A booking fee (also known as a holding deposit) is a payment made to secure a property while negotiations and paperwork are being finalized. The amount typically ranges from THB 20,000 up to the equivalent of one month’s rent, depending on the landlord.
If you decide to proceed and sign the lease agreement, the booking fee is usually applied toward your first month’s rent (or refunded). However, if you choose not to move forward with the lease, the booking fee is non-refundable, as it compensates the landlord for taking the property off the market during the holding period.
Read more about Booking Fees in Thailand