Lending money: what evidence should you keep besides a transfer slip?

Separate the questions the evidence must answer

When lending money to an acquaintance, people may keep only a transfer slip and assume everything is documented. A movement of money and an agreement that the money is a loan are different issues. Organize evidence around who agreed to borrow how much, how the money was delivered and how much has been repaid. A slip helps show the recorded transfer, but does not automatically establish all terms, such as the due date or purpose. Keeping information from the outset reduces facts that must later be reconstructed.

Loans exceeding two thousand baht require attention to Section 653

Section 653 of Thailand's Civil and Commercial Code provides that a loan exceeding two thousand baht cannot be enforced by action without some written evidence of the loan signed by the borrower. This concerns evidence required for enforcement; it does not mean every case lacking a document titled a loan agreement is automatically void. Whether particular evidence meets the requirement needs examination of its contents, the parties and the actual circumstances.

Connect the agreement with the money delivered

Record the parties, amount, delivery date, repayment terms and any agreed interest separately from principal, preserving documents as events actually occur. Do not sign blank paper or insert backdated dates. For example, one loan may be delivered in two transfers. Identify which agreement each transfer relates to so amounts are not double-counted or confused with other expenses. If the recipient account is not in the borrower's name, ask about and record the recipient and reason rather than assuming the relationship.

Keep complete messages and original transaction records

Preserve relevant conversations continuously so that context, people and timing remain clear, alongside bank statements or traceable transaction references. Do not retain only cropped phrases whose subject is unclear, or alter original messages to make them easier to understand. These records prepare facts for assessment; they do not establish that every chat or individual transfer slip always substitutes for legally required evidence. Keep separate files if there are multiple agreements.

Repayment evidence has its own requirements

Section 653's second paragraph addresses proof of repayment for a loan evidenced in writing. It specifies written evidence signed by the lender, surrender of the document evidencing the loan, or cancellation recorded on that document. When paying, seek a receipt that clearly identifies the parties, relevant loan, amount and date, and reconcile the remaining balance together. This should not be reduced to a claim that every kind of transfer slip is always sufficient or always unusable without reviewing the facts.

Prepare a file before consulting a lawyer

If documents differ or a disagreement develops, prepare a short timeline with the agreement, delivery records, repayment evidence and unresolved questions while preserving originals. B Law Firm provides legal and contract services, and these materials can support a case-specific consultation. Document assessment requires further consideration of relevant facts and law. It does not guarantee a successful claim or recovery of the amount expected.

References

• Thai Civil and Commercial Code: Section 653
• B Law Firm: legal and contract services