The land title deed, also written Nor Sor 4 Jor. It is the document that shows ownership of a plot, with surveyed boundaries, and it is registered at the local Land Office. It is the strongest land document in Thailand.

Is a Nor Sor 3 Gor safe to buy?

It records a right of possession and use, not ownership, and transfers can be registered on it. It can usually be upgraded to a Chanote after a survey. Because it is a weaker document, have a lawyer check the plot, its boundaries and the upgrade before paying.

Does a Chanote mean a foreigner can own the land?

No. The kind of title document does not change who may own land. A foreigner cannot own land except in the narrow cases the Land Code allows. The title matters to a foreigner because a lease or another right is registered on it.

What title does a condominium unit have?

Its own unit title, issued for the unit. Together with the Chanote it is one of the two documents that show true ownership.

Can a Nor Sor 3 be upgraded to a Chanote?

Yes. The owner applies at the Land Office and the Department of Lands surveys the boundaries. The time it takes varies by office.

Thai title deeds explained: Chanote, Nor Sor 3 Gor and the others

A Chanote (Nor Sor 4 Jor) is the title deed that shows ownership of land. It is the strongest land document in Thailand. Nor Sor 3 Gor and Nor Sor 3 are certificates of use: they record a right of possession, not ownership, though a sale can be registered on them.

Sor Kor 1 is only a notice of possession and cannot be sold. A condominium unit has its own unit title.

Last reviewed 12 November 2026 · Sources

The documents and what each allows

Document	What it shows	Can a sale be registered?	Notes
ChanoteNor Sor 4 Jor, title deed	Ownership of the land.	Yes	Surveyed boundaries. Sales, mortgages and leases are registered on it.
Condominium unit title	Ownership of the unit.	Yes	Issued for a unit in a registered condominium.
Nor Sor 3 Gorcertificate of use	A right of possession: the land has been put to use.	Yes	Based on an aerial survey. Can usually be upgraded to a Chanote.
Nor Sor 3certificate of use	A right of possession.	Yes, after a public notice	Boundaries are less precise. A transfer is reported to need a notice period of 30 days at the Land Office. Can be upgraded.
Sor Kor 1notice of possession	That someone told the authorities they occupy the land.	No	Not a title. It may be a basis for applying for one.

The Land Code defines a title deed as the document showing ownership of land, and a certificate of use as the official's confirmation that the land has been put to use. A transfer of land held under either must be made in writing and registered with the Land Office.

What to check on a title

The kind of document. Ask for a copy and identify it from the table above.
The owner's name. It must be the person or company selling or leasing to you.
What is registered on it. Mortgages, leases and other rights are recorded on the document and at the Land Office.
The plot. For anything other than a Chanote, have the boundaries checked on the ground.

What this means for a foreign buyer

Buying a condominium. You receive the unit title in your name. See the foreign quota.
Leasing a house or land. Your lease is registered on the owner's title. A Chanote is the strongest document to have it registered on. See leasehold and freehold.
Land ownership. No title document lets a foreigner own land outside the Land Code's narrow cases. See land and houses.

Questions

What is a Chanote?: The land title deed, also written Nor Sor 4 Jor. It is the document that shows ownership of a plot, with surveyed boundaries, and it is registered at the local Land Office. It is the strongest land document in Thailand.
Is a Nor Sor 3 Gor safe to buy?: It records a right of possession and use, not ownership, and transfers can be registered on it. It can usually be upgraded to a Chanote after a survey. Because it is a weaker document, have a lawyer check the plot, its boundaries and the upgrade before paying.
Does a Chanote mean a foreigner can own the land?: No. The kind of title document does not change who may own land. A foreigner cannot own land except in the narrow cases the Land Code allows. The title matters to a foreigner because a lease or another right is registered on it.
What title does a condominium unit have?: Its own unit title, issued for the unit. Together with the Chanote it is one of the two documents that show true ownership.
Can a Nor Sor 3 be upgraded to a Chanote?: Yes. The owner applies at the Land Office and the Department of Lands surveys the boundaries. The time it takes varies by office.

More guides

Sources

Land Code, chapter 1, sections 1 to 4 bis (definitions of title deed and certificate of use) ThaiLawOnline law library. Read 11 November 2026.
Land Code of Thailand: questions on title documents and registration ThaiLawOnline (Thai law firm). Read 12 November 2026.
Real Estate 2026: Thailand, law and practice Chambers and Partners practice guides (Duensing Kippen). Read 12 November 2026.