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Income Tax in Thailand: Who Needs to Pay & How Much?

I have a few “working in Thailand” related posts on the blog, and I often get questions related to income tax.

Specifically: How much tax does a foreigner have to pay on his/her earnings, and do others such as digital nomads, who are not currently paying tax in their country of origin, have to pay tax in Thailand?

Tax law in Thailand is actually pretty complicated, so in this post I’ll just cover the need to know stuff.

I would also advise that if you aren’t on PAYE with a company and are required to do your own return that you get an accountant. Tax returns have to be reported in Thai, which presents a language barrier for most.

thailand income tax

Income Tax on Earnings

Income tax in Thailand is based on assessable income. The definition of “assessable” covers the following:

  1. Wages paid in Thailand or abroad
  2. Income earned by a person who resided in Thailand for a total of 180 days
  3. Housing and meal allowances or their value
  4. School fees for dependents paid for by employer
  5. Cost of home leave for taxpayer and dependents
  6. Capital gains arising from transfer of assets
  7. Pensions and retirement pay brought into Thailand
  8. Royalties

The Thai Tax Year

The Thai tax year runs from 1st January to 31 December. An income tax return needs to be made to the tax office by the 31st March, for the prior tax year.

Payments need to be made immediately because there are penalties for delayed processing and settlement.

For those earning income from property selling or engineering, architecture, accountancy, fine arts and the art of healing, the tax return must be filed on or before the 31st of September, with the tax due on or before the 30th of June of the following year.

Foreigners should note that when renewing a work permit, you will need to show a copy of your tax submission for the previous year.

Thai Income Tax Bands – 2021

Thailand taxes both residents and non-residents on income derived from employment or business carried out in Thailand, regardless of whether payment is remitted in or outside of Thailand.

Residents who receive income from abroad are taxable on that income if the income is brought into Thailand in the tax year in which it is received (see the section below of a definition on ‘resident'.

Income BandRate
0  – 150,000Exempt
150,000 – 300,0005%
300,000 – 500,00010%
500,000 – 750,00015%
750,000 – 1,000,00020%
1,000,000 – 2,000,00025%
2,000,000 – 5,000,00030%
5,000,001 +35%

* In addition to the 150,000 Baht tax exemption threshold, persons over the age of 65 receive an exemption on the first 190,000 of taxable income.

I know what you’re thinking: Thailand’s tax rates are pretty much the same as my home country!

One saving grace is that Thailand does not have a 45% tax rate like some countries, and in 2019 the 30% tax rate band was expanded – so you can earn more at that rate before being put onto the 35% band.

All forms of earnings are generally taxable and fall under the personal income tax bracket. This ranges from a work salary to capital gains or dividends, lease transactions, or even selling clothes on the sidewalk, as long as the earnings are over 150k per year.

Resident Vs Non Resident

The law stipulates that anyone who resides in Thailand for longer than 180 days is considered a resident.

That’s right: not a resident as in a citizen, but citizen as in eligible to pay tax.

This means you’ll need to pay tax on your global income, which is money you earn in your home country and any other country. This includes your pension (see below).

If you are a foreigner and reside in Thailand for fewer than 180 days each calendar year, then you will only have to pay tax on the earnings that you earn inside Thailand.

Now, before you say, “But I haven’t got a work permit!” It doesn’t matter. Those who do not have a work permit are NOT exempt from paying tax.

Double Tax Treaties

Thailand has double tax treaties with nearly every country on the planet.

The purpose of a tax treaty is to prevent a company or individual from one country being taxed twice on income earned in another country.

Many people assume that despite being considered a resident in Thailand, they don't need to pay tax on their income because it is taxed in their home country. This isn't quite true.

Once you stay the 180 days, the law requires you to declare money brought into the country if it was earned within the current tax year.

The onus is on you to sort out your residence status in your home country and let them know that for the given tax year you are a Thai resident and required to pay tax there. Then, because of the double tax treaty, you won't be taxed in your home country. And if you've already paid tax, you can ask for a rebate.

In short: the double tax treaty prevents double taxation, but doesn't define residency. This is a separate issue.

Is My Pension Taxable in Thailand?

Notice that I mentioned “pension” in the section before last. And yes, the same rule applies.

If you meet the resident requirements then the double tax treaty is irrelevant; you have a tax liability here. That doesn't mean you'd pay twice, it just means you need to sort out your residence status using the double tax treaty rules to avoid double payment.

But TTL… No One Declares Pension Income in Thailand

You're right. I don't know anyone either. I'm just giving you the letter of the law here.

The reality on the ground is that Thailand isn't about to go enforcing this on retirees, because the hassle would cause a backlash and most certainly repel prospective retirees rather than encourage them.

No one wants the added hassle of retiring to the beach and having to deal with an accountant.

In fact, read around the web and you'll find that expats who have tried to pay have been turned away by the tax office and told they are “too old to pay tax”, and other strange remarks. What can I say, this is Thailand (TIT).

It's also really difficult to enforce. They'd have to keep track of all the foreigners coming and going to determine who has fallen into residency status for that tax year.

Working Online (Digital Nomads) & Paying Tax in Thailand

There’s a a myth among the “working online” community, which, by the way, avoids the work permit issue because the current law simply doesn’t legislate for it, that Thailand is a grey tax zone; meaning one can work inside Thailand and not pay tax in their home country, or Thailand for that matter.

This isn’t true. If you stay over 180 days in a given year, you automatically have a tax liability in Thailand.

Even if you're staying less that 180 days, you still have a tax liability and will need to pay tax somewhere.

So if you're a digital nomad in Thailand, working as a web developer, blogger, web cam stripper or whatever, you should be aware that if you aren’t paying tax, it may eventually catch up with you.

Thailand is not a tax haven. It never has been and isn't likely to ever be.

It is very likely that when Thailand finally does get around to addressing the digital nomad visa/work permit issue, that they’ll realize most of these people aren’t paying tax in their home countries and by law (residents) should be paying tax in Thailand.

Tax is always collected on retrospective earnings, and the penalty for failing to submit a tax return in Thailand is up to double the amount owed.

How to Get a Tax Number

To file a return you need a tax ID number from the tax office. To acquire one, you’ll need a passport or identity card, and need to demonstrate why you need a number.

Tax Deductions & Allowances

Like every other country, tax deductions and allowances are available in Thailand. These are intended to reduce the tax load and make it seem almost generous that the tax man isn’t taking the shirt entirely off your back.

Deductible Expenses

  1. Employment Income: 50% – not more than 100,000 THB
  2. Copyright Income: 40% – not more than 60,000 THB
  3. Rental Income from assets and properties:  10% – 30%
  4. Profession: a. Medical Profession: 60%. b. Liberal Profession: 30%
  5. Actual Expense or Contract Work: 70%
  6. Actual Expense or Business Activities: 65% – 85%

Tax Allowances

Aside from the scheduled tax allowance provided in the table below, there are limited allowances for the following:

  1. Home mortgage interest payments
  2. Purchases of retirement mutual fund and long term equity fund
  3. Contributions to charities
  4. Social Insurance contributions
  5. Life Insurance premiums
  6. Qualified provident fund payments

Personal Deductions:

  1. 60,000 Baht: Both for the taxpayer and the spouse (provided that the taxpayer's spouse does not file his/her own return)
  2. 30,000 Baht: For each child (additional THB 30,000 for the second child onwards born in or after 2018)
  3. 30,000 Baht: For the taxpayer and spouse’s parents, if the parents are over 60 years old and whose income for the tax year is below 30,000 Baht
  4. 60,000 Baht: For the care of disabled or incapacitated family members.

* A non-resident is allowed to claim deductions for a spouse, children, and parent, but only if they are resident in Thailand

Please note: I am not a qualified accountant or tax advisor. I will do my best to answer your questions, but cross-boarder tax affairs can be complicated. If you are in doubt over the best arrangement for your tax affairs, please speak to an expert.

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  2. Roben says

    I got more confused after reading this article. I'm a tourist on a visa exempt for more than 180 days and I'm going to start working remotely as a contractor doing software development for an American company on a long term project. I'm not planing on leaving Thailand. According to the article, I will be working illegally and there isn't much I can do about it. On the other hand, since I'm living in Thailand for over 180 days I'm a tax resident. Can / should I still pay my taxes?
    Appreciate some insights on this.
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      The maximum tourist visa stay is 60 days, or 90 if you do an extension at immigration for 1,900 Baht. On a single entry tourist visa you get 60 days. On a multiple entry you get 6 months but a maximum 60 days stay at one time. When the 60 days is up you have to leave the country. So you won't be staying for more than 180 days in one go, even if you do an extension on one of your stays as previously mentioned.You will be working in the grey area. Please read this article about working online: https://www.thethailandlife.com/working-online-thailand
      Reply

      • JamesE says

        "I'm a tourist on a visa exempt for more than 180 days"? You've already been in Thailand for 180 days? Does immigration know this? If yes to the first and no to the second, then you've got bigger problems than working in the gray area.

        It will be very difficult to do what you want on a tourist visa. Every time you do a visa run (for the foreseeable future) you'll be required to quarantine. TTL's numbers are spot-on so that would be an awful lot of money spent on ASQ hotels.

        Have you considered one of the other visas like an Elite or Investor? Also, if you're a US citizen, you have access to a few other options - like starting your own consulting company - under the Treaty of Amity. That would give you a legit B visa and take you out of the gray area.
        Reply

  3. YshiadZ says

    Hi! I am working as a full time teacher and at night I have after school classes In a tutorial center. My school deducted my salary for the tax and the tutorial center also deducted my income for the tax. Do you think it will create a problem? Thanks
    Reply

  4. John says

    "To file a return you need a tax ID number from the tax office. To acquire one, you’ll need a passport or identity card, and need to demonstrate why you need a number."

    If you need to demonstrate why you need the tax ID number and don't have a work permit, will that create a problem?
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      The office will ask you why you need to pay tax if you don't have a work permit and aren't working here. I've read elsewhere that some people have been told they don't need to pay tax without a permit. Probably best to go through an accountant. What is your situation?
      Reply

  6. Tara Chi says

    Since I am allowed to WFH and I moved to Thailand to live with my fiancé, my earning and bank accounts remain in overseas. I only brought very little money with me into the country.
    Am I subject to Tax for the last 5 months of those salary that I earned and banked overseas?
    or I only need to declare the very little money I brought with me when I first came December 2021 (which is not the same calendar year)?
    Or I don't have to pay any tax so long as I leave here before the 180 days due?
    Reply

  7. Iano says

    Hi. So, if I am on a retirement visa is it right I cannot work? I would like to spend over 180 days in Thailand, work remotely for European clients (I am a software engineer) and fully comply with Thailand tax law. I.e be tax resident. Is that possible at the minute? Thanks, ian
    Reply

    • JamesE says

      Yes, it's possible, but not on a retirement visa. But why do you want to be a "tax resident"? You get no benefits. Are you planning on being paid in Thai Baht? Are you planning on setting up your business in Thailand? Thailand has several visas that might let you do what you want - SMART visa, Investor visa, Elite(maybe?) - all of which come with some requirements. There are also some visa plans addressing digital nomads, but none of them have been finalized. Then there's the Gary Area where many expats work online but not "legally". You might want to detail your plans and discuss them with an immigration attorney based in Thailand.
      Reply

      • john squire says

        I will be returning to Thailand from ireland
        In 2018 I spent 4 months in ireland
        2019 7 months 2020 7 months and it looks like I will be here most of 2021 so I might well get the unwanted prize of normal resident which will be stuck with me causing me to be to pay irish tax on money I earn outside ireland ie stock market and pension
        Maybe applying for tax resident in thailand will prevent me coming one in ireland
        Reply

      • Iano says

        Thanks JamesE. I guess my basic feeling is if I am in Thailand for more than 180 days I should be paying something to the local economy. I suppose I’d do that through general spending. Not necessarily taxes. I could pay taxes on money repatriated to the country just to show some contribution.
        Reply

          • john squire says

            Is the 3 million baht 5 year retirement visa operating if yes do you apply in home country or do it the same as normal retirement visa
            what are the advantages and disadvantages
            Oh yes I read that for a retirement visa the 800,000 has to be in a thai bank account 2 months before you apply..if this is true then you have to transfer the money to thailand before you travel to thailand
            Reply

            • JamesE says

              In the US currently all three retirement visas are being issued. As each of those - O (Retirement), O-A, and O-X - have different requirements you should check with your home country's Thai Embassy. The O (retirement) has no financial requirement when issued in your home country (at least in the US...) but is issued with an initial 90-day validity. The O-A's financial requirement can be met with US deposits for its initial issue with the Thai deposit requirement kicking in (for the plain O (R) as well) when you do your extension. The O-X requires the ฿3-million to be in Thailand from the start. But again, check with the embassy in your home country to see your specific requirements.
              Reply

          • john squire says

            Your the boss so I will ask you
            In theory buying and selling shares is working
            In theory working without a work permit is illegal in thailand
            Yet it seems that non thais are allowed to play the stock market whilst living in Thailand and do not pay CGT ...is this all true
            Reply

        • JamesE says

          Hi Iano, I understand your feeling. My take would be that your money would be better spent *in* the economy as opposed to *as* taxes. Remember, Thailand is a VAT nation so much of what you buy will help fund the government.
          Reply

  10. Sandro says

    Digital Nomad Wisdom knows that your worldwide income is to get taxed in Thailand if you bring it in the year where you have earned it. That was done to get the pensioners. But all worldwide income is totally FREE of taxes, if you earned it in the last year and have a Thai Bank Account, where it is visible, that you transfered it in the last year (before 31.12.) and use it this year.
    Reply

    • john squire says

      a little question a lot of ex pats own condos they rent out on airbnb this is done by 1000s of expats but is illegal in thailand...if said income is declared then the thai gov will know the person declaring the income is breaking the law
      Reply

    • Schorsch says

      So its not possible that I leave it on a foreign account for one year? It has to sit in a Thai account one year?


