When engaging in personal property transactions, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the legal implications involved, especially when it comes to sales with rights of redemption also called “Kaifak” (ขายฝาก) in Thai. This article aims to provide comprehensive insights into the various aspects of sale with rights of redemption in personal property transactions.

Sale of Personal Property
The sale of personal property refers to the transfer of ownership and possession of movable assets from one party to another in exchange for consideration. Examples of personal property include vehicles, furniture, electronics, jewelry, and more. Personal property transactions are governed by specific laws to ensure fairness and protect the rights of all parties involved. The primary source of law governing the “sale with the right of redemption” in Thailand is the Civil and Commercial Code. You will find it specifically sections 456 to 470. It is often use when a person can’t borrow money at the bank. Instead, they use a person, often be “shylocks” or “loan sharks”. These people loan moneyy at very high interest rate. The maximum according to the law is 15% but it is not rare to see 3% to 5% per month for illegal purposes.
What Are Rights of Redemption?
Rights of redemption refer to the legal rights granted to a party who has sold their personal property. However, he or she has the option to repurchase or redeem it within a specified period. These rights provide a safety net for individuals or businesses who may have experienced temporary financial difficulties and wish to regain ownership of their assets.
Understanding the Implications of Sales with Rights of Redemption
Sale with rights of redemption has several implications for both the seller and the buyer. It is crucial for all parties involved to be aware of these implications and their legal ramifications.
- Seller’s Perspective
From the perspective of the seller, selling personal property with rights of redemption allows them to obtain immediate financial relief while still maintaining the possibility of reclaiming their assets in the future. However, sellers must carefully consider the terms and conditions of the redemption rights, including the timeframe and any associated costs.
- Buyer’s Perspective
Buyers of personal property with rights of redemption may benefit from acquiring assets at a lower price. However, buyers must also consider the risks involved, as the seller may exercise their redemption rights. Ultimately leading to the loss of the purchased property. It is essential for buyers to conduct thorough due diligence and fully understand the terms. It could be risky to get involved in sales with rights of the redemption.
Legal Requirements
Several legal requirements must be met when conducting a sale with rights of redemption in personal property transactions. These requirements may vary depending on the jurisdiction, so it is crucial to seek professional legal advice and ensure compliance with applicable laws. Some common legal requirements include:
- Written Agreement: The sale with rights of redemption should be documented in a written agreement signed by both parties.
- Terms and Conditions: The agreement should clearly outline the terms and conditions of the redemption rights, including the timeframe, process, and any associated costs.
- Consideration: There should be a valid consideration exchanged between the parties involved.
- Notice Requirements: The seller may be required to provide notice to the buyer before exercising their redemption rights. Failure to comply with notice requirements may result in the loss of redemption rights.
- Timeframe: The agreement should establish a specific timeframe within which the seller can exercise their redemption rights.
- Recordkeeping: It is essential to maintain proper records of the transaction, including the agreement and any relevant correspondence.
Benefits and Risks
Engaging in a sale with rights of redemption can provide various benefits and risks for both parties. It is important to weigh these factors carefully before entering into such transactions.
Benefits:
Flexibility: The seller retains the flexibility to regain possession of their property within the agreed timeframe.
Financial Relief: The seller can obtain immediate financial relief by selling their assets while still having the option to repurchase.
Lower Purchase Price: Buyers may have the opportunity to purchase personal property at a lower price compared to the market value.
Risks:
Loss of Property: The buyer may lose the purchased property if the seller exercises their redemption rights within the specified timeframe.
Uncertain Future: Sellers may face uncertainty regarding their ability to repurchase the property within the redemption period.
Conclusion
Legal Complications: Failure to comply with legal requirements or properly document the transaction can lead to legal complications and disputes.
It is important to note that the sale with a right of redemption must be made in writing. You must registered these rights with the competent official to be enforceable against third parties. It normally cost 2% of the value to register Sales with Rights of Redemption. This is twice the taxes to pay for a mortgage (1%). When it is done, the land department tells the parties that it is extremely dangerous and that you can lose your property.
Understanding the legal implications of sale with rights of redemption in personal property transactions is crucial. While these transactions offer potential benefits, they also come with inherent risks. It is highly recommended to consult with legal professionals to ensure compliance with relevant laws and to safeguard the interests of all parties involved. By fully understanding the implications and complying with legal requirements, individuals and businesses can navigate personal property transactions with confidence and minimize potential disputes.
- Link about Kaifak from the land department (in Thai)
- from the Thai government (in Thai)