BOI 1 Rai — Foreigner Land Ownership Privilege in Koh Samui
Invest THB 40 million for 5 years — own up to 1 rai (1,600 sqm) of land in your own name
Small but diverse rental market — studios THB 9-15k, 3-bed private-pool villas THB 40-90k/month. Prices comparable to Phuket but fewer choices. Long-stay villas at Conrad Residence, Six Senses, etc.
Recommended places & options in Koh Samui
Koh Samui is Thailand's #2 expat island after Phuket — ~25,000 foreigners (British, French, German, Australian). Samui Airport (USM) has direct flights to 5 countries. 10% cheaper than Phuket.
- Bandara Villas (Bophut)
- Replay Residence (Bophut)
- Beach Republic
- Conrad Residence Samui
- Six Senses Residence
- Botanica Luxury Villas
Koh Samui-specific tips
- 1
Plai Laem-Bophut villas are close to the airport + Fisherman's Village
- 2
Sign before September — dry-season rates (Jan-Mar) jump 50-80%
- 3
Shipping in furniture costs THB 5,000-15,000 — use Anywhere Movers
General steps (5 steps)
- 1Wire 40M from abroad
Open Thai non-resident account / wire with purpose 'Investment under Land Code 96bis' / receive FET form for each transaction
- 2Choose investment vehicle
Government bond (1–2% yield), BOI-promoted business, real estate fund (REIT), or infrastructure fund — 5-year lock-up
- 3Lawyer files with Ministry of Interior
Submit application + supporting docs — specify the parcel (max 1 rai in designated zones)
- 4Approval + sign SPA
After 60–90 day approval — sign SPA + deposit + land due diligence
- 5Transfer at Land Office
Both parties attend / pay 6.3% transfer / receive title in your name (foreign name)
Top neighbourhoods in Koh Samui
- Chaweng (tourist, sea-view)
- Bophut-Fisherman's Village (digital nomads)
- Lamai (families)
- Maenam (quiet)
- Lipa Noi (retirees)
- Taling Ngam (sunset)
British/Australian (Chaweng-Bophut), French (Maenam-Lipa Noi), German (Lamai), Digital Nomads (Bophut)
Frequently asked questions
How much does boi 1 rai — foreigner land ownership privilege cost in Koh Samui?
Comparable to Phuket — foreigner-rate electricity THB 7-9/unit. National benchmark: Min investment THB 40M + lawyer THB 100,000–300,000 + Land Office 6.3%.
Which neighbourhoods in Koh Samui are best for expats?
Top picks: Chaweng (tourist, sea-view), Bophut-Fisherman's Village (digital nomads), Lamai (families), Maenam (quiet).
How long does boi 1 rai — foreigner land ownership privilege take?
Standard timeline 60–90 days for Ministry of Interior approval. Koh Samui is similar — NYC can pre-book to complete in a single day.
What about internet and getting around in Koh Samui?
500 Mbps-1 Gbps fiber THB 790-1,290 · 5G in Chaweng-Bophut. Transit: Cars/motorbikes — no Grab/Bolt on the island (local taxis are expensive), motorbike rentals THB 2,500-3,500/month.
When is the best season in Koh Samui?
Tropical — rain Oct-Dec (NE monsoon), high season Jan-Sep
Can I resell?
Yes, to a Thai national at any time. Selling to another foreigner only works if the new buyer independently qualifies and completes the entire BOI 1-rai investment process in their own name, which in practice makes the Thai buyer market far more liquid.
Can I withdraw the 40M before 5 years?
No. The THB 40 million must remain invested in the approved assets for the full five years. Withdraw early and the land must be transferred to a Thai national or back to the state within 180 days, failing which the Director-General may order its disposal.
Can I build on the land?
Yes, without restriction. The house, pool, wall and any outbuildings are registered in your name for the whole holding period, and building ownership is not subject to the land restrictions that apply to the plot itself.
BOI 1 Rai — Foreigner Land Ownership Privilege in other cities
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