      In my case I have stock investments that are way above of what I would bring to Thailand in one calendar year. If I use my pension to purchase one type of ETFs for one year while selling another type of ETFs to transfer the income to Thailand, would that meet the law?

      Or is it sufficient if you I demonstrate that I had at the beginning of the year more assets in my bank account than I brought during the year into Thailand, i.e. it can be assumed that the money that I brought in was taken from last years money.

      I simply have a problem to understand how I can distinguish this yeas money and last years money if sits in the same pot.
      Reply

      • JamesE says

        You can't distinguish it but, through the wizardry of accounting, as long as you had more than you bring into Thailand in any year already in your account at the start of the year, you can assume that that's the money you're bringing in.
        Reply

  11. Red says

    Forgive me for this very superficial question. You wrote that money that you brought into the country which have been earned in a different calendar year are not subject to taxation. Now, if you have accumulated some amount of money in your country, during the years and including the same year, how can they demonstrate that you are liable for paying taxes?
    To make it easier. I moved to Thailand and I'm transferring money from my bank account in Europe to my Thai Bank account. These come from my salaries in my past years. Do I have to pay taxes?
    Thanks !
    Reply

  13. Jesper says

    What about salaries and dividends earned abroad, but have not been taken into Thailand in the same calendar year and not before the next calendar year?

    Then I believe the money is not taxable - so could be a Tax Haven, if can provide for yourself, for a while?
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Depending on where that money was earned, and your residential status, the tax may be due at source. Even if you are non-domiciled, should your residence status change suddenly because you have to return home for some reason, tax can become due on money you bring back into the country - despite having taken it out.
      Reply

  14. Dan says

    Your article was very helpful and you are the first source who mentioned deduction for "Actual Expense or Business Activities". Just to be sure I understand everything correctly. Lets assume one is mobile software developer and she has monthly income from AdMob 50k. If she resides in Thailand more than 180 days, she is subject to pay TAX for personal income in Thailand.

    She is in "grey tax zone" because she is working for foreign company, payment comes from abroad (SG). BUT she decided to pay TAX anyway. She spends 20k monthly to support her business (ads, server, minor freelance work). So her yearly income is 600k, expenses to generate that income - 240k. Should she calculate TAX from 600k or from net income 360k? If from 360k then is there any special format for expense confirmation documents?

    Thank you in advance for your answer!
    Reply

      • john squire says

        If I rent out 3 condos at 60% occupancy it will gross me 30,000maxminue expenses such as condo management fees, and agent fees, and internal repairs I will be lucky if I clear 20,000 baht pcm. It would seem the min charge of thailand acclime is about 4000 baht pcm and in my own opinion paying twenty percent of nett income to an accountant cannot be justified. Also renting out 3 condos only require 3 lines of accounts which can be handled by anyone who can read write and add. Therefore I hope we are agreed someone renting out a few condos does not need an accountant. However, before purchasing the condos i can see an accountants one time advice could be useful in order to seperate Irish Income, English state pension, and thailand income, also advice from an accountant on how to set up double taxation so i do not get taxes twice on the same income, and so i get all tax credits owed to me
        Reply

    • john squire says

      I might become in the near future in the same boat as you I intend to buy 3 condos one to live in and two to rent out at about 15000pcm each making a gross thai rental income of 30,000 bht pcm if customers can be found
      If our numbers match up maybe we can exchange info
      Reply

  16. Kevin says

    Hi , I receive my private pension free from tax from the U.K. . I live here in Thailand on a retirement visa . I live here off my savings and do not take my pension payments into Thailand in the same year . Do I need to declare these payments in Thailand or can I technically avoid the tax on my pension ?
    If tax is due in Thailand at what rate of tax are private pensions charged and Is it a myth that pensioners do not pay tax in Thailand ?
    Reply

  17. Bella says

    Hello, if the foreigner is an independent contractor working a commission-based role for US companies out of Thailand (meaning that income is not stable), is this income taxable in Thailand? If so, how?

    In addition, the foreigner has a Thai spouse but no work permit. How can the foreigner receive payment and report taxes if applicable?

    Thanks so much for your time!
    Reply

  18. Bob says

    "Residents who receive income from abroad are taxable on that income if the income is brought into Thailand in the tax year in which it is received"

    so surely any digital nomad who stays 180+ days (which they could do on a 1 year 'O' visa or student visa) can bring in monies that they earned in the previous financial year tax free? And then back into grey area.... even if they brought in more recently earned monies, how on earth could Thai govt. possibly prove when the money was earned?
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Yes. The reality is that most digital nomads aren't declaring in Thailand, and in terms of working illegally they can skirt the law because it doesn't legislate for remote working for clients/companies overseas. Regardless, there is still a tax liability. Most people will pay their tax in their home country.
      Reply

      • bob says

        I'm sorry but I still don't understand where there is a tax liability for a Brit for example. They are UK-non-resident after they meet certain criteria set by the UK government... perhaps it takes them 18 months until they meet all the criteria. If they spent the last 6 of those months in thailand, they are now Thai-tax-resident. Now they can bring in tax-free any money that was earned outside Thailand in the previous tax year. Right?
        Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          If the said digital nomad is earning this money from UK sources and the money is flowing through a UK bank account, then tax is still due in the UK, regardless of being a non-resident. I quote:Non-residents only pay tax on their UK income - they do not pay UK tax on their foreign income. Residents normally pay UK tax on all their income, whether it's from the UK or abroad. But there are special rules for UK residents whose permanent home ('domicile') is abroad.Even those who move to "tax havens" can run into issues when returning to the UK, because the HMRC has a bunch of compliance rules regarding bringing money back into the country that can trip you up. Like you, I'd rather not pay tax, but it's pay it in the UK or in Thailand. Take your pick.
          Reply

        • James brown says

          Question please on earnings.
          I’m a Uk non resident past 22 years and eligible to get a retirement visa for thailand now.
          Assuming I am trading US ETFs and other foreign shares what is my tax liability in Thailand plse?
          I would have no job or work permit however would plan to supplement income via investing myself, day trading or longer term in cases.

          Thanks!
          Reply

          • JamesE says

            Too many variables and not enough information. It all comes down to where your legal residence is, where the money is earned - i.e. US/UK/Other trading account, how it's currently being taxed, and when - relative to when it's earned - you plan on bringing the money into Thailand. This one you'll need to do some research on your own or hire a tax pro.
            Reply

    • Kevin says

      I am from the U.K. and live in Thailand on a retirement visa .
      I live here off my savings .
      I have an income from the U.K. that goes into a U.K. account
      I claim relief on this income through the Double Tax Agreement
      Do I have to pay tax on it in Thailand ?
      Do I need to declare it to the Thai tax man ?
      I live in Thailand on a retirement visa , does this make me a retiree ?

      Is the following statement true ?
      “Only income earned inside Thailand shall be subjected to tax during retirement.
      Therefore , you will not be obliged to pay any taxes for any income you have earned from overseas .
      Also , personal income taxes are not required for retirees in Thailand.
      Note that you can’t work in Thailand while on a retirement visa”

      Thank you in advance .
      Reply

      • TheThailandLife says

        You are a retiree. If you reside in Thailand for 180 + days of the year you are also a tax resident. Thailand may not pursue the law to the letter when it comes to retirees - probably because it's near on impossible to keep track of - but a tax return is in the legal code for people residing in Thailand for more than 180 days and for any monies remitted to Thailand in the year it is earned. Relief can be claimed via the double tax treaty if you have paid twice, once in Thailand and again in the UK. That's what the treaty is there for. It doesn't automatically prevent double taxation occurring, it just provides a way for you to claim money back and not have to pay twice. To avoid double taxation you should clarify your residency status with the HMRC. But if you're not paying tax in the UK on that income due to being non domicile then you would have to declare it in Thailand.
        Reply

  19. john squire says

    I have rental income in ireland if I move back to Thailand my asumption is my income from property in ireland will still have to be paid to revenue ie, but my uk state pension can be paid direct to thailand and not pay irish tax. Also I can arrange to stop paying irish tax on my shares
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi John, that's correct. Tax on your rental income will still need to be paid in Ireland. As for the pension, this is paid to you gross but still taxable. You would declare your rental income, pension income and shares income on your tax return. The key thing to remember is that all income has a tax liability. Living in Thailand doesn't make you exempt from tax. Money earned in Ireland is always taxable.
      Reply

      • john squire says

        You would declare your rental income, pension income and shares income on your tax return.
        Reference your statement written above you did not specify which tax return
        Now if I return to Thailand then I will have to inform the DWP ie pension payments office in England and they will want to (by law) pay my pension to a bank account in Thailand so i assume said income has to be declared on a thailand tax return so i also assume i will have register for tax in thailand.
        There is of course another way to skin this cat ie I can collect my pension in Thailand but declare it on my irish tax form but of course as i will not be living in ireland and the money was not earned in ireland it cannot be taxed by the irish revenue
        More as a hobby than a profession i buy and sell shares but the very high tax rates (only for middle class rich people do not pay) for CGT in ireland deter buying and selling shares hence people just keep hold of the shares until they need money. Now if I move to thailand and buy and sell shares there it is counted as normal income and my profits would not be taxed because it would be below the thailand allowances but I would have already claimed my allowances in ireland so i suspect the double tax agreement would be used to calculate my tax payments
        Reply

        • john squire says

          This is john squire again I have had another idea. I have six properties in Ireland. My plan which is just an idea.
          I lived in thailand 2006 - 2017 on a non img retirement visa. Therefore I believe I am not entitled to the 3 million baht residence visa and will have to take 10 million into the country. Therefore (my master plan) sell three of my irish properties and keep three. Take 10 million into thailand buy discount price small condos in pattaya about 5 and rent out four of them. I know the occupancy rate will be less than 30% for the first year, and I know that airbnb is not allowed for short term rentals
          For the first 2 years i would expect the rental income to only pay for the expenses, but tourism always bounces quickly just look at 9/11
          The condos would be in my wife's name, so work permit not required??
          Maybe me and my wife could seperate our tax returns, and she could give up her irish tax credits, and I keep my irish tax credits
          Gross before letting agent fees post covid and taking that tourism rebounds
          Ireland 20,000 euro pa
          thailand 14000 euro pa
          uk state pension 10000pa
          Would a 3 country income require double taxation ...would it become too complicated doe this idea fly
          Reply

          • TheThailandLife says

            You can buy a condo without having a work permit, so no need to put in your wife's name. Plus, rumuours are that foreign property investment is about to be made easier to boost the economy - quite what that will look like I don't know yet. In terms of taxation, I know the basics of tax in Thailand but but considering your assets and investment proposal I'd advise getting some professional advice. Given the circumstances, you want to ensure your tax position is the most favourable, and I'm not qualified to assure you of that.
            Reply

            • john squire says

              thanks for the answer it does help. However my idea of putting the condos in my wife's name is not because i am not allowed to buy condos ...i know i am allowed. The idea is based on the idea she is thai so allowed to work so the rental income would go into her name and she would not claim tax credits in ireland and go onto a double taxation system so tax and allowances would be calculated in each country. Then I would pay tax on my irish rental income and because i will be resident in thailand my state oap would go under the radar.
              ps please give me contact details of a tax expert who knows irish and thai tax systems
              Reply

    • Bob says

      But if you did not bring it into Thailand in the same tax year that it was earned, it should be tax-free according to ""Residents who receive income from abroad are taxable on that income if the income is brought into Thailand in the tax year in which it is received". And assuming that rental income is considered "assessable income" under their rules.
      Reply

  20. Jim says

    All my income (rental dividends) comes from the UK. If my UK accountant makes sure all taxes are dealt with in the UK there should be no issue? I don't work or have a company here just transfer living expenses monthly via transfer wise. Never heard of retirees or people transferring living expenses registering for tax. Alternatively if there is a crackdown, I could transfer living expenses from a savings pot (as long as money not earn/sent in current tax year). Don't want to register if I don't have to. Here in Tak I think they'd tell me not to bother anyway. Cheers.
    Reply

  21. ontap says

    Hi, i just received my offer from an IT company in Thailand as a "Consultant" and the rate say "inclusive of VAT". Do I really have to pay VAT for such income? I will be working remotely outside of Thailand (not my home country).
    Thanks!
    Reply

  23. Joanna says

    Hi, firstly thank you for the detailed article, but one thing is not clear to me
    ".. to declare money brought into the country" ? Does it mean, I have to declare ATM withdrawals from the foreign account, that I made during the past year? Thank you.
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      No, it means you would declare money brought into the country on a tax return, preferably prepared by a Thai accountant. This is the letter of the law, though. Please do read on and get the whole picture from the article.
      Reply

  24. Thomas says

    Hi, My wife is looking at a teaching job earning a month: 78,000 baht plus 11,000 housing allowance, plus health insurance. School fees are free for my young son about 30,000 baht (not sure if included in taxed wage). And if I had a job at a language school on 30,000 baht- What tax would we be paying?
    Reply

    • JamesE says

      You'll want a tax pro on this one. But, in general, your income would be taxed at the source - the US in this case - and then it depends what you do with the money. If you bring the money into Thailand the same year it was earned then there may be a liability on some or all of the untaxed income. In any event bringing large sums into the kingdom will raise some eyebrows so you'll want to have somebody who understands the details and can explain it for you.
      Reply

  26. Bruce Jackson says

    I am a Canadian national working in a tax free country in the Middle East. I have offshore accounts in the Channel Islands. I was thinking of retiring to Thailand. My government pensions would be very small so I would be taking money out of my offshore funds. What does that mean for taxes.
    Reply

  27. Sanook! says

    Do you know how crypto currency profits are reported in Thailand?

