Q: What are the inheritance tax rates in Thailand?

Inheritance tax in Thailand is based on the value received by each individual beneficiary , not the total value of the deceased’s estate. In other words, each heir is assessed separately on what they inherit. The tax only applies when the value of inherited assets received by a beneficiary exceeds 100 million baht . Any amount above that threshold is subject to: 5 % for direct descendants or ascendants — such as children, grandchildren, parents, or grandparents 10 % for other beneficiaries , including siblings, relatives, or non-family members For example, if an estate is worth 130 million baht and a child inherits everything, only 30 million baht (the amount above the 100 million baht exemption) would be taxed at 5 % . You can find more examples and detailed explanations in the Inheritance Tax Rates in Thailand section of our main guide.

Q: Does Thailand impose an inheritance tax?

Yes. Thailand introduced an inheritance tax by the Inheritance Tax Act B.E. 2558 (2015) , which came into force on 1 February 2016. The tax applies only when the total estate (in Thailand) exceeds 100 million baht — smaller estates are exempt If you want a complete explainer of how Thailand’s law works, see our full guide. → A Comprehensive Expat’s Guide to Thailand Inheritance Tax

Question 1

When should executors seek professional assistance with estate asset recovery?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Estate administration can involve multiple institutions, legal procedures and documentation requirements, particularly when assets are held in different jurisdictions. Executors often seek professional assistance when the estate includes property, corporate structures, international assets or when family members are located overseas.

A structured approach can help ensure that assets are identified, documentation is prepared correctly and institutions are approached in the right sequence, allowing the estate to be administered efficiently and in accordance with the relevant legal requirements.

Question 2

Are inherited assets taxed as income in Thailand?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

No. Inherited assets are not considered personal income and therefore do not attract Thailand’s Personal Income Tax. The only tax to be concerned about (in this context) is the inheritance tax itself.

This distinction is important: you won’t need to treat the inheritance as taxable income when filing annual personal income tax returns.

Question 3

Do foreigners have to pay inheritance tax in Thailand?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Yes, but with conditions: • If a foreigner is a resident or domiciled in Thailand, they may be liable on Thai assets. • If a non-resident foreigner inherits assets located in Thailand, they are taxed on those assets (not on assets outside Thailand). However, foreign assets (outside Thailand) are generally outside the scope of Thai inheritance tax. Also note peculiar rules for foreigners and land: while they may inherit land, in many cases they must sell it within a certain time or meet other restrictions

Question 4

What exemptions or reliefs are available on Thai inheritance tax?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Several important exemptions may reduce or eliminate your inheritance tax liability:

Spousal exemption — the surviving spouse pays nothing.
Estate under 100 million baht — if the total value doesn’t exceed the threshold, no tax is due.
Deaths before the Act’s implementation (pre-2015) — estates from deaths before the law took effect are not taxed under it.
Charities, public institutions, religious/educational entities — gifts to these bodies are exempt.
International agreements or reciprocity — certain treaties or reciprocal arrangements may grant exemptions.

Question 5

How is the inheritance tax amount calculated in Thailand?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Inheritance tax is calculated separately for each beneficiary, based on the value of assets they personally receive, not on the total value of the deceased’s estate.

Here’s how it works step by step:

Determine the market value of the assets received by each beneficiary at the time they are inherited.
Deduct any legitimate debts or liabilities linked to those assets.
Apply the 100 million baht threshold — tax only applies to the portion exceeding this amount.
Apply the appropriate rate:
- 5 % for direct descendants or ascendants (children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents)
- 10 % for all other beneficiaries

Example:
If a beneficiary receives assets worth 120 million baht after debts, the taxable portion is 20 million baht. If that person is a child of the deceased, they would pay 5 % × 20 million = 1 million baht in inheritance tax.

For more information on succession planning download our comprehensive guide.

Question 6

Which assets are subject to inheritance tax in Thailand?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

The tax applies to a wide range of assets, particularly those located in Thailand. Common examples include:

Land and buildings (immovable property)
Securities and shares listed on the Thai Stock Exchange
Bank deposits and other financial assets that can be withdrawn or claimed
Registered vehicles and other specified assets
Any other assets later prescribed by Royal Decree

Each asset is valued based on its market price at the time the beneficiary receives it, as required by Section 15 of the Inheritance Tax Act B.E. 2558 (2015).

For land and buildings, valuation follows the official appraisal under the Land Code, adjusted for third-party rights. For listed securities, the closing market price on the date of receipt is used.

Question 7

Is a surviving spouse required to pay inheritance tax in Thailand?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

No. Under the Inheritance Tax Act B.E. 2558 (2015), a lawful spouse is fully exempt from inheritance tax in Thailand. This means that even if the inherited assets are substantial, the spouse pays no inheritance tax on their share.

However, it’s important to note that a spouse does not automatically inherit the entire estate. If there is no will, the estate is divided according to Thailand’s Civil and Commercial Code, which allocates shares between the surviving spouse and other statutory heirs such as children or parents.

