You are using an outdated browser and your browsing experience will not be optimal. Please update to the latest version of Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Install Microsoft Edge

February 23, 2018

New Contract Controls Introduced for Residential Property Leasing Businesses in Thailand

The Consumer Protection Act B.E. 2522 (1979) grants the Contract Committee of the Consumer Protection Board the power to designate “contract-controlled businesses,” in order to control the contents of written contracts between certain businesses and their consumers in the course of sales or services. Designation as a contract-controlled business is intended to ensure that contracts contain necessary terms and conditions and to prevent consumers from being unreasonably disadvantaged by unfair contract terms.

On February 12, 2017, the Contract Committee used that power to issue “Notification of the Contract Committee Re: The Stipulation of Residential Property Leasing as a Contract-Controlled Business B.E. 2561 (2018)”, which was published in the Government Gazette on February 16, 2018. As a result, residential property leasing will be deemed a contract-controlled business as of May 1, 2018.

This will have a very significant impact on residential lease contracts in Thailand from May 1 onwards. A full analysis of the changes is provided in the PDF below. 

RELATED INSIGHTS​ 

July 23, 2025
On June 26, 2025, the National Assembly of Vietnam adopted Resolution No. 216/2025/QH15 to extend the duration of agricultural land use tax exemption through December 31, 2030. This policy extension reaffirms the government’s ongoing efforts to support the agricultural sector, ensure national food security, and promote rural development. Key Takeaways Tax Exemption Period Extended: The new resolution continues the full exemption from agricultural land use tax as stipulated under Resolution No. 55/2010/QH12, as amended in 2016 and 2020. The tax exemption, which was originally set to expire at the end of 2025, will now remain in effect until December 31, 2030. Scope of Exemption: The exemption applies to all types of land currently eligible under the existing legal framework for agricultural land use tax relief. This typically includes land used by households, cooperatives, and non-commercial organizations for agricultural production, aquaculture, salt-making, and reforestation. Effective Date: Resolution 216 will take effect on January 1, 2026. During the interim period, tax exemption remains valid under existing laws and resolutions until the end of 2025. Implementation Guidance to Follow: The government is tasked with issuing detailed guidance to ensure effective implementation of this extended exemption. Businesses, cooperatives, and individuals engaged in agricultural activities should monitor upcoming regulations and instructions from relevant ministries. Outlook Vietnam’s extension of agricultural land use tax exemption demonstrates a strong policy commitment to rural economic stability and environmental sustainability. For land users, the exemption represents meaningful financial relief that can be reinvested into modernizing farming techniques, improving land efficiency, or transitioning to sustainable practices. While the extension itself is automatic, it is recommended that agricultural land users and stakeholders review their land use documentation and tax profiles to ensure alignment with eligibility requirements. Future implementation regulations may also introduce new compliance obligations that should be tracked closely.
July 14, 2025
Tilleke & Gibbins in Bangkok has contributed an updated Thailand entry to Multilaw’s Real Estate Guide, a concise online resource designed to give investors insight into some fundamental issues they may face in managing real estate transactions and ownership. The guide now features contributions from Multilaw member firms in 68 jurisdictions worldwide. It outlines key legal requirements in each jurisdiction, focusing especially on the restrictions and taxes applicable in each country, and the legal methods available for registering and identifying real estate and property ownership. Tilleke & Gibbins is a proud member of Multilaw, a leading network of carefully selected, independent law firms in more than 150 commercial centers, able to provide expert legal advice in complex environments around the globe. The Thailand entry in the Real Estate Guide is available on the Multilaw website.
July 14, 2025
Attorneys at Tilleke & Gibbins in Yangon have contributed an updated Myanmar entry to Multilaw’s Real Estate Guide, a concise online resource designed to give investors insight into some fundamental issues they may face in managing real estate transactions and ownership. The guide now features contributions from Multilaw member firms in 68 jurisdictions worldwide. It outlines key legal requirements in each jurisdiction, focusing especially on the restrictions and taxes applicable in each country, and the legal methods available for registering and identifying real estate and property ownership. Tilleke & Gibbins is a proud member of Multilaw, a leading network of carefully selected, independent law firms in more than 150 commercial centers, able to provide expert legal advice in complex environments around the globe. The Myanmar entry in the Real Estate Guide is available on the Multilaw website.
July 14, 2025
Specialists from Tilleke & Gibbins in Vientiane have contributed an updated Laos entry to Multilaw’s Real Estate Guide, a concise online resource designed to give investors insight into some fundamental issues they may face in managing real estate transactions and ownership. The guide now features contributions from Multilaw member firms in 68 jurisdictions worldwide. It outlines key legal requirements in each jurisdiction, focusing especially on the restrictions and taxes applicable in each country, and the legal methods available for registering and identifying real estate and property ownership. Tilleke & Gibbins is a proud member of Multilaw, a leading network of carefully selected, independent law firms in more than 150 commercial centers, able to provide expert legal advice in complex environments around the globe. The Laos entry in the Real Estate Guide is available on the Multilaw website.