Buying a Condo in Thailand — Foreign Quota 49% + FET in Koh Samui
Foreign quota up to 49% per building, funds wired in from abroad with a Foreign Exchange Transaction (FET) form
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)
- 1Project due diligence
Request Foreign Quota letter to confirm 49% still open / get Nor Sor 4 Jor title / check encumbrances / review juristic person financial statements
- 2Sign Reservation Agreement
Pay 50,000–200,000 THB deposit / specify 14–30 day due diligence period / refund clause if title check fails
- 3Wire funds from abroad
Open a Thai non-resident account or use existing offshore funds — wire with purpose 'Purchase of Condominium Unit XX' so the bank issues the FET form
- 4Due diligence + sign SPA
Lawyer reviews contract + Land Office search + chain of title + outstanding charges — sign Sale & Purchase Agreement + 20–30% down payment
- 5Transfer at Land Office
Both parties attend the Land Office + pay 6.3% transfer fees + receive title deed in your name — completed in one day
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 buying a condo in thailand — foreign quota 49% + fet cost in Koh Samui?
Comparable to Phuket — foreigner-rate electricity THB 7-9/unit. National benchmark: Closing 6.3% + agent 3% + lawyer THB 20,000–50,000.
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 buying a condo in thailand — foreign quota 49% + fet take?
Standard timeline 30–60 days including due diligence. 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 buy land?
No. Bare land is reserved for Thai nationals. The narrow exception is a BOI-approved investment of THB 40 million held for at least five years, which permits 1 rai for residential use. Condominium units, by contrast, can be held freehold in a foreigner's own name within the 49% quota.
What is the FET form and why is it needed?
The Foreign Exchange Transaction form is a bank certification proving the purchase funds were remitted from abroad in foreign currency and converted in Thailand. The Land Office will not register a foreign freehold transfer without it, and it is mandatory for every inbound transaction of USD 50,000 or more.
What if the 49% foreign quota is full?
Your options are a registered leasehold of 30 years in your own name (commonly written as 30+30+30), or purchase through a Thai company that genuinely trades. Nominee shareholder structures have been actively enforced against since 2022, so take Thai legal advice before choosing the company route.
Buying a Condo in Thailand — Foreign Quota 49% + FET in other cities
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