Identify the applicable rules and the estate
Where there is no will, first establish family relationships, estate assets and debts, then determine which inheritance rules apply. Families involving different nationalities or assets abroad also require a review of cross-border factors. The same distribution rules should not be assumed merely because some assets are in Thailand.
Parents are not automatically excluded by children
Where Thai intestacy rules apply, categories of relatives include descendants, parents, full siblings, half siblings, grandparents, and uncles and aunts. Priority rules generally apply, but there is a statutory exception allowing parents to inherit alongside descendants. It is therefore incorrect to assume that having children excludes the deceased’s parents. A surviving spouse also has statutory inheritance rights, with the share determined by the other heirs involved.
Prepare the relevant documents
Start by gathering the death certificate, identity and relationship evidence, marriage documents, and a list of estate assets and debts. Translation or authentication requirements for foreign documents should be checked against their origin and the receiving authority’s requirements.
Address administration and distribution
Where an application for a court-appointed estate administrator is needed, prepare the application and evidence for the court’s consideration. The absence of objections does not replace the court’s assessment of the application requirements. Subsequent steps address debts, asset formalities and distribution according to the circumstances. Disputes about heirship or shares require an appropriate resolution route.