I Got to Lecture Thai Will Law to AIA Financial Advisors in Singapore

A session at AIA Wealth Center, and why I came back with more than I brought

March 2026 | Aphiwat Bualoi, Attorney at Law

How This Happened

A few weeks ago I was invited to give a talk about Thai inheritance law and will writing to a group of financial advisors at AIA Wealth Center in Singapore. The invitation came from SmartWills Singapore and I want to say thank you to them for making this possible.

The people in the room were not beginners. They were experienced financial advisors who regularly deal with clients across Southeast Asia, including clients who own property or have savings in Thailand. My job was to help them understand how Thai law handles things when a client passes away.

Singapore Law vs Thai Law

Something I find very interesting is the difference between the two legal systems. Singapore inherited its law from England, so it follows common law. Because of this, Singapore has many financial products and estate planning tools that Thailand simply does not have yet.

For expats in Thailand who come from countries like UK, Australia, or America, this gap can be surprising. Things you used back home to protect your estate may not work the same way under Thai law. That is why getting advice from someone who understands both sides is important.

We talked about this a lot during the session and I think it was useful for everyone in the room.

It Felt Like Going Back Home

I have to be honest. This event was a little emotional for me.

Before I became a lawyer, I started my career as a life insurance agent with AIA. That experience taught me a lot about financial planning and about what it means to take care of people and their families. So when I walked into an AIA environment again, this time as a speaker, it felt very familiar and very warm.

That warmth gave me a lot of energy during the talk. I was not just presenting slides. I was genuinely enjoying the conversation.

And I want to say something clearly. I did not only teach at this session. I also learned. The advisors had questions and perspectives that made me think differently about some things. This is the best kind of knowledge sharing. Both sides come out knowing more.

What This Means If You Live in Thailand

If you are a foreigner living in Thailand and you have assets here, for example a condo, a bank account, or a car, Thai law will govern what happens to those things when you die. Without a proper Thai will, the situation becomes very complicated for your family.

Events like this lecture matter because they connect international professionals who understand how different legal systems work together. The more informed financial advisors in Singapore are about Thai law, the better they can help their clients who have assets here.

If you have questions about making a will in Thailand, please feel free to contact us.

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If you live in Thailand and want to make sure your assets are protected properly under Thai law, you are welcome to contact our office. We work with English-speaking clients in Chiang Mai and focus on wills, probate, and estate matters.

Tel: 064-932-1365  |  info@aphiwatlaw.com  |  aphiwatlaw.com