Question 1

If you are studying English at a small language school and trading options while living in Thailand for over 180 days, would you be exempt from paying tax on the income you earn from options trading?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Thailand is a remittance tax basis (so its taxable if its sent to Thailand). If the investments are transferred to Thailand then this is an assessable income source and taxable on the capital gains.

Question 2

I have a retirement visa. I am UK citizen living in Thailand. i have no assets in UK. I have a UK state pension and a small private pension. I pay tax in UK on my combined pensions by PAYE. My pensions are paid into my UK bank account. I transfer cash each month to my Thai bank account. Are there any circumstances where I would need to pay tax in Thailand?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Both your state pension And private pensions are classed as assessable income If you transfer To Thailand. You will likely have To file a tax return. Our Assisted Tax Filing Service will help you to claim the tax credits for tax paid In the UK. This is called assisted tax filing. Click here to learn about foreign sourced assessable income.

Question 3

Would any profit obtained from my Investment ISA in the UK be potentially liable to be taxed in Thailand?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

If you sell your ISA when you are a Thai tax resident, then anytime In the future that the funds are transferred to Thailand the capital gains are potentially taxable.

Question 4

I live in Thailand with my 3 children at the moment. I am divorced. I have my UK old age pension. What tax would I have to pay in Thailand. I'm 67 what allowance would I get before I paid tax?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

You will have to file a tax return, but with your allowances and deductions, its likely you won't have a tax obligation. We can file this for you with our essential tax filing. Here is more information.

Question 5

I am a 79 year old Australian and my only income is my Australian Government Age Pension which is transferred directly from the Australian Reserve Bank to my Thai bank every 4 weeks. This pension is tax exempt in Australia. My question is will my pension be taxed in Thailand under this new tax system that Thailand is about to introduce

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

This is assessable income. Its likely with your allowances and deductions you will have a little of no tax to pay. We can help you file this with our 'Essential tax filing' which is THB7,500 per year. For more information for Australians watch our webinar here.

Question 6

I'm living in Thailand and using my superannuation savings. Do I only have to pay Thai tax on the earnings from the fund, rather than the whole amount I withdraw? For instance, I withdraw $6,000 a month and the fund earns about 11%.

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Superannuation is classed as pension income. I have a video explainer video for the Australian / Thai Double Taxation agreement. Here is the video https://youtu.be/y1chBfp8_XE

If you withdraw and remit (transfer to Thailand) AUD6,000 per month, then AUD72k (1.7m THB) is assessable income.

You can deduct off your allowances and deductions, then you will follow the Thai tax tables.

Question 7

Is my Australian Veterans Affairs Disability Pension taxable in Thailand if I transfer in?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

An Australian Veterans' Affairs Disability Pension is typically classified as a government pension. This type of pension is paid by the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) It is distinct from superannuation or private retirement pensions as it serves as compensation for service-related injuries rather than retirement income.

In the context of Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs), a Veterans' Affairs Disability Pension is typically regarded as a government pension. Our understanding is this is not taxable in Thailand under the Aus / Thai DTA.

You may find our webinar on the Thailand-Australia Double Tax Treaty useful; you can watch it here.

Question 8

If I retired in Thailand on my Australian pension would I pay tax on this?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

This depends on the type of pension that you have. If this is a government pension or civil service pension there are exclusions for tax under the double taxation agreement. If it is a Superannuation, annuity or age pension, then these are assessable income sources if remitted to Thailand if you are a Thai tax resident (180 days or more in Thailand in a calendar year) You may find our webinar on the Thailand-Australia Double Tax Treaty useful; you can watch it here.

Question 9

If Thai Tax is applicable, how is that calculated on superannuation pensions that are transferred to Thailand? Am I taxed on the capital gains?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

If you meet the criteria of a Thai tax resident (180 days or more in a calendar year) and you transfer (remit) the your superannuation pension to Thailand, then this is classed as assessable income. This means that if the amount of assessable income remitted to Thailand in a calendar year is over THB220,000 as a married joint filing with a non-working spouse, or THB120,000 for single filing then you will have to file a Thai tax return. You can use the Thai allowances and deductions available.. You may find our webinar on the Thailand-Australia Double Tax Treaty useful; you can watch it here.

