Understanding Thai title deeds is one of the most important aspects of buying property in Koh Samui. The type of title deed directly affects the value, transferability, and legal security of your investment.
Chanote (Nor Sor 4 Jor)
The Chanote is the gold standard of Thai land titles. It provides the most accurate boundary survey using GPS coordinates and is the only title that guarantees precise land measurements. A Chanote title can be freely bought, sold, mortgaged, and transferred. Always prioritize Chanote-titled land when possible.
Key features of Chanote:
- GPS-surveyed boundaries with exact measurements
- Fully transferable and mortgageable
- Highest legal protection and certainty
- Can be used as collateral for bank loans
Nor Sor Sam Gor (NS3G)
This is the second-best title deed in Thailand. While it does not have GPS-surveyed boundaries, it references aerial survey maps and provides strong legal protection. Nor Sor Sam Gor titles can be sold and transferred, and in many cases can be upgraded to Chanote through application to the Land Department.
Nor Sor Sam (NS3)
A step below NS3G, the Nor Sor Sam is based on older survey methods. It can be sold, but the transfer process requires a 30-day public notice period. Many buyers use this waiting period as a negotiation tool. NS3 land can also potentially be upgraded to Chanote.
Sor Por Kor (SPK 4-01)
This is an agricultural land use certificate, not a true ownership title. SPK land cannot be legally sold or transferred to anyone other than the original holder's heirs. We strongly advise against purchasing SPK land, as any sale transaction is legally void.
Our Recommendation
At Samui Prime, we prioritize Chanote-titled properties for all our listings. When presenting Nor Sor Sam Gor properties, we verify the upgrade potential and factor this into our pricing guidance. We never list SPK land.
Need help verifying a title deed? Get in touch and our team will conduct a title search at the local Land Department on your behalf.
