This thematic study provides a comprehensive overview of land tenure systems in Thailand, with a focus on the recent development of community land titling (CLT) programmes. As land systems are formalized, community land titling represents a mechanism to enshrine and protect local ownership and use rights. The experience in Thailand with introducing, formalizing, implementing and administering titles can provide insights for neighbouring countries undertaking parallel initiatives.
The study was prepared by the Mekong Land Research Forum under an MRLG-led initiative that included a visit of Lao and Myanmar officials to Chiang Mai province in northern Thailand, looking at CLT pilot projects. The study complements the experiences and lessons of the visit by providing background and context to CLT policy development in Thailand. Section 1 offers a brief geographical, economic and social overview of Thailand. Section 2 maps key developments in land governance policy and institutional arrangements over the last hundred years. Section 3 focuses on communal land titling and its legal advancement.