    If I am using an exchange in HK and make a profit trading bitcoin, will that exchange send a letter to the Revenue Department or is it my responsibility to report it to the government?

    Thanks
    Reply

  28. Shyam Sunder says

    In addition to the 150,000 Baht tax exemption threshold, persons over the age of 65 receive an exemption on the first 190,000 of taxable income. In the deductable income if we consider 60000 bath. What will be the tax to be paid for an income of 1,999,000 bath as an employee who is 70 years of age.
    Reply

  30. Johnny Bangkok says

    I have a question that I hope has an easy answer...
    I am working in Thailand paying tax on my salary per the legal reqt. However this year I have a small consultancy job for an overseas company that I am doing on my own time at weekends. This will only be for 2 or 3 months, but when I receive the payment into my account in Thailand this officially becomes other income I presume. So my question is how should I process this separate income as my company is already deducting my income tax from my salary but obviously not deducting for this small amount earned separately..is it processed at same rate as my salary or is it viewed as an entirely separate amount for the purpose of income tax calculation?
    Reply

    • James E says

      Are you an employee of the "overseas company"? Did you set up a business to do the work? Does your full-time employer know about the side gig? Are you providing the service to their Thai operation or remotely to their overseas operation? Is your pay/fee going directly into a Thai bank account? You've got to remember that your work permit is tied to a specific job/employer and working on your "own time" would be seriously frowned upon. How you answer those questions will tell you how bad your situation is.
      Reply

  31. sidney leonard says

    When my wife (Thai national) and I move to Thailand our entire income will be from US Social Security, my state teacher retirement benefits, and investment interest payments (CDs and equities), and whatever small interest from our Bangkok Bank savings account. My wife cashed out of her Thailand government retirement plan when she moved to the US 30 years ago. - We will, of course, be required to file a US income tax return yearly. - Am I correct in assuming that we will not be required to pay Thailand income taxes. Thank you.
    Reply

    • James E says

      It can be complicated. If, for example the untaxed portion of your Social Security, you have income that is not subject to US income tax then it may be subject to Thai tax if you bring it into Thailand in the year you earned it. (I know...) Since the untaxed SS is usually pretty small this is unlikely to raise any eyebrows or give you a tax burden unless you have another untaxed income stream. Your best bet is to start building an account that you park your earnings in for a year to be able to document that all money brought into Thailand was already in that account at the beginning of the year.
      Reply

      • James E says

        The maximum untaxable amount is US$12,500 for an individual and $16K(+/-) for a married couple (if I remember the current regs correctly). If you had a full, middle-income career and your spouse did as well you could very easily hit these numbers. The IRS handles this exemption differently than others in that it just isn't included as income in the calculation rather than being a back-end deduction from income (as most of the other adjustments are). Conceivably, if the Thai tax authorities looked, this amount could be construed as "untaxed income" as opposed to an "income deduction". US tax laws $uck...
        Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Income payments from a pension scheme are taxed at source. A state pension isn't, so any tax due on that would depend on your overall income. It really depends how your tax affairs are set up. Personally I'd keep your tax affairs in the UK and then you don't have to deal with the Thai system.
      Reply

  37. Vicky says

    Hi,

    I will be joining in thailand at a salary of 120000 per month. The company is listed as IBC and I think I will be taxed at flat 15% of my salary. Is there a way I can save on taxes like applying for LTF etc.

    Thanks
    Reply

  38. Sam says

    Hello,

    I have been told that if you are an expat worker in Thailand and leave before two year period. you will be entitled to get all the tax back you paid?

    Is this true and how and when would you claim this fund. I will have been paying tax at 8,000 a month since January 2020 and will be leaving Thailand in July 2020. I will have been here less than one year arriving add working since August 2019
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      A few years back I heard from a teacher that if you work for less than a year and leave you may be entitled to a tax rebate, but I can't find specific information on that. Have you asked your employer / accounts department. The tax system is pretty complex with all kinds of rules.
      Reply

  39. Sjaak says

    If somebody is living in Thailand already a couple of years, has forgotten to pay tax and next decides to start paying tax: over how many of the previous year does he have to pay tax? 5 years? more?
    Thanks !
    Reply

  40. Subhash says

    Hi Could you pl guide me I will start working in Bangkok next month on a monthly salary of 70000 baht (yearly 840000). 1.Do I have to pay 20perc of 840000 or of a reduced amount? How much tax would I have to pay yearly? 2.i will be considered a resident of Thailand for tax purposes
    So hopefully all income earned in India like pension, dividends, rents etc will not be taxed in Thailand as I have no intention of bringing that money here. India and Thailand have double taxation avoidance agreement.
    Thanks a lot.
    Reply

  42. Chelsea Brindley says

    So, just to confirm... As it seems difficult to get any straight answers.

    I will have completed 1 year of teaching with a taxable income from 2019 as 280,000 baht. This means I can expect to pay approx 14,000 baht in order to renew my work permit, correct?

    However, assuming I leave Thailand anytime in the next year (within the next year or after completion of the new contract) I will have an option to apply for a refund?
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Dave, you mean you have a job and you sell software outside of this job as an extra income?If so, I'd be careful declaring this in Thailand, as you may run into difficult questions. A work permit is valid only for the job it was issued for and doesn't cover other work. So your work permit allows for your day job but not for self-employment. You might do better to declare the other income in your home country.
      Reply

  46. Nohn Webster says

    I am a 62 year old British national, I have worked in Saudi Arabia for 10 years, I retired to Thailand 2 years ago from Saudi. I want to take my remaining 70% (approximation 75,000 GBP)Malta based QROPS pension as a lump sum. How much tax would i have to pay in Thailand?
    Reply

  47. Michelle says

    I work online, and remitted 180000 baht into Thailand last year from my Australian bank account. Would I have to pay tax on that amount, or would it be exempt after taking out spouse and kid allowance? I tried to get tax ID today, but the problem was I don't have a Thai bank account (I just share my husband's.) I'm just thinking about if I get audited in Australia in the future. Would I be right to say I'm exempt from tax in Thailand for last year with that amount?
    Reply

  49. Jin says

    Hi Peter,

    Thanks for sharing the income tax information for expats. I now have one question regarding below sentences.

    https://www.boi.go.th/index.php?page=types_of_business_organizations_04_regional_operating_headquarters

    According to boi website above, there is some fixed income tax for 15% for qualified expats in Thailand. Would you please advise me for the below colour highlighted in yellow? If I work at Multinational company (Bkk is APAC Head office) in Thailand, Am I eligible for a fixed 15% income tax as an expat  or be subject to normal income tax threshold as normal ?


    C.    Expatriates

    i.    An expatriate who is assigned by the ROH to work outside of Thailand is exempt from personal income tax in Thailand for services outside of Thailand. However, the said income must not be borne by the ROH or its associated company in Thailand.
    ii.    An expatriate who works for an ROH may choose to be subject to withholding tax at the rate of 15% for up to 4 years. By doing so, the expatriate is allowed to omit such income in the calculation of their annual personal income tax liability.

    Requirements In order for an ROH to be eligible for tax benefits, it must fulfill the following conditions:
    •    The ROH must be a juristic company or partnership incorporated under Thai law;
    •    The ROH must have at least 10 million baht in paid-up capital on the closing date of any accounting period;
    •    The ROH must provide services to its overseas affiliated companies and/or branches in at least 3 countries excluding Thailand;
    •    At least half of the revenue generated by the ROH must be derived from service provided to its overseas affiliated companies and/or branches, although this requirement will be reduced to not less than one-third of the ROH's revenue for the first 3 years;
    •    The company must submit the notification to the Revenue Department; and
    •    Other requirements may be imposed by the Director-General of the Revenue Department.

    Regards,

    Jin
    Reply

  51. Martin Huang says

    Hi! Is it true that foreign sourced income and capital gains are not taxed unless the resident tax payer remitted the process into Thailand within the same calendar year it is received?

    I am a US stock market trader and investor and I am not a US citizen nor a green card holder, so I was just wondering if I can basically pay zero tax on capital gains in Thailand as a tax resident this way.

    Thank you.
    Reply

    • Robert says

      Martin,

      That is correct. Foreign sourced income (including capital gains) are not taxed in Thailand unless remitted into Thailand the same year they are earned, so yes, you can pay zero tax on capital gains if you are a tax resident of Thailand.

      Of course, you'll have to make sure that you don't create a tax liability in your home country or in the countries where you are realizing your capital gains.
      Reply

  53. Johnsy says

    Steve says

    I have a client in Thailand who pays no tax on income - it is agreed with Thai authorities as quid pro quo, he does not claim anything off them. He is well off.

    Now he has married a Thai National.

    He has UK pension income and if he dies, she will get paid a residual pension - she is aged 50 now (he is 70) so if he dies and she gets income, is she taxed on this.

    I can see no mention of pension income being taxed in any sites I have been on

    Regards
    Reply

  54. Manas says

    Hi All,

    I am from India. I got a job offer in Bangkok. 7500 TBH/Per day. Please anyone tell me howmuch amount will be credited in my account after all deductions. Please tell me the correct figure so that it will be highly appreciated & also it will help me in taking decision.
    Reply

  60. Rachel says

    I have heard that people who only stay two years in Thailand (coming from certain countries) are exempt from taxes. But if they stay longer than two years they need to pay (including all the taxes they would have been paying for those first two years).

    So first, is this accurate? And second, if I leave Thailand right before two years, how long is it before those two initial years re-set? In other words, if I leave for 5 or 6 months, and then come back, do I get two more years without paying taxes?

    Thanks!
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      I know there is a rule that allows for first-time teachers to get a tax refund on the first two years of teaching. Unfortunately, many schools aren't very helpful with this and don't inform teachers of the rules or aren't very knowledgeable in this area. No one wants extra work dealing with the tax authorities. So many teachers never get the refund. If you go to an independent tax advisor they can help you put in a claim. I'm not sure if this applies if you stay on in Thailand. Maybe someone else can answer that.
      Reply

  61. David says

    I've been offered a job in Thailand with an international school. The monthly pay is roughly 108 000 Baht. I am a single father with two children. How much will I be paying in taxes each month?
    Thanks so much.
    Reply

  62. Slob says

    Do you know perhaps, if Thai people have to pay tax on trading forex or CFDs?
    And what is the tax if they do? I read something about no tax if they make withdrawal from broker one year late, then they made gains.
    Reply

  63. Igor says

    Hi, i have parents that are over the age of 60 staying on/off in TH. They are living off their pension & me right now. Will the tax auditors require proof of their income - i'm afraid there is nothing that i can show them apart that they are over 60 years of age.
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      2,000 Baht is about right. Her salary falls into the 5% and 10% tax band. So the majority of the salary is taxed at 5% and then the remainder at 10% when the threshold is reached. So I doubt a rebate is due.
      Reply

  65. Tom says

    If I live in Thailand as a pensioner (= resident in Thailand) and receive pension from my home country, I will have to pay the tax of my pension in my home country, according to the double tax treaty.

    If I also have income in Thailand, for example interests from deposits in a Thai bank, how do I use the tax band? Which of these 3 scenarios are (most) correct?

