If you’re living in Thailand and have an interest in art—whether as a buyer or an artist—there’s a new tax incentive that could benefit you. As part of a broader strategy to promote the creative economy, the Thai government has introduced tax relief measures designed to support the country’s art sector. These include personal income tax deductions for art buyers and increased expense deductions for artists.
Here’s what you need to know.
Tax Deduction for Art Buyers
From March 2024 until 31 December 2026, individuals who purchase certain types of artwork can deduct up to ฿100,000 per year from their taxable income.
Key points:
- The deduction applies only to individual taxpayers, not companies or partnerships
- The artwork must likely be purchased within Thailand, as the measure is intended to stimulate the local market
- Eligible artworks are expected to include paintings, sculptures and similar forms, though official criteria will be set by the Thai Revenue Department
- To claim the deduction, buyers may need to provide e-tax invoices or compliant e-receipts issued by a registered seller in line with Revenue Department requirements
This initiative aims to make art more accessible to buyers and to encourage investment in Thai
culture. If implemented as expected, it could help both new and seasoned collectors reduce their tax bills while supporting the local art scene.
Increased Tax Deduction for Artists
Artists who earn income from their creative work can now deduct 60% of that income as expenses, up from the previous 30%.
This applies to:
- Artists working in recognised fields such as painting, sculpture and craftsmanship
- Individuals earning income under Section 40(6) of the Thai Revenue Code
- Personal income only – not business or company income
This is a permanent change, providing long-term tax relief and encouraging more people to take up or continue creative work. It also acknowledges the real costs that come with producing art and aims to ease the financial burden on creators.
What This Means for Expats
If you’re an expat tax resident, these measures could be helpful in several ways:
If you’re buying Thai art:
- You may be able to claim up to ฿100,000 in tax deductions annually
- The artwork must be purchased in Thailand and meet eligibility criteria (to be confirmed)
- Keep proper documentation, such as e-receipts or tax invoices, from a registered seller
If you’re an artist in Thailand:
- You’ll now be taxed on only 40% of your earnings from eligible art activities
- This makes declaring income from art more tax-efficient and may offer significant savings
Other Related Measures
The government has also approved:
- Exemptions or reductions on import duties for artworks and art materials
- The establishment of art free trade zones to promote Thailand as a regional art hub
These steps are designed to attract international exhibitions, collectors and artists, helping Thailand build a reputation as a creative and cultural centre in Asia.
Final Thoughts
These new measures reflect Thailand’s commitment to growing its creative economy and supporting both artists and collectors. While the finer details—such as what qualifies as eligible art—are still being finalised, the direction is clear: Thailand is opening its doors to artistic expression and investment.
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