I think it is relatively simple, easy, straight-forward and inexpensive (less than 10,000 baht) to legally document and secure the funds which your acquaintance sunk into the upcountry domicile. All it takes is a bit of forethought, common sense and planning.

Of course such protection might lead to a premature death by lead poisoning - which along with a few other "accidental" means seems attributable to many foreign deaths, but at least your heirs might have a shot at recouping some monies?

Your acquaintance probably also paid a non-refundable (sin sot aka "dowry") deposit on his bride? (Yes, I know these should be fully refundable, or at least subject to a reasonable "change fee".)

So many hard-luck stories here it's sad.

Isaan Lawyers get pretty good marks, for those smitten with a lovely from "up country".

And here is an explanation of Usufruct .


Most reports I've read say the condo market (original and re-sale) remains strong. This forum, all in Thai, have sub-forums for all properties, and allows one to get feel for the options in Bangkok anyway.

http://www.prakard.com/default.aspx?g=topics&f=5

A member of my adopted/extended (from when my parents lived here in 1964-66) Thai family purchased a condo in Bangkok five years ago for ~ 21 million THB, she has just sold it for 35 million THB.