2019 was a great year for Thai888 Law and Abroad Funerals Pattaya
Why? Because our business grew through networking and the trust that the Expat community put in us. We helped many people in 2019, some that couldn’t travel to Thailand for whatever reason. Unfortunately we lost a few friends on the way to 2020. As friends we took the burden of decision making from them and arranged the Embassy pre funeral work, the funeral and sea ashes burial, then court Probate. It was my duty to act for the deceased as their Executor (manager of the Will property). Some members of the Pattaya City Expats Club passed away and Abroad Funerals managed everything for the friends and family.
The LGBT Community
a large part of our business was from the LGBT community as many were wanting to look after their partners should something happen to them. A Will Testament was prepared to cover the partner in the event that something happened to the Testator (owner of the properties/bank accounts). The issues were somewhat complex in that the Testator had overseas assets as well and in the case of the UK Government HMCT demands disclosure of assets overseas. (contact us should you want more info on this). The UK adds assets to the UK assets and then if appropriate taxes the combined assets. Sometimes up to 40%. The USA has just released their new grab on Death Tax as well and you can read up on it here – Please contact us should you be planning your Will and looking after your loved ones [email protected]
Thai888 Law criminal charges
please be aware that if you are working under the radar then most probably you will get court and therefore you should have bond available for your release before your court appearance. Christmas day saw a man charged with importing a controlled substance and selling it. His charges were compounded as he had no bail money and offered his business up. Things got worse as he didn’t have a Work Permit and so other charges were laid. At the moment he sits in jail and after his sentence is served he will be deported and blacklisted.
Presentation by Kelvin Bamfield at the PCEC 2019
it was my pleasure to give another talk in 2019 at the PCEC on Murphy’s Law and the Law. Many don’t realise the legal framework when a foreigner dies in Thailand and if the right documents aren’t in place then it becomes a legal minefield. One case I resigned as the Executor as i felt the situation was not legal or ethical. I believe the estate is still being fought over. Other cases are moving along slowly as a few are dealing with the UK where after 5 years one estate is still not finished. Another case I have to go to Chiang Mai a few times to request the court to decide on the validity of 2 Wills and which one is legal making the other one void.
2020 start of the decade and you
I would request that as a foreigner living in Thailand that you think about your legal position here. Some say making a Will is bad luck or that “I don’t own anything so I don’t have to worry”. This is misguided as someone has to manage things when you die. You’re partner has to be looked after. Someone has to pay the bills. Several times the family overseas has contacted me not knowing what to do? and most times they advance some money to get the funeral / cremation arranged. They can be paid from what is in the estate after all is said and done. DONT be shy here and make a plan with Abroad Funerals Pattaya. We don’t do pre-paid funerals as there are no trusts or ESCROW accounts in Thailand to secure the funds.
Contact [email protected] and then we can arrange LINE, SKYPE, WHATSAPP, MESSENGER for free calls with you. 