To ensure your wishes are followed and your spouse is properly protected, it’s essential to have a valid Thai will in place.

Question 8

What are the inheritance tax rates in Thailand?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Inheritance tax in Thailand is based on the value received by each individual beneficiary, not the total value of the deceased’s estate. In other words, each heir is assessed separately on what they inherit.

The tax only applies when the value of inherited assets received by a beneficiary exceeds 100 million baht. Any amount above that threshold is subject to:

5 % for direct descendants or ascendants — such as children, grandchildren, parents, or grandparents
10 % for other beneficiaries, including siblings, relatives, or non-family members

For example, if an estate is worth 130 million baht and a child inherits everything, only 30 million baht (the amount above the 100 million baht exemption) would be taxed at 5 %.

You can find more examples and detailed explanations in the Inheritance Tax Rates in Thailand section of our main guide.

Question 9

Does Thailand impose an inheritance tax?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Yes. Thailand introduced an inheritance tax by the Inheritance Tax Act B.E. 2558 (2015), which came into force on 1 February 2016. The tax applies only when the total estate (in Thailand) exceeds 100 million baht — smaller estates are exempt If you want a complete explainer of how Thailand’s law works, see our full guide. → A Comprehensive Expat’s Guide to Thailand Inheritance Tax

Question 10

Can we use a foreign will in Thai probate?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Yes, foreign wills can be used in Thai probate proceedings, but additional steps are required before they are accepted. The will must be officially translated into Thai, notarised, and legalised through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and/or the relevant Thai embassy. The Thai court will then review and approve the foreign will before recognising it as valid. This process adds time and cost, and in some cases, drafting a supplementary Thai will for assets located in Thailand can simplify matters considerably.

Question 11

How long will Thai probate take?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

The timeframe depends heavily on whether there is a valid Thai will. If a Thai will exists and all required documents are complete, straightforward cases are often concluded within 3–12 months. However, if the deceased died intestate (without a will), or if there are disputes among heirs, the process can take significantly longer—sometimes well over a year. Complex estates involving multiple heirs, property transfers, or contested claims may face further delays due to court backlogs and the need for additional hearings.

Question 12

Can you help transfer funds or assets abroad?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Yes. We handle the legal, tax and banking requirements to ensure secure, compliant transfers to your chosen account.

Question 13

Will I have to pay Thai inheritance tax?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Thai inheritance tax applies to estates over 100 million THB. We’ll assess your liability and help you minimise exposure or claim tax credits if needed.

Question 14

What if there are disputes between heirs?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

We offer mediation support and legal guidance to resolve disputes efficiently and avoid unnecessary court battles.

Question 15

How do you locate hidden or unknown assets?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

We conduct legal asset searches through Thai banks, land registries, and financial institutions. When needed, we also use forensic recovery tools for cryptocurrency.

Question 16

Can foreigners inherit land or property in Thailand?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Foreigners can inherit condos under certain conditions, but not land. We help arrange legal sales or transfers to Thai relatives in these cases.

Question 17

How do you locate hidden or unknown assets?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

We conduct legal asset searches through Thai banks, land registries, and financial institutions. When needed, we also use forensic recovery tools for cryptocurrency.

Question 18

What types of assets can you help recover?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

We recover bank accounts, real estate, business shares, cryptocurrency and other assets—including those you may not know exist.

Question 19

How long does Thai probate usually take?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

With a valid Thai will: 3–6 months. Without a will or in complex cases: 6–12 months or more. We help avoid delays by ensuring everything is prepared correctly.

Question 20

What if there’s no Thai will?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

If there’s no will, Thai intestacy law applies. We’ll help you navigate the legal process to establish inheritance rights and recover assets.

Question 21

Can I claim Thai assets without travelling to Thailand?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Yes. Most cases can be handled remotely. We’ll set up Power of Attorney so we can act on your behalf in Thailand.

Estate Administration: Asset Recovery & Execution

Asset Recovery & Execution

Releasing Estate Assets After Legal Authority Is Established

When Estate Asset Transfer and Recovery Is Needed

How Asset Recovery Fits into the Estate Administration Process

What Estate Asset Recovery and Transfer Involves

Releasing Estate Funds from Financial Institutions

Transferring or Selling Property in Thailand

Transferring Shares and Ownership Interests

Claiming Insurance and Investment Assets

Restructuring Companies Holding Estate Assets

Coordinating Asset Distribution to Beneficiaries

How Estate Assets Are Accessed and Transferred

Why Families Choose Expat Tax Thailand

Trusted by the Expat Community in Thailand

Experience Supporting Cross-Border Estates

A Structured Estate Administration Approach

Coordination Across Institutions and Jurisdictions

Transparent Scope and Clear Expectations

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Trusted by the
Expat Community in Thailand

Experience Supporting
Cross-Border Estates

A Structured Estate
Administration Approach

Coordination Across
Institutions and Jurisdictions

Transparent Scope and
Clear Expectations