A cardholder’s death does not automatically make every relative personally liable for the debt. Thailand’s Civil and Commercial Code sets rules for property and liability passing through an estate. Estate creditors may seek payment from estate property, and heirs are generally not required to pay beyond the estate they receive. Check whether someone was a joint borrower, guarantor, or signed a new agreement.
If you receive a call or collection letter
- Ask for the creditor’s name, the collector’s authority, the account number, and documents showing principal, interest, and charges.
- Review the card application, agreement, statements, and payment history among the deceased person’s records.
- Keep estate assets separate from an heir’s personal money and confirm the estate administrator’s authority.
- Do not acknowledge the debt or sign a new payment agreement in your own name until you understand the legal effect.
Limitation periods depend on the case
Do not apply one deadline to every credit-card debt. The limitation period may depend on the legal basis, payment due dates, court proceedings, acknowledgment of the debt, and facts about the estate. If you receive court papers or a dispute arises, ask a lawyer to review the documents and dates before acting.
Legal and tax references
- Civil and Commercial Code: Sections 1600, 1601, 1734 and 1738 (copy hosted by Bangkok Metropolitan Administration)
- Revenue Department: estate property and inherited-debt information
For additional records to prepare when a creditor contacts an estate, read our guide to notifying creditors. Check official information before making a decision.
Watch the original video on YouTube: open the source video.
The linked video discusses debt and family financial planning, but it does not confirm the legal details in this article.