About SamuiForSale

Independent legal insights for foreigners in Thailand since 2005

SamuiForSale was founded in 2005–2006 by a legal consultant working at a British-run law firm operating in Bangkok and Koh Samui during a time when the island felt, quite literally, “for sale.” The name refers to the reality that while the land was widely marketed to foreigners, actual legal ownership was (and still is) restricted under Thai law.

The original content was built on a legal opinion written by Thai lawyer Nuttapol Taechavorrawut, referencing Thai law and Supreme Court judgments. It concluded that many popular foreign investment strategies at the time such as 90-year lease structures, Thai nominee companies, and layered ownership, had no legal basis in Thai law and were legally questionable or outright void. This report formed the legal foundation for the original SamuiForSale website.

Because of the sensitive legal climate at the time, the site was launched anonymously, and it quickly gained traction. Foreigners began showing up at law firms across Thailand carrying printed SamuiForSale articles, asking sharper questions and challenging risky practices.

Today, SamuiForSale remains an independent, non-commercial platform providing legally grounded, practical information about real estate law in Thailand, particularly for foreigners. The content is based on over 15 years of real-world experience in Thai legal practice, working with both Thai and international law firms in Bangkok, Samui, Phuket, and beyond.

SamuiForSale is currently operated alongside ThailandLawOnline by the founder of Nomadic Legal Consultants — a legal advisory service offering remote, Thailand-focused support to clients worldwide.

LL.M. Dutch and European Law – University of Amsterdam