    Scenario 1:
    Interests 100,000 THB (taxable)
    Pension 900,000 THB (not taxable)
    Total global income 1,000,000 THB
    Tax to be paid: Income band 750,000 – 1,000,000 = Rate 20%
    20 % of 100,000 = 20,000 THB

    Scenario 2:
    Interests 100,000 THB (taxable)
    Pension 900,000 THB (not taxable)
    Total global income 1,000,000 THB
    Taxes to be paid:
    Income band 0 – 150,000 = Exempt
    Income band 150,000 – 300,000 = 5% = 7,500
    Income band 300,000 – 500,000 = 10% = 20,000
    Income band 500,000 – 750,000 = 15% = 37,500
    Income band 750,000 – 1,000,000 = 20% = 50,000
    Total = 115,000. However, the pension is not taxable in Thailand, so only a proportionate part of the tax (of interests) is to be paid: 100,000 / 1,000,000 x 115,000 = 11,500 THB

    Scenario 3:
    Interests 100,000 THB (taxable)
    Income band 0 – 150,000 = Exempt
    No tax is to be paid.
    Reply

  66. Rick Montembeault says

    I work at an international school. On my last paycheck I paid 5227 baht tax on 85,100 income. My collegue paid only 4057 baht tax on 135,243 baht income. She is Russian and always pays less tax than me. I am American. Are there different tax rates for different nationalities or men and women? Why am I always paying more tax than her?
    Reply

      • James E says

        Don't forget KFC... Rick, Also check the Thai tax code. I linked to it in a post a few below yours but here it is again: http://www.rd.go.th/publish/37693.0.html. There are all sorts of exemptions and allowances that will definitely affect your bottom line and could easily result in the discrepancy you've noted. Remember that taxes are designed not to be fair and easily understood, they're designed to be paid, and the proof is left up to the reader.
        Reply

  68. "Mart" says

    Does anybody know if you can get a Thai TIN number on an ED VISA and how do you submit your tax? As I will be on Education Visa I will naturally have little income (mainly just interest on deposit from my Thai bank account), as I will be studying, but I still need a TIN number (all countries in North American and Europe ask for it). Any experience? – or anybody know any good accountant or others with experience?
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      If you apply for a TIN you will have to submit a tax return. I certainly wouldn't trouble the tax man if you have very little income and mainly only interest on a deposit account, which will be next to nothing in Thailand.
      Reply

  69. Travis says

    Hello,been living in T/Land 7 years have a coupleof saveing accounts and assume I am paying 15% tax on the Interest ? I am hearing I can apply to the Bank for a ''Number''??? Once this number is lodged with the Bank ,the Tax Rate is reduced ?????. What can you Tell me. Kind Regards......Travis.
    Reply

  70. Rick Thompson says

    I was Managing Director of a company in Ayutthaya for 2 years. I am now self-employed, consulting for the same company. Currently the pay me a base salary plus expenses (hotel, car, airfare, etc.). These are all paid with standard tax deducted on full amount. Can the expenses be deducted on my tax return? Are there limits/requirements for these deductions? Thanks.
    Reply

    • James E says

      Start here: http://www.rd.go.th/publish/37693.0.html It's the Thai tax code in English. It sounds like your situation is a bit more complicated than most. By "self-employed" you mean you have your own business with the appropriate licenses and permissions. If so, then your old company isn't paying you a salary they're paying your fee plus expenses so all that should come out in the wash of your business accounting. If you have some other arrangement you should seek help from a tax professional.
      Reply

  71. Chris Cromeans says

    I work for an international school and have over 6,000+ baht per month taken out for taxes. My school tells me I do not get anything back. This doesn't sound right to me. Any advice as to how I can check on this or what I can do? I really don't trust what they're telling me, but not sure how else to check on this.
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Depends on what your salary is. You can always contact a local accountant and pay them 500 Baht to look at your pay slips and determine if it is correct. Or contact the local tax office.
      Reply

  72. Zhaf says

    Subject on resident vs non resident

    Im working with Thai co but im based in Malaysia working in O&G industry. Current project is in Brunei and at the moment not assigned to Thai project. Also my co mentioned about me not having work permit in Thai.

    Do i declare in Malaysia in which may required to pay tax in malaysia?
    Reply

  73. Steven says

    I have a HK company that is paying HK taxes on profits. As a director I get a dividend each year after tax paid to my personal Hong Kong account. (Let's say 50,000 USD)

    So if I understand correctly from what was said before, if I do NOT transfer any of that 50,000 to my SCB thai account in the same year but instead wait more than 1 year then that money is not taxable

    Is that correct?
    Reply

  74. Elaina says

    Hey there, I just have a question about filing your tax returns late. I received income from May 2013 til Dec 2014 and then left the country after that. Now I am back I have been told I should have filed my tax returns which I did not. I'm just wondering if you know what the penalty fee will be since its been so many years now? Will I get into big trouble if I go in and do this now? Thanks in advance!
    Reply

  76. GGJ / FalangViking says

    Hello, re. your chapter - "Tax Deductions & Allowances, Income,
    Deductible Expenses"... above:

    Am Scandinavian expat. (70+) Pay reasonable tax in TH. Get refund of
    drawn tax in my home country. So far so good. - BUT, regarding:

    Source of Income

    2. Copyright Income - 40% – not more than 60,000 THB

    I might get substantial "Copyright Income" in the future... IF those exceeds,
    let's say - 5.000.000 mill. THB ??

    WHAT would the taxation i TH be on my income from my Copyrights?
    (40% of ??? - No more than (a total of) 60.000 THB... -

    Thanks up front 4 your response!

    Curious "FalangViking"
    Reply

  77. Sjaakie says

    Hello ThailandLife,
    I am 65 +, permanent living in Thailand, I have a state pension from The Netherlands and pay tax for that in The Netherlands.
    I read here and there about a Tax deduction of 190.000 for 65 + retired persons, I have a retirement Visa.
    In your explanation I do not see this deduction.
    I also read about 60.000 deduction for personal allowens and extra 100.000 costs allowens.
    So if that all should be true the total deduction would be 190+60+100 and exempt the first 150.000, so total deduction 500.000.
    Is this right?
    Hope to hear from you.
    Sjaakie
    Reply

    • Sjaakie says

      Additional on my question.
      My state pension is 600.000 per year in The Netherlands. Tax is 9 %, is 54.000 Thb.
      Can I ask The Netherlands for tax deduction if I prove I pay tax in Thailand, 500.000 free, so 5 % tax over 100.000, is 5.000.
      Is that right?
      Thanks for an answer.
      Sjaakie
      T
      Reply

      • TheThailandLife says

        I don't know about this deduction and whether it applies to foreign nationals on retirement visas, and I don't know how pension tax works in Holland. My experience is that pensions are taxed at source and you wouldn't be able to take the pension tax free on the basis that you will pay tax in another country. If you call your local tax office back home they will have the answer to this.
        Reply

  80. Johan says

    Is it better to pay my tax pension here in Thailand as I pay now more as a month income on Tax in the Netherlands and did see they have a Tax agreement between them
    Also I did see that I could request not holding in my Tax when I could show then a Thai Tax number over my income I do live here for more as 25 years and have Thai wife and child
    Reply

  81. MP says

    Hi, thanks for the great article and useful advice. I am planning to move to TH as an accompany parent of a student visa holder and have rental income from a property in Singapore which is taxed locally. Understand that income won’t be taxed twice but do I still have to request a tax iD and declare it and claim tax treaty benefits?
    Reply

  82. Emma says

    My partner has just taken a job and he will be working for a year in Thailand. The salary he has been offered is £80,000 which is approx 3.3 million bahts. How much will his monthly salary be? Can anyone help? We can see the tax is 30% but will this be on the whole amount?

    Thanks in advance.
    Reply

  83. TW says

    I have a volunteer visa for past 10 years and had never open a tax file. I have closed my tax file in Malaysia when I relocated to Thailand. My support is about THB 30,000 per month, from family, friends. Should I open a tax file & pay taxes here in Thailand cos my lawyer told me that volunteers do not open tax file.
    Reply

  85. Marc says

    Hi guys, silly question here :) . How do you count te number of days? It looks like I'l close to the limit and wonder if arrival and departure days are included or excluded from the 180 days total. Thanks in advance for sharing your insight!
    Reply

  86. Gareth says

    Hi, i joined my school in October 2018, however this month, January 2019, my taxes have been doubled. The school claim it’s because I only worked 3 months last year and therefore I will be taxed this much for the whole of 2019. Can you clarify if this is true or am I wrongfully having more money taken from me? Many thanks
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      I don't understand what they mean. You'd need to clarify this with the accounts department or tax office. If you can't get a satisfactory answer, bear in mind that you can walk into the office of any accountant in Thailand and pay for half an hour of their time to have a look at your pay slips and clarify exactly what you should be paying. I doubt it will cost you more than 500 Baht.
      Reply

    • James E says

      That doesn't sound too surprising since the tax rates are by year. If you were earning say 1,000,000THB per year then for the three months of 2018 you worked your annual salary from the school was 250,000THB for the three months you worked. which would put you into the 5% bracket. This year you'll earn the full MegaBaht so you'd be taxed at 20%. (This is an example only the real numbers would fall out of what you actually earn.)

      When coupled with the allowed deductions and a salary that's different than the example, then the tax doubling doesn't seem to be out of order. It would all depend on what your numbers really are.

      As TTL says an accountant can step-by-step you through the logic and the tax charts and it shouldn't be too hard to find one with good command of English.
      Reply

  87. Nikhil says

    I'm an expat living here for a year now. I was employed for the first 6 months and later on my company asked me to search for a new job. They said they will keep the visa and work permit valid until I get a new job. Now I got a new job and planning to cancel my work permit and visa and go to home country and apply for a new visa. But I have to deal with the tax papers. I guess my company paid taxes only for first 6 months. What can I do about the remaining 6 months? I was not paid for the last 6 months, so is it ok if the taxes are paid only first 6 months?
    Reply

  88. Terry says

    Hi! I have a concern regarding tax number. The agency deducted tax contribution from us for the past 6 mos. ,then we finished the contract for the first term and transferred to another school. We asked for our tax number from the previous school because the new school needs our existing number for the process of our papers. But we were surprised our former agency manager said they didn't have the number and we can file and get tax number for ourselves.How come they have deducted from us and yet we didn't have any tax number?Can we demand the previous agency to furnish us what we need?Thank you.
    Reply

  89. Brian says

    I have a WP and visa with my company. They automatically tax me every month and I sign forms to prove this in February with an tax submission agency.

    However I do work a second job at a language school which isn't taxed automatically every month. This second job amounts to less than 150,000 thb earnings per year.

    Should I be submitting proof of earnings documents from the 2nd job when I sign the forms with the tax agency? i.e should it be combined with my salary from the 1st job and taxed or is it deemed separate and untaxable?
    Reply

  90. Cesar says

    Great Article. Many thanks.

    What about if you have a job with work permit but you also do some freelance work outside your job?

    Can you use the Tax Number you have to do freelance invoices? Do you have to add VAT? How do you declare it? ... I mean, do you have to do it by yourself separately or you would need to declare it along with the salary you get from your company.

    Many thanks in advance
    Reply

  91. Ian Campbell says

    Here's a sticky wicket for you. I taught English in Thailand for five years up until April of last year. All work permits and taxes were taken care of by my employers. From April on I'm been trying to make a go of it as a digital freelancer working for companies outside of Thailand. I don't have a work permit and I haven't paid taxes since April, 2018.
    I am here under a type "o" marriage Visa. My wife is an invalid who requires dialysis three times a week. Without my care, she would die.
    Do I need a work permit and do I need to report income?
    Reply

  92. Charly says

    I'm transferring all my money to my country and they are asking me about payed taxes. I only got income form my work in the hotel. They were in charge of paying my taxes. I work there 2,5years. How i get this Information? Any Way i can get this info by myself in internet? I have my ID tax Number for thailand.
    Reply

  93. JF says

    I am an expat living in Bangkok, and on a local contract. I am paid salary, net off month taxes by my employer. I have an unemployed wife *(housewife) and 2 small children. Parents are over 60 yrs old and living in my home country, on my financial support. Do I entitle to claim allowance/deductions for my family and my parents?
    What about health insurance purchased for myself and my family in my home country? Can I be entitled for that too?
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      You might get the exemption for your wife and children but not for parents living in your home country. Speak with the accounts department of your employer, or alternatively contact the tax office directly.
      Reply

  95. trevor pierce says

    My WP and non-b visa finish in early 2019. i have a yearly rented property here i have company letter cancelling my WP. my company paid my salary and i have the obligation to pay all income tax myself.
    my questions is if to pay the tax obligation before i leave do they give me proof i have paid my taxes as immigration might want to see it or will they now know or be bothered
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      It won't be taxed automatically, you would have to declare the income and let the Canadian tax authority know that it is being taxed in Thailand. You might want to seek advice on this to find out in which country you will pay the least tax.
      Reply

      • Terence says

        We are now non resident in our home country and wish to settle in Thailand and do everything properly. Our interest is earned in a different country entirely on which we pay withholding tax only. We do not remit in the same year the income is earned - it is always the following year, so do we still need to register and pay Thai tax? Many thanks.
        Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          It depends on your country of origin and the rules they have in place. For example, in the UK, even if you are a non-resident citizen living abroad in Thailand, you still have to pay tax on any income arising from a UK source. There are specific exceptions such as disregarded income, which consists principally of dividends and interest, but not rental income.
          Reply

  99. Svein Magne Sivertsen says

    I am 78 year old man that stay in Thailand. I have a pension in norway that goes to a Norwegian bank.
    Every month i got to pay a fully tax to the tax Office in goverment in norway..
    Until know i got letter from the Norwegian embassy in Bangkok they telling
    thai immigration that i got garanti from ambassy that i got full covery
    of my staying in Thailand.

