The economic implications of land documents in rural Thailand

This paper reviews the economic implications of an improved land documentation system, utilizing data from rural Thailand. It is shown that not all farmers are aware of the benefits of more accurate documents. In less developed provinces, most farmers perceive improved access to credit as the main advantage of upgraded land documents. In more developed provinces, the reduction in land disputes is perceived as a main benefit. Econometric analysis shows that the value of land is positively related to the quality of the land document. This indicates substantial social benefits to improved land documentation.