Question 10

Is it correct that the investment capital gains percentage would be the percentage used against any remittance to Thailand. If I remitted 1 million baht annually to Thailand and my capital gains for that year were 6% would I only pay tax on 60000 baht? Given the first 150000 baht is tax exempt would this imply I pay no tax?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

There are many factors here such as if you are a Thai tax resident (180 days or more) and what type of structure you hold. If it is an investment account and you sell assets and transfer to Thailand, then you are liable for the percentage capital gains on the investment. You need to check the DTA to see how your asset is treated.You may find our webinar on the Thailand-Australia Double Tax Treaty useful; you can watch it here. You may find our webinar on the Thailand-Australia Double Tax Treaty useful; you can watch it here.

Question 11

If I send 2 Mil THB over to buy a property in Thailand am I exempt on this amount as being remitted as income ?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

No. The purpose is not relevant, the question is what is the source of the money remitted into Thailand. If it is foreign sourced income then it is assessable income.

Question 12

Would funds invested offshore in ETFs and shares, resulting in capital gains while kept offshore, such as in USD, be exempt from Thai tax until they are brought back into Thailand?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Yes, Thailand is a remittance tax basis, so you are liable for tax on the capital gains, if they are remitted / transferred into Thailand. If they are not transferred to Thailand, they are not a taxable income source.

Question 13

I plan to be employed (as a teacher) in Thailand in 2025. I think I will be in Thailand long enough to be considered a tax resident. If I withdraw cash from an ATM in Thailand, but it is money from my savings (already taxed in the U.S. in previous years obviously), then would that withdrawn money from the ATM be assessable under the new Thai tax changes?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

It depends on the source of the funds. If it is from taxable income when you were a Thai tax resident then this is classed as remittance

Question 14

Will our UK pension be taxed in Thailand when it’s already been taxed in the Uk , I send my pension over from the UK to my Thai bank every five or six months .

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

If you living in Thailand for 180 days or more in a calendar year and you transfer (remit) in more than THB120,000 (or THB220,000 for married couples) per year of foreign-sourced income from outside Thailand, you'll need to file a tax return for 2024.

This includes UK pensions. You can use any tax you have paid as credit against tax owed in Thailand, but it doesn’t mean you don’t have to file and you may have further tax to pay.

Question 15

Is pension income received from January 2024, immediately deposited into a savings account, and now (April 2024) being transferred to Thailand, subject to taxation?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

This is classed as assessable income if it is remitted to Thailand at anytime in the future.

Question 16

Money that was your income ten years ago, which was subsequently saved and is now being transferred to Thailand, will it be subject to taxation?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Income paid into the account from 1 January 2024 onwards will be classed as assessable income if remitted to Thailand.

Question 17

What is the Thai Revenue Department's definition of expatriate "savings" brought into Thailand, especially when these savings historically originated as "income"?  If I receive a private pension from the UK and deposit the entire amount into a bank savings account in Thailand, how long must it remain in the savings account for the Thai Revenue Department to classify it as "savings" and not as income? This is important because you mentioned that "savings" transferred to Thailand (excluding interest/dividends) are not considered "income" and are therefore not taxable.

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

If you were a Thai tax resident when the income was paid into the account, then if you remit this into Thailand at any time in the future, this is liable for income tax in the year it is remitted. This started from 1st January 2024 onwards.

Question 18

Are share sales into UK bank account with some of proceeds spent in Thailand using Wise taxable?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Share sales into UK bank account transferred to Thailand using Wise are assessable for tax on the capital gains. You can use any capital gains tax paid in the UK as a credit

Question 19

Are UK defined contribution pension pot occasional drawdowns taxable in Thailand?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

UK defined contribution pensions are assessable income in Thailand if remitted. You can use any UK tax paid as a credit.

Question 20

Are UK defined benefit company pensions taxable in Thailand?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

UK defined benefit company pension are assessable income in Thailand if remitted. (You can use any tax paid as a credit.

Question 21

Is the UK state pension taxable in Thailand?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

The UK state pension is considered assessable income in Thailand if remitted. You can use any tax paid as a credit.

Question 22

Unless the Revenue Department clarifies its rules regarding the sale of a foreigner's home, many foreigners may hesitate to retire permanently in Thailand.

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

The rules are clear if you are a Thai tax resident then you are liable for capital gains tax on the property, depending on the DTA.