    Normally i use Visa card if i want to take out some monny.


    So why do i need to pay pension tax to Thailand. I do not work at all,only a old pension. I am 78 old man.
    Can you please answer this mail to me.
    Regard
    Mr.Svein Magne Sivertsen
    Reply

  100. dhruv says

    Hi,

    I work in thailand since 4 years , i am paying health insurance premium for my non working wife ( non Thai) and my daughter . I have taken Aetna Health insurance for my family ( i am not included in that because i am covered with my employer health insurance).
    Can i claim the tax refund or any tax benefit.
    Can you please help as i i pay very high tax in Thailand .
    Reply

  101. graham north says

    Good Evening, I have lived in Thailand for 6 years but constantly travel. For example I was only in Thailand 160 days this year and 156 last year.
    I am paid by UK company and pay no tax in UK, only national insurance.
    Am I write that I pay not tax in Thailand?
    Reply

  102. Riza says

    My husband got a private contract from the government in Thailand. The contract is for about 2 years. A cross check got issued to him by the Ministry of Works and Labor and when he was depositing it to his account in the U.K., he was told to pay income tax first before he can deposit the check. What is the law concerning this? Why is he going to pay the taxes first when the project has not started yet?
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      I don't quite understand. You wrote: "a crosscheck got issued to him by the ministry of works and labour and when he was depositing it into his account in the UK...."When you say crosscheck I assumed you meant a background check prior to him starting work. But you indicate he deposited something into his account, so I'm assuming they paid him money. Who told him to pay tax, the bank in the UK, or the Thai government who issued the contract? The question is not clear, so I am a little confused about the circumstances.
      Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          Right, so it is a crossed cheque with specific instructions, to pay income tax before cashing. I'm surprised they are paying him before the project has started, or is it some sort of down payment? It seems quite a strange arrangement to me. Anyway, if that is the instruction then that is what he has to do. If it is a large sum of money, or he is expecting further payment that will amount to a fairly large sum of money, it would be a good idea to go and see an accountant and get everything processed correctly. I have never come across this situation in Thailand, but it would make sense because otherwise he could cash the money and then leave Thailand without paying the tax due. Unless his company is UK based and he pays tax in the UK, in which case he could let them know and he would be exempt under the double tax treaty.
          Reply

  103. Peter says

    Hi, I have been Thailand for about 2 years and have resided in Thailand for most of that time.

    A bank in a foreign country is liquidating some of their existing investment funds and require me to:
    a) divest my part of the investment fund and transfer the cash amount to my chosen bank account
    b) To reinvest the amount into their new investment fund in their foreign country.

    My question is if this banks liquidation of their fund will trigger a tax event to be paid by me in Thailand? None of liquidated or funds monies are expected to be or will be transferred to Thailand.

    Thank you.
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      In the event of a cash payment due to the liquidation, I assume the tax will be due in the territory where you pay tax. Your accountant would be able to advise on this. Do you not pay tax each year on the investment gain? Or will tax be due on the withdrawal/end of the investment? Either way, you're no brining the money into Thailand, and I assume you don't pay tax here, so any tax would be due in the territory in which you have a tax liability.
      Reply

  104. Chris Lovick says

    Hi,i have been living in Thailand for 8 years and never paid any tax as I believed that because all my income is in the u.k. and I employ a tax adviser to complete a tax return every year on my behalf therefore all taxes are paid in the u.k. on any income earnt in the u.k.Since I have been in Thailand I have been retired,do not work at all and transfer money over every month from my u.k. income.Am I ok in my thinking that I should not be taxed on anything in Thailand?
    Regards,
    Chris
    Reply

  105. Dave says

    Hi I am working in Thailand on a company work permit. My work permit states I earn 50K baht a month and I pay tax and insurance based on that. I am only earning 25 to 30k a month . Should I paying less tax or should i being getting the amount my work permit states?
    Reply

  108. girlmoves says

    I read through your article but I am unclear whether the income brackets were based on USD or BHT. If I am a foreigner living in Thailand making anywhere between 10-18K USD per month. I am married with one child planning to submit a joint tax return in Thailand. What is my tax bracket and what are the allowed deductions?
    thank you!
    Reply

  109. Thomas J Plecenik says

    I am thinking about moving to Thailand for 1 yr starting 8/1/2019 and I would like to live off of about 3500 per month of my retirement pension I am 55 will I have to pay Thai taxes, I only pay Federal tax on my pension in the U.S.
    Reply

  110. Ivan says

    Hi,
    If you earn more than 300,000 baht and did not pay tax or report.
    Doing free lance project and transaction in saving/current account in Thailand.
    1. Will the income tax of Thailand check your Bank account or come to know about your transaction.
    2. Will the Income Tax of Thailand freeze your Bank account in Thailand.
    (You are a local Thai and Bank account in Thailand)

    Any one can Help answer ?

    Thank You

    Ivan
    Reply

  111. Bruce says

    I heard there were a bunch of circumstances that could bring your tax down, for example if you are married, taking care of a parent, if you bought health insurance in Thailand. Is that true? If so what is the official list and how much can be deducted?
    Reply

  112. Tivo says

    This article does not quite cover all the facts. Thailand has a remittance based tax system, which means if you do not bring your offshore earnings that were not sourced in Thailand, into Thailand, that income will not be taxed in Thailand. If you structured this properly, and had these earnings paid into a bank account not located in Thailand, they will be tax exempt in Thailand the year they are made. You are then able to remit these earnings into Thailand the following year, tax free.
    Reply

    • John says

      I really struggle with this concept, I wasn't aware of this until now so I will be applying for 2017 as was here more than 180 days (prob pay a late fine). So far just here 108 days in 2018, but looking like I'll go over180 days for next few years, so I want to get this Thai tax number and do returns every March.

      If I have savings in an offshore bank account to where I get paid every month. How exactly do I prove that the cash I spent to live on in 2017 was from a prior year? Just the starting balance in Jan 2017? I always take what I need out of ATM's as I can't seem to get a Thai bank account.
      Reply

  113. tommy says

    hello. I'm currently self employed 8n the UK meaning my company address is in the UK. but Im planing liveing in Thailand. I work for a Dutch company and travel around the globe working on oil platforms normally 5 weeks on 5 weeks off. as my limited company is based in the UK I have to pay 20% tax. even though I'm not working in the UK. would me opening my limited company I Thailand and living there but working abroad 5 weeks away 5 weeks home in Thailand. be a better option for paying tax as. would I be tax free as a resident in Thailand but working and earning abroad. thanks
    Reply

  114. David Banks says

    Paid by IBAN I received an Invoice in May 2018 from my Singapore Company for $8080 for contract work done in S.Korea.Six weeks later! in June the equivalent of $6,200 (148,000THB) arrived in my Bangkok Bank Account.
    Previously the same happened,in April 2018 $7,350 SGD sent,5-6 weeks later in May 134,000THB received.
    My wife of 19 years checked with the Bank for me,whose exchange rate was 18%...ish,5% lower than market pice at that time.Singapore sent at 0.0413%....ish exchange,printed out and sent with my invoice.
    I moved to the Kingdom in 2007 and have always used a T.V. on Sakon Nahkon Immigation advice,but now changed to S.E.non-O marriage.I know bank fees,exchange rates etc.. add up but this is excessive!!
    I must be paying tax somewhere? How to find out? How to get a tax number?
    Help and advice needed and will be much appreciated to this plain and simple working class British Expat Oil/Gas,thank you
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      I very much doubt this has anything to do with Thai taxation. it is more likely to be witholding tax in Singapore. Did you check on that?Singapore withholding tax (known as tax deduction at source in other countries) refers to the tax withheld and paid to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS), when a non-resident company or individual derives an income from a Singaporean source, for services provided or work done in Singapore.
      Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      It should just go through. I can't see reason that they would hold the money, unless the bank has a threshold. Some banks have a threshold, and when a transfer exceeds a certain amount it triggers an investigation, at which point the bank may contact the sender to question why such a large amount of money has been transferred.
      Reply

  116. Franco says

    Goodmorning, I'm going to buy a small restaurant in Hua Hin and I want to move to Thailand with my wife and daughter.
    What steps I have to follow?
    What should I pay attenction about lease and licences?
    How can I get a work permission for me ? I have to use all of the 2 million deposit for the restaurant or can I use some money also for my family?
    How works visa for wife and daughter?
    If I pay tax in my country for my business there, do I have to declare something in thailand?
    Thanks Franco
    Reply

  117. BOY says

    Hello i have a quistion, my english is not perfect sorry for that, How much taxes do i pay, if i made monney with binairy from platform with a thai bank card, lets say if i would withdraw 150,000.00 US to THB how manny taxes do i pay at the thai bank, and how many % ? does anyone have any ideas.
    Reply

  118. Quentin says

    Hello,
    I have a salary paid in HK by a HK company and I pay my tax in HK. I will leave in Thailand because my wife is relocated there. I will be traveling in and out of the country every month to go back for a week in HK but the total of days will be over 180 days. Will I have to pay taxes in Thailand?
    Reply

  119. Kev says

    I am moving to Thailand later this year but I will be travelling back to UK to work every two weeks, meaning my longest period I will spend in Thailand will be 42 days consecutive. I have enquiries with UK tax office and have explained I will be out of the country for more than 183 days making me tax exempt for UK. I will only spend 179 days in Thailand. Could you advise what tax if any I would expect to pay?
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      You would fall short of the 180 days to make you a resident in Thailand for tax purposes, but you still have a tax liability and therefore you should pay your tax in the UK. You need to be careful with this too. The rules are not simply as straightforward as how many days you spend in the UK:Whether you’re UK resident usually depends on how many days you spend in the UK in the tax year (6 April to 5 April the following year).You’re automatically resident if either:- you spent 183 or more days in the UK in the tax year - your only home was in the UK - you must have owned, rented or lived in it for at least 91 days in total - and you spent at least 30 days there in the tax yearYou’re automatically non-resident if either:- You spent fewer than 16 days in the UK (or 46 days if you haven’t been classed as UK resident for the 3 previous tax years) - You work abroad full-time (averaging at least 35 hours a week) and spent fewer than 91 days in the UK, of which no more than 30 were spent workingA lot of people get caught out by this, because they think that, well, I am out of the UK for more than 183 days in the year, and I am not in another country registered for tax, nor do I meet the requirements to be a resident in that country, so therefore I don't have to pay tax. But this is not the case, because you still have a tax liability. Moreover, if something were to happen that meant you had to stay in the UK for slightly longer in the tax year, that may tip you over 183 days and you would automatically become eligible to submit your accounts for taxation.The last point here, which may or may not apply to you, and where people become unstuck, is that when you earn an income that is untaxed and you are residing outside of the UK as a non-resident, when you bring that money into a UK bank account, or into the country in cash, it becomes eligible for taxation - unless you can prove that it has been taxed elsewhere.This is something I was advised on some years back by a friend of my fathers who works for PricewaterhouseCoopers.I have discussed a similar topic elsewhere on the blog. There is a whole generation of freelance workers going under the radar in Thailand. They are perhaps a UK or US citizen but living in Thailand on some sort of non-working visa, earning money through online sources and being paid from companies in different countries around the world. Most are under the impression that they will not have two pay any tax, because the current Thai work permit law does not apply to freelance workers who work on the Internet, do not own a company in Thailand and are not employing people in Thailand. And they are not living in their home country.But many will come unstuck when they want to move back home, because if they bring their income back into their home country it becomes eligible for taxation. And at some point, if the tax authority decides to audit their company, they will realise that they have been working and earning money in another country, and the money they have earned has never been taxed or declared. There are ways around this, but it is quite complicated and would mean leaving your money outside of the country permanently. What I have learned over the years is that high-level tax evasion is for the very wealthy; people who are able to create shell companies and complex company structures that span different territories. For the average self-employed person, a good accountant can save you a bit of money, but the majority of advantages have been taken away over the years.
      Reply

  120. Les Cavanagh says

    Hi,
    I am a pensioner receiving a small sum from my home country plus a military pension. I am 75 years of age. I do not have to pay tax in my country as I am below the taxable threshold for my age and income. If this is the case in my circumstances do I have to pay tax in Thailand. I have lived here for 12 months now.
    Awaiting your reply
    Reply

  122. D. Rock says

    I was working in Thailand in 2015 for two months and I just found out that my Company failed to pay my taxes for that time. Now I have to go on a Business trip to Thailand again. My Company is really willing to pay my taxes but they can't do before my trip starts. Is it a bad idea to go to Thailand without this issue being solved? Can I get problems during Immigration? Could I get arrested or is it 'just' a fine that I can pay and go on with my trip?
    Please help :-)
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Is this a Thai company? I can't see the issue here. Why can your company not pay your tax now? They can just contact the revenue department and say there was an administrative error. They can then proceed to pay. They may get a late penalty, depending.
      Reply

  124. Phoebe says

    Hi.
    Hope anyone has information about the incorrect tax return filing.

