Escrow & Payment Security
How escrow protects a large payment until the other side delivers: international and Thai property escrow, online and business escrow, fees, release conditions and disputes — explained for British expats, buyers and business owners in Thailand.
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Guides in this section
View all Foreign Exchange & Escrow guides →
What Is Escrow in an International Transaction?
How a neutral holder protects both sides.
Read the guide →
Escrow for Thailand Property Transactions
The Escrow Act, off-plan payments and transfer day.
Read the guide →
Online and Digital Escrow Explained
Buying cars, boats, domains and more safely online.
Read the guide →
Business and Trade Escrow Fundamentals
Business sales, import, export and milestones.
Read the guide →
Escrow Fees, Release Conditions and Disputes
What it costs, when money moves and what if it goes wrong.
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Ways to Protect a Large Payment
Who holds your money until the other side delivers — and how much protection each option really gives you.
Read the Escrow Guide →| Option | Type | Who holds the money | Best for | Protection | Read Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VVita Capital escrow | FX and escrow specialist | Regulated escrow accounts | International property, business and high-value deals | Released only when agreed conditions are met | Read → |
| THThai licensed escrow agent | Escrow under Thailand's Escrow Act | A licensed, independent agent | Thai property and off-plan payments | Ring-fenced from the agent's own debts | Read → |
| LLawyer or developer "escrow" | A third party holding funds | The lawyer, developer or intermediary | Small deposits only | Not escrow under the Act — depends on trust | Read → |
| ฿Direct payment | Pay the seller yourself | The seller, immediately | Simple, low-risk deals | None once paid | Read → |
Compiled October 2026 from Vita Capital's escrow solutions information and ThaiLawOnline's 2026 guide to escrow under Thailand's Escrow Act B.E. 2551. Vita Capital is JLIT's FX and escrow partner; introductions are arranged through our team.
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How escrow works
Frequently Asked Questions
View all FAQs →What is escrow?
An arrangement where a neutral third party holds money until agreed conditions are met — for example, until a property is transferred or goods are delivered — and then releases it to the seller.
Is escrow regulated in Thailand?
Yes. Under the Escrow Act B.E. 2551, escrow agents must be licensed by the Ministry of Finance, must be independent of both parties, and must keep escrow money ring-fenced.
Is a lawyer holding my money the same as escrow?
No. A developer, the seller's lawyer or an intermediary holding funds is not escrow under the Act — it's simply another party holding your money.
Does Vita Capital offer escrow?
Yes. Vita Capital holds funds in regulated escrow accounts until release conditions are met, for property, business, trade and online transactions. Ask through our team.
Who pays the escrow fee in Thailand?
Under the Escrow Act, buyer and seller split the fee equally unless they agree otherwise. Fees are usually a fraction of one percent of the transaction value.
Important: This guide is general information, not personal financial advice. Fees, limits and eligibility change; we check every figure on the date shown, but always confirm the current terms with the provider before you apply or travel. Some links on this page may be affiliate links, which means JLIT may earn a commission if you open an account — this never changes the price you pay.
