Effective March 24, 69! The Ministry of Interior issues new ministerial regulations on "making wills," after more than 60 years of use.

Starting March 24, 69! The Ministry of Interior has issued a new ministerial regulation on "making wills," after more than 60 years of use. The regulation will allow submissions at all districts and sub-districts nationwide, establishing standards for identity verification and witnesses to increase transparency and reduce future inheritance disputes.

Date 18 March 2569 at 14.10:XNUMX p.m. Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Government Spokesperson revealed that The Ministerial Regulation on Wills and Expressions of Inheritance, B.E. 2569 (2026), will come into effect from March 24, 2026. This represents a significant revision of the regulations after the previous Ministerial Regulation had been in use since B.E. 2503 (1960), or over 60 years. To align with current circumstances and provide greater convenience to the public.

The deputy spokesperson stated that the ministerial regulation covers procedures for both official wills and secret wills, which are forms of wills processed through district officers or government officials. The procedures and criteria have been updated to be clearer and more modern.

The key improvements include making it easier for citizens to submit applications for wills at any district office or municipal office nationwide, regardless of their place of residence, reducing the procedures and complexities involved in government dealings.

Furthermore, standardized methods for verifying the identity of testators have been established nationwide, such as checking national identification cards, passports, or other official documents containing photographs and identification numbers, in order to reduce the risk of document forgery.

Regarding witnesses, the new ministerial regulation stipulates that there must be at least two witnesses, and they must appear in person and sign in the presence of the district officer to enhance verification and allow for subsequent inspection.

In this type of will, the testator can request to keep the original will for themselves, while the district officer keeps a copy instead, increasing flexibility in document storage.

At the same time, the new ministerial regulations standardize application forms and supporting documents nationwide, and establish criteria for who is entitled to request certified copies, such as testators, executors, or heirs, to make the process clearer.

Regarding fees, they have been adjusted to reflect current economic conditions after not being adjusted for over 60 years. For example, the fee for making a formal will at the district office has increased from 50 baht to 250 baht, and the fee for obtaining and certifying copies has increased from 10 baht to 50 baht.

“This new ministerial regulation will help make the process of making wills more convenient, transparent, and standardized, reducing future inheritance disputes and aligning with current social conditions,” Ms. Lalida said.

Source: thaigov.go.th

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