Repurposing Rice Farmland

[Anthony]

Hi All, nice to meet you.

I noticed many of you have a lot of experience with local mores and might be able to answer a quick question.

My wife's family has several, non-contiguous and not especially productive, rice fields in the north Buriram area, one of which, with side-road access, we are considering developing into a non-agricultural business.

However, it occurred to me that there could be an issue with using farm land for something other than farming - is anyone aware of any regulations regarding re-purposing Rice Farmland for other business uses? I'd obviously get more formal advice if we decided to go ahead, but just wondered if anyone knew of any reason it'd be a non-starter from the get-go. Perhaps someone has already done something like this?

Cheers for any insight.

Ant.

[Pichai]

Anthony: You might post a photo or scan of the land paper. There may be a restriction on land use based on the land document. There are Thai speaking lawyers in Buriram which you can meet and show your land documents. Rice land with a non restrictive land titles change purpose on a daily basis in Buriram.

[Anthony]

Hi Pichai, thanks for your helpful reply.

I'll take a look at the chanote to see if it details any restrictions on land use - if there's anything unclear I'll upload it or perhaps ask a local lawyer as you kindly advise.

Yes, land appears to be bought and sold quite regularly here, and I do see rice land on the side of major road arteries being repurposed for restaurants, shops, building material yards etc., too, so perhaps it's not an issue. I'll let you know what I find out.

Thanks again for your kind help.