    I just found out, actually RD just found out that I have been incorrectly deducted my personal income tax for about 5 years or so.
    I deducted the item I was not supposed to deduct.
    RD informed me to pay back for the last year's deduction, which I have no problem with.

    But the question is, how far back can they charge me the penalty.
    It was unintentional mistake and deductible amount was small until RD also did not notice until this year.

    If there clear law stating how far back RD can charge me back for inaccurate return filing?

    Thanks.
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      I don't think you will have to pay a penalty, but you will have to pay what you owe for the years that they have highlighted the problem. The only information on penalties I can find the penalties for late submission and tax evasion. I think your mistake is an honest one that will be recognised. You haven't deliberately tried to evade tax.
      Reply

  125. Dave Patterson says

    Do they have some new rules this year? I've been here for 10 years or so, and paying income tax every year, I just go to the local tax office with my income summary slips, and they do the tax quickly, and a few weeks later I get a refund check (they deduct some tax each month where I work). No problems in the past, and I did the same this year, in March had the return filled out, refund a few thousand baht - but this year, the tax office called my office a few weeks ago and wanted a copy of my passport (never happened before, I bring it to the tax office, but they've never been interested, as I did this year), and then a few days ago they called the office again and wanted a copy of my work permit. There should be no reason for this, my income is not large, the calculation of tax payable the same as every year, so I am wondering if there is some new rule to examine all foreigner tax returns more closely, or if this is just happening to me? Thanks -
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      I presume you declare it on the tax return for the year in which you bought the money into Thailand. Your account within you file your return will be able to advice you fully on this. I am sure he or she will also be able to save you money.
      Reply

  129. Steve says

    As a UK citizen I would like to retire to Thailand (and not work).I would receive a final salary pension, income from a rental property,and use equity I have released from buying the rental property to a sum of £1500 per Month/ £18000 per year income. What is my exact Tax situation including any personal allowances I would be allowed?
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      I would assume the following:1. Final salary pension is taxed at source. This money will not be earned in the same year as it is being brought into Thailand.2. Income on a rental property: It depends how you manage the money. If you are living in Thailand for 180 days or more a year, and you bring money untaxed money into the country to spend in the same year, it is eligible for taxation in Thailand. But if you were registered to pay tax on this income in the UK, then the double tax treaty that exists between the UK and Thailand would mean that you would pay tax in only one country.3. As far as I understand it, in the UK, an equity release from a property is tax-free. However, if you invest that money in a high-interest account or other investment, then profits from the investment will become taxable.As far as I understand it, if your tax affairs on these income source are handled in the UK, then there would be nothing to declare in Thailand. That said, I am not a Thai accountant and you should always seek financial advice from a fully qualified professional.
      Reply

  130. Alain Morel says

    Hi, I am retired in Thailand; when I transfer money from my country ( in Europe ) to Thailand, do I have taxes to pay and which percentage ?
    I know a e-revenue office who says I have to pay taxes on my transfered money
    Is it legal ?
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      You do not have to pay tax if you are bringing in money that has already been taxed at source. You would only pay tax if you are in Thailand for more than 180 days a year and are bringing in money earned in the same calendar year that has not been taxed at source, or money that is going to be taxed as part of your earnings/tax return in your home country – because of the double tax treaty that will exist between your home country and Thailand.
      Reply

  132. Fer says

    Hi!

    I would have a question. In the case someone has a fixed monthly gross salary, but 1 month has some salary deducted due to this person takes personal leave, do the taxes apply to the gross salary or to the received income (gross salary - deduction from private leaves)
    Reply

  133. Thomas says

    Does Thailand law levy personal income tax on retirement income (such as pension), or on any non-earned income of a retiree? This question does not consider the double taxation treaty, which of course would be a consideration for each foreigner residing in Thailand.
    Reply

  135. Wnedyvho says

    Hi, I am a Canadian citizen. I worked for a company in Thailand last year as a freelancer while I am in Canada. The company withheld 15% of the taxes to the government. Am I still obligate to file Thai income tax return? I believe under tax treaty, I can avoid tax double taxation. If so, do the company need to issue any certificate for the total taxes they paid during the year?
    Reply

  136. Tee says

    As a British citizen who's lived in Thailand for over 180 days; and who's purchased/owns cryptocurrency whilst in Thailand and has held it in their crypto wallet for over a year. Do I have to pay tax on this in Thailand; and if so how can/do I go about doing this?

    If I transfer my cryptocurrency fiat amount back into my Thai bank account, can I just deduct the tax amount I need to pay directly from this money in my bank Thai account, in order to pay my Thai taxes?

    What happens if I transfer my cryptocurrency directly back to my UK bank account instead? Where/who do I pay my taxes to? Thailand or UK tax inland revenue?

    Some general advice would be appreciated.
    Thanks

    With extensive research on the net; the info is till quite vague for my liking. Any help/advice would be great.
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      I have not researched the law around crypto currency and tax. I have some crypto myself but not a major amount. I would assume that crypto would be eligible for tax when converted to fiat currency inside Thailand within the same year it is converted.If you transfer it back to the UK, could choose to pay tax there.However, if you already pay tax in the UK, you would continue to do that and wouldn't need to pay tax in Thailand because of the double tax treaty between the two countries. If you don't, I think the decision is to decide where you want to pay your tax.
      Reply

  137. James H says

    Hi, I am living in Thailand for about 7 years.I trade stocks on a regular basis with an international broker. I haven't paid tax on my gains in this period. I was under the impression that if I didn't bring the funds into Thailand, or a period greater than a year, I would be exempt from tax. However, I don't feel comfortable about it. I do not have a thai tax id number as I have never worked within Thailand. If there is tax due, I would like to pay it. I would like to find out more information but it is difficult to find an accountant/ tax lawyer with the knowledge to deal with this.
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      If you don't bring the income into Thailand in the same year then it isn't eligible for tax. I assume you pay tax on your earnings in your home country anyway? And your country most likely has a double tax treaty with Thailand, so you wouldn't need to pay tax twice.
      Reply

      • James H says

        I assume you pay tax on your earnings in your home country anyway?”

        Just to clarify, yes, I realize I must pay tax on any earnings I do make "within" my country of origin e.g. property rental, pension, business. Therefore, I am not required to pay tax on these earnings in Thailand as there is a double taxation treaty.
        However, I am not obligated to pay tax on money earned outside of my country of origin as I am not resident. This applies to every country in the world except the U.S. as far as I am aware. (Do your own due diligence on this matter) The only country that I am liable to pay tax to in this situation is my country of residence i.e. Thailand.
        Reply

  138. Shijo says

    Hi,
    I visit Thailand often on a business Visa. So I end up staying here for more than 180 days a year. How ever I am paid in my home country and I pay my taxes in the home country. Since I live in Thailand for more than 180 days, am I liable to pay tax in Thailand as well for the income I earned in the home country. I do not earn any income in Thailand as the work contract is in the home country
    Reply

  139. babykurby says

    Hi,
    If I have a capital gain of one million Singapore dollars at Chiang Mai. But my business partner in Chiang Mai told me that d Bank he want to TT me this amount was held back by the bank. Bcoz he say d Tax authority want me to pay taxes before this amount can be released. I understand and I agree to paying taxes but it is true that I have to pay d taxes amount before they can release me my gain or can they actually tax directly from my capital gain and return and TT me back d nett profit.
    Reply

  141. Ajish S says

    I am a non Thai person working in Thailand for last 1 year and my company has deducted tax for the last financial year. I have one child and my family is in home country.How can i apply for Income deduction for my child? In the e-filing form , it is asked to fill the Personal Identification no: of my child. I tried to fill the passport no of my child there,but rejected and error is popping up.

    Please have a reply.is it not applicable for a non Thai person to claim the deduction for children?
    Reply

  142. Charlie says

    If I am a US national with corporate entities in 2 or 3 other countries and live in Thailand most of the year, my taxable income would be all income generated in Thailand alone correct?

    For example:

    Entity 1 in the US generates $200k but given current tax law much of this can be deducted there is almost no corporate liability.

    Entity 2 in Singapore generated $200k but given taxes in Singapore only 17% in corporate taxes are due.

    Entity 3 in Thailand receives some fee income from Entity 1 & Entity 2 with a Thai salaries paid of lets say $50k per year. Only the $50k per year paid in Thailand is taxable? Taxes are paid in all other countries at the corporate level even though they are lower than those due in Thailand - nothing else is due in Thailand?
    Reply

  143. Tee says

    I work in a thai school earning 30,000 a month. My employer say that taxes are deducted from my wages. My contract says 32,000 a month. But U receive 31,000 due to tax reductions. Is this amount for tax deductions typical for foreign teachers in thailand?

    I do not have a tax id card. Do I still need one? How should I get one? I have been in Thailand for 2 years.
    Reply

    • James E says

      You have to add the amounts together and pay tax on that. Less the appropriate exemptions and deductions. But if you are working under a work visa from employer A that does not cover your work under employer B you are in a place that you might want to seek some professional advice.
      Reply

  145. Paul says

    Hi!

    I have a question about taxation in Thailand. I'm based in Thailand (married to a Thai lady), but work as a freelancer in my home country. I pay full taxes in my home country, but nothing in Thailand. I don't have a Thai work permit.

    My questions are:
    1. Do I still need a work permit in Thailand? If yes, when it's time to do my taxes, do I just tell them that I already pay taxes in my home country, so Thailand is not getting any money? I doubt they are going to like that very much.

    2. What are the chances of being caught by the Thai government? I get a feeling that are not overly interested in chasing down farangs, unless they take jobs from Thai citizens, of course. Does my home country (in Europe) share info with Thai government?

    If anybody knows, I would be very grateful.
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hey Paul,1. Technically yes, but practically no. There are thousands of people in your position and none have work permits because they aren't working for a Thai company, or their own Thai company. You wouldn't be able to get a work permit because you wouldn't meet the criteria. Please read this post and the comments here: https://www.thethailandlife.com/working-online-thailand2. They aren't interested because they haven't come up with a solution for it yet. There was the famous case of around 12 freelancers being arrested at a workspace in Chiang Mai. A rival of the company grassed the space up for employing foreigners without permits. They were all released once the police realised the foreigners were just freelancing for themselves and not working for the company. It was rumored a few years back that a special visa for freelancers working online, but outside of Thailand and paying tax in their home country, was to be devised - but it hasn't materialised to date.
      Reply

  146. Dave says

    I need clarification on the whole work permit thing, I have been offered a job as a consultant working at home here in Thailand, paid from outside Thailand with some trips abroad as required to double tax treaty countries.

    As I understand it as I am not working for a Thai company I cannot get a work permit as there is no sponsor, but I still should pay my tax here as I am a tax resident, so I should be able to get the Tax ID number as described in your article and pay tax here on my worldwide income, is that correct?

    I spoke with an accountant here and they did not know so what chances do Farangs have lol
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Your pension is taxed at source, so you won't pay again in Thailand. Any untaxed income brought into Thailand in the year it's earned is eligible for taxation, if you spend more than 180 days in the country in the calendar year.
      Reply

  148. Jason says

    i work and live in Malaysia and get paid into a Thai bank account(im a consultant) i dont live in thailand but i use my partner in Thailand's company to invoice from to Malaysia..... i was told i dont have to pay tax in Thailand because none of the money is generated there... im subject to a with holding tax here in malaysia which they take before transferring the money..... ive been all over the Thai tax pages and cannot see any clear definition for my case.....
    Is this right?
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      By definition of the law you don't reside in Thailand so your tax liability isn't there. If you are paying tax in Malaysia then that's where you should declare your income. Withholding tax is a different thing though, it's simply a tax deducted at source for a person who is resident outside that country. So where are you declaring your income (paying income tax)? Wherever that is is where you should be paying tax on the money earned in Thailand.
      Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      As I understand it, married persons get a 30,000 Baht allowance for a non-working spouse. However, this is applied to personal income tax returns, so I'm not sure if this will be applied for a person working for an employer whereby the tax is automatically deducted from pay. The quickest way to find out is for your wife to ask the accounts department if her marital status entitles her to the tax allowance for a non-working spouse.
      Reply

  151. JWNYsg says

    Hi TTL,Just wondering if I am legally married but do not want to make this declaration to save tax dollars - is that a breach of any sort?If i read correctly, tax exemption allowed for non-working spouse is THB30,000 - that does nothing, in theory (just my opinion). Employment income is also capped to THB60,000 per yearAppreciate any feedback. Thank you
    Reply

    • James E says

      Nope. Through the convoluted mess that is the U.S. Tax Code you will find that they are taxed. However, because of personal exemptions, standard deductions, and the special 50% deduction for SSA income, no tax will be due. You also have the option through the "earned in the current year" loophole that Thailand's tax law provides to only bring into Thailand money that was earned the previous year. Plus - although the references I've found in my own research are not in complete agreement - Thailand does not tax foreigners for retirement income earned overseas.
      Reply

  154. RP says

    If a local is doing business using a sole proprietorship, can they deduct expenses such as automobile expenses, business-related meals, marketing, and so on in order to lower their overall taxable income with the hopes of moving down to a lower tax bracket?
    Reply

  157. Markus says

    "A resident of Thailand is liable to pay tax on.. on the portion of income from foreign sources that is brought into Thailand."

