comply with the City and Town Planning Act and local Ministerial Regulations, and depending on the size (ground floor area and/ or height) and number of units apply for an Occupancy Permit and have to comply with licenses under the Enhancement and Conservation of National Environment Quality Act - read more...

For registered condominiums there are 4 acts relevant to condominiums in Thailand, being the Condominium Act B.E. 2522 (1979), the Condominium Act (No. 2), B.E. 2534 (1991), the 1991 Act is the amended Section 19 of the Condominium Act B.E. 2522, the Condominium Act (No. 3) B.E. 2542 (1999) issued on 28th April, 1999. The current Condominium Act including amendments to the Condominium Act No.4 made in 2008 can be found here: Thailand Condominium Act translation from Thai to English. The 2008 amended Condominium Act B.E. 2522: Condominium Act (No.4) B.E. 2551 (2008).

Between April 1999 and April 2004, as a temporary measure and an attempt to reduce the surplus number of condominiums, foreigners could under certain restrictions and in specified areas own up to 100 % of the aggregate unit space. This has since been amended back and foreigners can currently own up to 49% of the aggregate unit space.

Apartment projects not registered under the Condominium Act do not have to comply with the Condominium Act, nor does the land need to have a full freehold title.

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