When buying property in Thailand, verifying the authenticity of the title deed is essential. Many land scams involve fake or tampered deeds. Here’s a quick guide to the main types of title documents and four easy checks to ensure your deed is real.
📘 Types of Thai Land Title Deeds
| Deed Type | Garuda Color | Rights Granted |
|---|---|---|
| Chanote (Nor Sor 4 Jor) | Red | Full freehold ownership, GPS‑surveyed, mortgageable, used for development |
| Nor Sor 3 Gor | Green | Confirmed use rights, can be transferred, upgradable to Chanote |
| Nor Sor 3 | Black | Use rights with vague boundaries; transferable with Land Office survey |
| Sor Kor 1 / Possessory | Blue | Occupation claim only; no legal property rights |
✅ 4 Easy Ways to Check if a Title Deed Is Genuine
- Watermark and Light Test
- Hold the deed against light. A real Chanote shows two Garuda watermarks with “Department of Lands, Ministry of Interior.”
- Corner circles should have tiny holes when backlit
- Official Signature & Stamp
- The Land Department officer signs in black ink. A red official stamp must overlap the signature.
- Blue ink or missing stamp is suspicious
- Transaction History – Rear of Deed
- The back lists all transfers, mortgages, or encumbrances. Verify the current owner’s name and history align with seller claims
- Land Office Verification
- Bring the deed or its number to the provincial Land Office. Request a Land Section printout to confirm authenticity and check for liens or changes
🔍 Why This Matters
- Fraud protection: Fake deeds lead to potential loss of land, money, and legal battles .
- Legal certainty: Ensures the owner is properly registered and the land is unencumbered .
✅ Full Verification Steps
To fully protect your purchase, do the following in addition to visual checks:
- Do a Title Search at the Land Office (or through a lawyer) to confirm:
- Owner’s name matches
- No mortgages or legal claims
- Boundary accuracy
- Compare Boundaries: Match cadastral map and GPS points with ground markers; consider hiring a licensed surveyor
- Engage a Lawyer specialized in Thai land law to ensure all documents and contracts are legitimate
- Request Certified Translation if needed for visa, bank, or legal purposes .
🏁 Bottom Line
Verifying a Thai land title deed involves both basic visual checks and official verification. Red Garuda Chanote deeds are the gold standard, but all deeds must be thoroughly verified to avoid fraud or legal trouble. Use these four simple checks first—and then follow up with a Land Office search and legal advice for complete confidence.
⚠️ Need Help Buying Safely in Thailand?
At Central City Property, we specialize in helping foreigners rent and buy property in Pattaya. While we don’t offer legal advice, we can recommend trusted, licensed lawyers and surveyors to help you verify deeds and protect your investment.
📩 Email: contact@centralcityproperty.com
📱 WhatsApp: +66 95 992 0345
Let us connect you with the experts who ensure your Thai property purchase is secure and fraud-free.