    I am trying to understand "that is brought into Thailand": I have revenues from investment in shares on which the Swiss Government raises an assessment tax (Vorsteuer). As a non resident I can get this tax back but I have to show Swiss tax authorities a paper signed by the tax authorities of the country were I am tax resident that I have declared these revenues in the country of my residency.

    Now, if I leave this revenues in Switzerland, do I still have to pay tax in Thailand (as it is income received) or will Thailand waive these taxes?
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      You are only subject to tax on money brought into Thailand in the year it was earned. So if you leave the money in Switzerland, you won't have to pay tax on it. Moreover, if you pay tax as a business entity or individual (sole trader) in Switzerland, you won't be taxed twice (again in Thailand) anyway, because of the double tax treaty.
      Reply

      • Markus says

        Thanks for your advise.. But: To get my Swiss taxes back the Swiss Tax Authorities require a paper signed by the Thai Tax Authortities that I have informed them about my Swiss income.

        I understand that in theory there is no issue for Thailand as long as I don't bring in this revenue the same year. However, there is a difference between theory and every day life. From your experience would see any possible issues?

        BTW, same problematic for Germans (and I guess a number of north European) citizens as well)
        Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          I think you are overcomplicating this. You are still a Swiss resident. You are not currently registered to pay tax in Thailand, right? So you don't need to prove anything. And if you are registered to pay tax in Thailand (you complete a tax return), then getting this document should not be a problem. A Thai accountant would be able to help with that.
          Reply

  158. Konrad says

    At the Thai revenue department page: the following paragraph defines taxable person:Taxpayers are classified into “resident” and “non-resident”. “Resident” means any person residing in Thailand for a period or periods aggregating more than 180 days in any tax (calendar) year. A resident of Thailand is liable to pay tax on income from sources in Thailand as well as on the portion of income from foreign sources that is brought into Thailand. A non-resident is, however, subject to tax only on income from sources in Thailand.I am interpreting this that if I actually transfer only 50% of my income to Thailand, then I also have to pay taxes only for these 50% (as a digital nomad, I have income only in Europe and the customer payments are made to European banks). Or do I misinterpret this paragraph?
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      If you stay 180 days + in any one year, and the money you bring in from Europe was earned in that same tax year, then you would have to pay tax. But, will you not pay tax on this income in your home country? Where are you registered to pay tax? Your country most likely has a double tax treaty with Thailand -- meaning you only pay tax once. If you pay tax back home, you don't need to pay tax in Thailand.
      Reply

      • Ginuwine says

        But if a resident, because stay in Thailand more than 180 days+ and is therefor only taxable in Thailand, and not in Sweden anymore, even though im Swedish nationality - but owns a company in Finland and Malta, get dividends every year, if the companies did good.. Get a divident payout of lets say 15.000 euro in 2016 on my finland or maltese bank account, then can transfer in 15.000 euro to Thailand in 2017, taxfree? Because its not same calendar year... Then it would be a Tax Haven?

        And what about the money, if never brought into Thailand?
        Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          Thailand isn't a tax haven. You have a tax liability. You must pay tax somewhere, whether in Thailand or elsewhere. Unless you have a company set up in a tax haven - but even then you may run into trouble when the profits enter your home country, because at that point they may become taxable; this is the case in the UK.The reason the Thai law states 'money earned in the same year' is because it presumes this money will go untaxed otherwise, and that you are now treated as resident in Thailand because you stayed more than 180 days in a year. At this point you would inform your home country that you are paying tax in Thailand, and due to the double tax treaty you would not have to pay tax back home. However, this may affect your tax status in your home country and indeed your tax set up. In truth, most people who have a company back home and pay tax back home do not register for tax in Thailand when they stay longer than 180 days in a year. The law is generally aimed at those who are retired in Thailand but bringing in untaxed income.
          Reply

          • thailo says

            Note that only the US and Eritrea have citizenship-based taxation.

            Thailand is effectively a tax haven when you only bring in money from past years. Most governments don't care about citizens who are not residents anymore, so for most people: if you live in Thailand, have a company in a tax-free country, and you receive company dividends outside of Thailand, that money is not taxable.

            @Ginuwine: The problem that I see with your situation is that Finland might consider you a resident for tax purposes, because of the ownership of a company there. A common criteria for tax residency is the "centre of economic interests", and your centre of economic interests is clearly Finland.
            Reply

            • TheThailandLife says

              Thailand is not a tax haven. While it is true that money brought in from previous years earnings is not subject to tax, if you are earning money in Thailand, from your home country or from elsewhere, you have a tax liability. I have been through the many scenarios with an accountant at Price Waterhouse Coopers. I could technically hide out in Thailand and only bring in earnings from previous years to avoid tax in Thailand, but if this money is earned in the UK it is taxable there. Even if not earned in the UK, when the money is brought into the UK (via bank account or other) it becomes subject to tax. There are very few ways to avoid paying tax, certainly now in the UK. It can be done, but people get snagged when they go home and transfer money to a bank account in their home country that goes over the tax threshold, or need to stay in the UK for longer than 180 days in a year.
              Reply

              • thailo says

                Thanks for your response. I agree that if you earn money in the UK it is taxable there.

                However, if you earn money in a tax-free country, you can spend as much time as you like in Thailand, and have nothing to declare, as long as you always bring in money from past years.

                Also, all dividends, capital gains, etc. that happen overseas are not taxable in Thailand (if they remain outside of the country).

                Naturally, one's home country plays a big role in this, and that's why a rule of thumb for tax planning is to cut all ties with one's home country.

                A person from the UK with nothing there, not even a cellphone number, who spends their time mostly in Thailand, and with businesses in Singapore and Estonia, can legally avoid personal income tax and possibly corporate income tax as well, if correctly planned.

                Thailand wants to address this with the introduction of CFC rules, but it might be a while before those rules are in place.
                Reply

              • John says

                Sorry if I'm stating the obvious, but just to confirm if I make my salary in Singapore, reside in Thailand, move my salary over a year later so as to not pay Thai tax, the savings I then have in Singapore will be taxed when I move them to the UK at a later date to say buy property for example? ANyone have any recommendations for a good tax consultant to best work this out.
                Reply

                  • John says

                    No tax in Singapore as I'm not a resident. So what happens if this is not moved into Thailand? Are you almost better off moving it into Thailand then the UK so it's passed through a countries tax system? All be it maybe none is due if it's from the previous financial year?
                    Reply

                    • TheThailandLife says

                      If you bring it into Thailand in the year after it is earned then tax won't be due. But you still have a tax liability. So when you bring that money into the UK it becomes eligible for taxation. Unless you have an accounting setup where you are protecting your money through a tax exempt territory and accounting system, you will need to pay tax at some point. Unless of course you plan to never return to the UK and there is a resident. Or you simply decide not to declare your earnings to HMRC, which I would not advise.

        • Boris says

          I'm wondering this same thing - if I transfer only 50% of my income into Thailand, and pay tax on that 50%, what about the amount I leave in my home country? Will the home country expect me to pay tax on that amount too, or will the fact that I'm paying my legal share of taxes in Thailand suffice?
          Reply

  159. Sarai says

    Hi, Pls answer my question...
    I'm Thai. Living in India with one job that pays tax here and doing part time consultancy in U.K online. I will get paid as per days of working. There is no fix per year. The money will be paid through my bank acct in Thailand. Do I need to pay tax on that in Thailand? If yes, how much would that be?

    Thank you
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      It depends on the tax law in India. Technically you are doing this work in India (from your computer), but the money is being paid to Thailand and never enters India. So it depends on how they view this under their tax law. That said, in my experience this income is taxable in Thailand. So whether you pay tax depends on how much you earn. Under 150k Baht is non-taxable. See the table in the post.
      Reply

  162. kJ says

    Hi,
    If i move to Thailand and have an income from a foreign source and the amount is paid to a a bank account outside of Thailand- Do I have to pay taxes in Thailand when I don´t pay taxes in the other country?
    Thanks
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      It depends: Will you be residing in Thailand for more than 180 days in the calendar year? And will you bringing in income that was earned in the same tax year? If yes, then you are required to pay tax on that income in Thailand.
      Reply

  166. Johnny says

    Hello I do have a question about income and taxes. First of all I have a Thai friend that wants to hire me at his business. Is it true that for US citizens they must pay you a minimum of 60,000 baht a month in order to hire you and give you a work permit. If this is true then he will have to pay me 720,000 baht a year and at a 15% tax rate that is 108,000. So are you saying that at the end of the year I would be responsible for 108,000 baht but with a deduction of 60,000 baht for my wife and I and 15,000 for a child which would be 75,000 I would need to pay 33,000 baht to the Thai tax office every year?
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      It would seem that way, though I'm not 100% clear if the spouse and child deductions apply to non-Thai partner/children, or partner/children of non-Thai worker.

      There is an update to the deduction as follows:
      Deductible expenses for income under Sections 40 (1) [employment income and other fringe benefits derived from an employment contract] and 40 (2) [service income derived from services that are not professional services and are not services provided as part of a business that requires substantial capital investment] of the Thai Revenue Code would increase from 40% of income (capped at 60,000 baht) to 50% of income (capped at 100,000 baht).
      Reply

  169. Eric Lam says

    Hi, I and three other friends jointly bought a condominium lease in Phuket which is to be leased out part of a hotel the property is still under construction now will be completed by 2019.

    I have a few questions as follows:-

    1) The developer has offered a 5% interest for the full payment we made - is this taxable ? and If yes how are we to file the income tax in Thailand ? Is there a minimum amount and below where we are not required to file tax forms ?

    2)Is there a different treatment for rental income that we expect to receive in the future ?

    3) The property is held jointly in 4 names, how do we file income tax assuming that we have to ? Is it filed jointly or separately filed by 4 separate persons ?

    4) Based on what I have read all of us will be non tax resident in Thailand as we do not spend more than 180 days in Thailand in any one year.

    5) Can you recommend an accountant or tax preparer that can help me file the tax forms in Thailand as none of us are anywhere near Thailand ? and How much would this usually cost ?
    Reply

  170. Kunal Mitra says

    I propose to take up residence in Thailand in next 2 months and propose to reside for more than 180 days & presumably will come under Tax net. I shall have no income in Thailand. My present income is full time online trading in CFD, Forex, Commodities etc. through my broker in Cyprus. Will it be considered a foreign income & the amount repatriated to Thailand will be taxed(? The amount will not be taxed in my home country since I shall be treated non-resident there
    Reply

      • TheThailandLife says

        I have deleted your capital letters. There is no need to shout.What part haven't I answered. I have answered this in full twice now. Please read my latest answer thoroughly. You can ask any reputable accountant and they will tell you the same.
        Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      So you will be non-resident in your home country but living in Thailand. So your tax liability will be in Thailand. Thailand is not a tax haven, so when you bring your untaxed earnings into Thailand to spend, if you have not paid tax in your home country then you will be subject to tax in Thailand. Whether you choose to declare this or not is your business, but at some point, assuming your home country has an income tax system too, you will have to pay tax. Unless of course you incorporate a company in a tax-free country and go to spend the money there.As I have said previously: Avoiding tax is the easy part. You can incorporate a company offshore and be non-domicile in your home country. But gaining access to the money to spend is the hard part. Because the moment you transfer money from the country your company is incorporated in, you will have to pay tax. To avoid this, you would need to take up residence in a tax-free country too. But even then, what if you visit your home country and need to transfer money to a bank account there to spend. This is where you become unstuck.
      Reply

      • EDO says

        Dear Sir,
        still there is an unclear part in your answer.
        You say "if you bring your untaxed earnings...."
        What about if one brings his existing capital? Which might be taxed or not in the past.

        What about if you bring your earnings in the next year? The eranings are already considered a capital, as somewhere was mentioned that the eranings are taxable in Thailand if brought into Thailand in the same year when earned.

