How Should Building Permits & Approved Plans Be Checked?

Obtain the relevant permit, approved drawings, completion or use documents where applicable, and evidence that the actual building matches the approval. Compare floor area, height, setbacks, retaining walls, pools, extensions and changes. An attractive finished villa can still contain unapproved work. The buyer’s lawyer and building professional should identify discrepancies and explain whether they can be regularised before completion.

Keep due diligence independent from the sales team and make completion conditional on satisfactory evidence. Store title, searches, translations, permits, plans, inspection reports, payment receipts and written advice in one transaction file. Missing evidence should be resolved before, not after, transfer.

This is general guide information only; obtain current independent Thai legal, tax, financial or technical advice for the specific transaction.