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Understanding Thai Property Title Deeds: Chanote, Nor Sor 3 and More
PropInfo Team
27 May 2026
Not all land title deeds in Thailand are equal. Before you buy, you need to know exactly what type of title the land holds — it makes a significant difference to your security.
One of the most important due diligence steps when buying property in Thailand is verifying the land title. Thailand has several classes of title deed, and they are not equal in terms of security, rights, or mortgageability.
Here is what you need to know.
Chanote (Nor Sor 4 Jor) — The Gold Standard
A Chanote is the strongest form of land title in Thailand. It is precisely surveyed using GPS coordinates and registered with the Land Department. A property with a Chanote title is:
• Fully transferable and mortgageable
• GPS-surveyed with exact boundaries
• The most secure and legally sound title
• Required for most bank financing
Always prioritise properties with Chanote title.
Nor Sor 3 Gor — Acceptable, But Verify
The second strongest title. The land has been officially surveyed, boundaries are confirmed, and it can be transferred and mortgaged. Slightly less precise than a Chanote, but generally considered secure for buyers. Some lenders will finance against Nor Sor 3 Gor.
Nor Sor 3 — Proceed With Caution
This title confirms the right to use the land and can be transferred, but the boundaries are less precisely defined. Before any transfer, a 30-day public notice period is required. Boundary disputes are more common. Not all banks will lend against it.
Sor Por Kor / Nor Sor 2 — Avoid
These are lower-grade titles that grant rights of occupation but limited rights of transfer. They cannot be mortgaged or sold in the conventional sense and carry significant legal risk for buyers. Avoid entirely.
How to Verify a Title
1. Request a copy of the title deed from the seller or agent
2. Have your property lawyer verify it at the local Land Department
3. Confirm the land boundaries match the physical property
4. Check for any encumbrances, mortgages or liens registered against the title
5. Verify the seller is the registered owner
Never skip title verification. It is the single most important step in Thai property due diligence.
All PropInfo listings are managed by verified agents and owners. Always engage an independent lawyer before completing any purchase.
Here is what you need to know.
Chanote (Nor Sor 4 Jor) — The Gold Standard
A Chanote is the strongest form of land title in Thailand. It is precisely surveyed using GPS coordinates and registered with the Land Department. A property with a Chanote title is:
• Fully transferable and mortgageable
• GPS-surveyed with exact boundaries
• The most secure and legally sound title
• Required for most bank financing
Always prioritise properties with Chanote title.
Nor Sor 3 Gor — Acceptable, But Verify
The second strongest title. The land has been officially surveyed, boundaries are confirmed, and it can be transferred and mortgaged. Slightly less precise than a Chanote, but generally considered secure for buyers. Some lenders will finance against Nor Sor 3 Gor.
Nor Sor 3 — Proceed With Caution
This title confirms the right to use the land and can be transferred, but the boundaries are less precisely defined. Before any transfer, a 30-day public notice period is required. Boundary disputes are more common. Not all banks will lend against it.
Sor Por Kor / Nor Sor 2 — Avoid
These are lower-grade titles that grant rights of occupation but limited rights of transfer. They cannot be mortgaged or sold in the conventional sense and carry significant legal risk for buyers. Avoid entirely.
How to Verify a Title
1. Request a copy of the title deed from the seller or agent
2. Have your property lawyer verify it at the local Land Department
3. Confirm the land boundaries match the physical property
4. Check for any encumbrances, mortgages or liens registered against the title
5. Verify the seller is the registered owner
Never skip title verification. It is the single most important step in Thai property due diligence.
All PropInfo listings are managed by verified agents and owners. Always engage an independent lawyer before completing any purchase.