        Please clarify this?

        regards
        Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          I quote: "Earnings arising outside Thailand - includes inter-alia job income; rental income; pension income; investment income (ie interest and dividends) that does not come from activities in Thailand - is only taxable in Thailand to the extent that you bring it into Thailand in the same Thai tax year that you earned it. If you are able to show that you are not relying on current year income for current year spending in Thailand (ie you are living off 'capital' (= earnings of previous years)) you will not be taxed in Thailand for those foreign (to Thailand) earnings. In short, Thailand does not tax any of its residents on worldwide income that is not remitted in the same tax year. If you are confident that you can demonstrate that you are spending in Thailand out of prior year foreign earnings and not out of current year earnings you can claim a tax refund."But you still need to file a tax return. And as I've said, even if you are exempt from paying tax in Thailand, you still have a tax liability in your home country when the money is brought in, regardless of where you have been stashing it.
          Reply

          • ado says

            Dear Sir,
            Thank you. It becomes clearer.
            I guess nobody wants to pay unnecessary taxes for the Politicians to become richer.
            So if you spent all your earnings in the next tax year in Thailand, then you do not need to pay anything in your home country as there will be nothing to transfer there. Correct?

            1. Anyway I can keep my earnings under company name and transfer as needed, when needed.
            Are there any rules in Thailand about offshore companies that belong to Thai residents?
            If I am a Thai resident and have a company outside Thailand, which does not do any business in Thailand, what are the tax liabilities for such a company and the Thai resident/shareholder?

            2. if you hold your assets outside the home country and live in Thailand, what happens when the banks report you accounts to the Thai authorities?
            Will this couse any problems in Thailand? Those will be assets that have been earned outside Thailand and not brought into Thailand and will become capital in the next year.


            Regards
            Reply

            • TheThailandLife says

              Correct. But you still need to file a tax return.1. You are brining money into Thailand, so again, you need to file a tax return to show the money is not being spent in the year it is earned.2. Why would there be a need to report you? You should already be transparent about your earnings through your tax return.If you are earning a considerable income and you are seeking to avoid paying tax, it really would pay for you to spend some of that money on an accountant. You live in Thailand where accountants are relatively inexpensive, so just pop down to your local accountants and pay for an hour of their time to fully understand the requirements. My knowledge is proficient for the average person, but not for complex tax avoidance.Tax may make some politicians richer in corrupt countries, but Thailand offers free medical care to all its citizens, including the very poor and disabled. So you if you are benefiting from living in Thailand and using public services such as parks, roads, schools, hospital, cultural sites, etc., then it won't hurt you to contribute to society and help those less fortunate than yourself.
              Reply

              • Kunal Mitra says

                I am equally interested to pay tax in a country where I am resident and live permanently. All I wanted to know whether my type of income will be treated as foreign income and whether the tax will be imposed only on amount that I shall bring in to Thailand in the particular tax year. I think my query is clarified by your answer
                Reply

              • edo says

                Dear Sir,
                Thank you.
                You are correct, however there are few factors I need to consider, that is why I ask the questions in details.

                I am not a Thai resident. I am considering moving as Retiree to a country where I pay limited and reasonable amount of tax. It might be Malaysia, Thailand, Mauritius etc. Once the country is selected, I will deploy a tax consultant in the relevant country.

                1. In regards to tax returns-do I have to fill tax return based on Worldwide Incomes if I am a Thai resident/non-citizen on Retirement visa? I know that all money sourced from Thailand have to be in the tax return, but what about the incomes outside Thailand and not brought in Thailand?
                2. All banks are starting reporting based on the residency of the account owner. So my account will be reported in Thailand if I am a Thai resident. If I do not declare in the Thai Tax return the money earned and kept outside Thailand, this might cause problems.

                And last but not least, I have been living in lots of countries and everywhere I end up paying tax and not getting any benefits from it. I have always had to pay for hospital, security, education for my children, government services. Maybe somewhere taxes are used for good of the people, but I have not seen this.

                Even Thailand is known as corrupted country-you better know the past and what was in the news in regards to your ex-president.
                And even If I pay taxes in Thailand, what benefit do I get for me and my family? As a non-citizen, one cannot get medical aid, on the contrary, the hospitals rip foreigners apart when they end up there. I need a very expensive insurance to cover part of the costs. Schools, government services, etc., all is paid for. Just an example - To visit a park, a foreign retiree is paying few times higher fee than a local.
                So excuse my statements, but that is the reality I see.

                Regards
                Reply

  171. bryan kinsella says

    I am considering retiring to Thailand from the UK. I would like to understand the tax position on receiving my private pensions in Thailand. I assume it would be treated as foreign income but would it be taxed?
    Reply

  172. IForget says

    I find this site useful as it clears up the gossip/ misinformation area. Someone had a question about land prices in or around major cities. I live in Surin province. Land is measured in RAI (ไร่๗ ไ้รแ้), which is some fraction of an acre. I think either 3/4 or 4/3, but it doesnt really matter. Here 20 Rai of land outside Surin costs 3m Baht, or 1 Rai = 150,000 บาท. Your Thai partner will own it, but that does not stop you sharing any profit on the land (either crop or resale, if a contract between you exists between you.
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      I'm not 100 percent sure on this. I could be wrong... but under Thai labour laws I don't think you could profit directly from harvesting crops or the resale of land, unless you set-up a Thai company and registered your interest in the land through that company. In this situation, I think you'd probably want to say that your partner chooses to give/gift you x amount of money rather than that you are profiting from the land, as it may be seen at a legal level that your wife bought the land with your money, put it in her name and is giving you the profit. Your wife can just gift you money from her income (not necessarily attributed to the land), which she would have paid tax on anyway. In this regard it would just be a case of a wife giving her husband money.1 rai = 0.39 acres (according to Google) :)
      Reply

  173. Eugene says

    Hello,
    the law say:
    "A resident of Thailand is liable to pay tax on income from sources in Thailand as well as on the portion of income from foreign sources that is brought into Thailand."

    If one has incomes outside Thailand and does not bring those in Thailand in the year of earning, those are non taxable in Thailand.
    Please advise what is wrong with this as it is noty mentioned in your article?
    Reply

    • T says

      Also, in response to the very first comment below ThailandLife itself says

      "TheThailandLife says

      In terms of earnings on investments overseas, while living in Thailand, there’s a rule that foreign income is only subject to tax in Thailand if you bring it into the country in the same year it was earned."

      So ThailandLife please kindly clarify. Thank you.
      Reply

      • TheThailandLife says

        You have clarified the question with my answer:) Foreign income is only subject to tax in Thailand if you bring it into the country in the same year it was earned. But also remember that it is likely your country has a double tax treaty with Thailand, so if that income has already been taxed in your home country then it is NOT eligible to be taxed in Thailand.
        Reply

        • Eugene says

          Hello,
          I will try to ask the question in clearly manner.
          Let's assume that I reside in Thailand and I am a tax resident in Thailand.
          Let's assume that I receive incomes/interest in Offshore bank account from cash deposits and Intellectual Property Rights(Royalties) and those are not taxed in my home country as i do not reside there.

          Accordingly the law reading those incomes are not taxable in Thailand if they are remitted in the next tax year or not remitted at all in Thailand.
          IS THAT CORRECT?
          The offshore banks will start reporting the account balances in the country of residency(Thailand in this case) as from this year.
          Will this cause any tax liabilities/problems for a Thai resident (on retirement visa)?
          Reply

  174. mark desmond hughes says

    I got married in January last year and work for a company legally in Bangkok. However, they did not record my marriage. They are now aware. Do I deserve a tax rebate and, if so, how much? My salary is above 1 million baht a year but below 1.5 million. Does my wife get a rebate? She is currently on 5% tax?
    Regards,
    Mark
    Reply

  175. Jan says

    Hello! Thanks for the very useful information!
    Do you have a recommendation for an accountant, I would like someone to file my tax return for me for 2016. Nearly all my income is from renting out my four Thai properties - is it correct that there is a 30% deduction for rental income of homes/condominiums?
    Best wishes
    Jan
    Reply

  176. Angelo says

    The accountant of a friend of mine living in Thailand claimed: if you have no work permit, and mainly work "online" for business partners outside of Thailand, it is tax free. As: "no work permit" -> "no tax number" -> "no taxes". However this clearly implies: you are not self employed working in Thailand for Thai business partners or are "employed" by a Thai employer.
    Anyway, no idea if that is "correct", just liked to mention it in regards to your "Resident Vs Non Resident" paragraph, which basically contradicts the accountant I mentioned.
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Well, technically he is right because you need a tax number to pay tax. But they'll happily issue you one :)The point here is that if you are paying tax on your income outside of Thailand they you don't need to worry, if that is, you are a resident of a country that has a double tax treaty with Thailand.The issue here is that a lot of people are "hiding out" in Thailand and working online, believing that Thailand is a grey tax zone, or even a tax-free haven. It isn't.Sure, you don't need a work permit (yet) because the current law hasn't been updated to enforce rules for this type of work and they aren't sure how to tackle it, but regardless of the work permit issue your income needs to be taxed either in your home country or in Thailand.If you earn money, you have a tax liability. You will have to pay tax on those earnings, somewhere, at some point. Unless you want to move to the Cayman Islands.
      Reply

  177. Alan says

    Hi, thanks for informative article.

    I have a Thai spouse and currently living in Thailand on the Thai Marriage Visa (and considered a resident).

    I currently have a small consulting project for which I am paid B140,000 for services performed within Thailand.

    Since this "small" income is tax-free (in the 0% tax bracket), do I have to submit income tax returns? PS. The company which commissioned the project is deducting 3% withholding tax from the total amount.
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      The company you did the work for deducted 3% withholding tax on the basis that you were being paid as a business entity outside of Thailand. I'd leave it this way, because by definition you have carried out this work illegally, without a work permit, or a business visa -- which would enable you to carry out certain acts of business while on a visit to Thailand. You can't work on a marriage visa. If you had a registered Thai company, you would file a tax return, regardless of whether you earned under the threshold to pay tax. I'd pocket the money and keep quiet :) But be careful doing such work going forward.
      Reply

  179. Val says

    Hi we are currently in Australia but own condo in Thailand which we rent out - last year we submitted tax return whilst we were staying in Bangkok but this year we will not be returning until Aug 2017. Are we able to lodge tax return online from Australia - I have searched but cant find anything on this. many thanks
    Reply

  182. TrulyBlue says

    VERY informative. Thanks! When you mention an amount for tax purposes, sometimes you state that is baht and sometimes there is no designation. Are all income amounts you refer to in baht?

    I receive a death benefit which falls under a narrow exemption in US for taxation and is not taxed. Also, Social Security. I assume neither would be taxed? Also, do I have to have a job lined up first to get a work permit?
    Thank you.
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      No, because you will be paying tax in your home country on these investments. Thailand has double tax treaties with most countries which means if you pay tax at home on investments you won't be required to pay it here.
      Reply

  185. Sean says

    Hi,

    I have 2 Thai kids, aged 17 and 16.
    They have recently moved to Australia to finish their studies.

    Am I, as a Thai tax payer, still entitled to the 15k per child benefit.
    I do realise I won't get the 2k per education allowance.

    Many thanks,

    Sean
    Reply

  187. Ken says

    This article was actually rather good timing as I was just thinking about income tax in Thailand the other day. I will be retired of course - and I assume that retirement benefits are not taxed - but if I should ever buy a second condo for investment purposes I wanted to know what the taxes would be on rental income, as well as any property taxes.

    Anyway, its good to know that, should I decide to become a webcam stripper while in Thailand, I won’t have to pay taxes in both countries. 

    By the way, in your opinion, do you think that these “digital nomads” truly believe that they are not required to pay taxes? Or do they just figure that if they can get away with it then why bother? Or perhaps they are just rationalizing to themselves why they should not be obligated to pay taxes. After all I’ve found that human beings are very good at rationalizing unethical behavior to get what they want, particularly when the person being short-changed is a government or big company. Of course, I suppose their also might be a few out there who fear that if they register as tax payers now then they will be more likely to get into trouble once the laws change and government cracks down on people doing this kind of work without a work visa.
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      In terms of earnings on investments overseas, while living in Thailand, there's a rule that foreign income is only subject to tax in Thailand if you bring it into the country in the same year it was earned. Of course, if you bought a second condo then you'd have to pay tax on the rental profits.I'm not sure in all cases those working online believe they don't have to pay tax, but I've heard the "grey zone" rumour a number of times before. I think Thailand makes for an easy place to hid out and stay off the radar. Thailand doesn't have its act together in updating the work permit law to cover the digital age, but when it does I'm pretty sure they will start looking at such cases and asking the simple question, "Where are you currently paying tax". The other thing people should consider is that if you move back to your home country and suddenly start paying tax, they may well ask, at some point -- when they see how long your business has been in operation, "where did you pay tax for those years?" Then you'd face the prospect of having to pay a huge tax bill and possibly fines too.My advice to anyone working online would be to start paying tax asap; not necessarily because I agree with income tax laws, but because you could save yourself a lot of headache in the future.
      Reply

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