Question 23

Has the Revenue Department's interpretation of Section 41 changed to make foreign income taxable regardless of when it is transferred to Thailand? However, does Section 41 only apply if you are a tax resident of Thailand at the time the income is earned?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Correct, if you are non-tax resident at the time of sale, then this can be remitted to Thailand without a tax implication

Question 24

If a Thai tax resident remits pre-2024 savings, will they be taxed in later years?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

No, pre-2024 savings remain non-taxable if remitted in future years, provided proper records are maintained.

Question 25

If I don’t remit my German income to Thailand, do I still have to pay Thai tax?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

No, under Thailand’s remittance basis of taxation, only income remitted into Thailand in the same year it is earned is taxable. Income left overseas is not taxed in Thailand. However, starting from 2024, any income earned in that year and remitted in the same year becomes taxable. Pre-2024 savings remain exempt regardless of when remitted.

Question 26

How are capital gains from Germany treated if I live in Thailand?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Capital gains from the sale of property or shares in Germany are usually taxable in Germany. If you remit the gains to Thailand, you may also face Thai taxation under the remittance rule, but you can typically offset this with a tax credit for German tax already paid. Want to dive deeper into how the Thailand–Germany DTA affects you? Watch our webinar for clear, practical tax planning tips for German expats

Question 27

What about private pensions, savings, and investments from Germany - asr they taxable in Thailand?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Private pensions, dividends, interest, and other investment income may be taxable in Thailand if you are a Thai tax resident and remit the income into Thailand in the same year it is earned (post-2024 rules). If German tax is already paid, you may claim a foreign tax credit in Thailand. Learn more about the Thailand–Germany DTA in our full webinar here.

Question 28

Do payments made in Thailand count as remittance if paid directly to schools, landlords, or a Thai spouse’s account?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Yes. Any funds spent in Thailand from foreign income—whether paid to a school, a landlord, or transferred to a Thai spouse—count as remittance if you are a tax resident. These amounts must be included in your Thai tax return.

Question 29

If I remit only part of my income, is only that portion taxed?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Yes. Thailand taxes only the foreign income that you remit or spend in Thailand. For example, if you earn $50,000 abroad but remit only $25,000, then Thai tax is calculated only on the $25,000.

Question 30

How is profit from a foreign trading account taxed?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

It is not the whole account profit that is taxed, but the gains on assets you sell and remit into Thailand. For example, if you sell shares for a gain and remit the proceeds, the gain portion is taxable in Thailand. Accurate records of cumulative gains are essential for compliance.

Question 31

Is crypto or investment income taxed for DTV holders?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Yes, crypto and investment income can be taxed for DTV visa holders if they are tax residents. Residents pay tax on Thai-sourced income and foreign income brought into Thailand, which includes capital gains or dividends derived from cryptocurrency. Mining income is also taxable.

For more information on cryptocurrency taxation in Thailand, please visit this link. Thailand has announced a five-year exemption on cryptocurrency gains; however, as of July 2025, this has not been confirmed. Under the proposal, the exemption will only apply to gains on licensed Thai exchanges.

If you would like to be kept up to date on this and other tax news, subscribe to our alerts here.

Question 32

Is foreign income taxed in Thailand for DTV visa holders?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Foreign income is taxed for DTV visa holders who have stayed in Thailand for more than 180 days in a calendar year qualifying them as tax residents. If this is you, you are taxed on assessable foreign income that you bring into the country. Assessable income encompasses a broad range, including income from employment, freelance work, capital gains, rental income and intellectual property. For more information, see our article on the tax implications of the DTV visa or book a call with our team to discuss your personal circumstances.

Question 33

Do DTV visa holders have to pay taxes in Thailand?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

DTV visa holders pay taxes in Thailand if they are tax residents. You become a tax resident if you stay 180 days or more in a calendar year. Tax residents pay income tax sourced in Thailand. They also pay on foreign income brought into Thailand. The tax rates are progressive, ranging from 0% to 35%. Non-residents pay tax only on income from Thailand, which includes income from local jobs or businesses. Remote work for foreign firms is not taxed if remitted into Thailand. For more information, see our article on the tax implications of the DTV visa or book a call with our team to discuss your circumstances.

Question 34

Can you confirm that my UK military disablement pension is not taxable? ( Article19 of DTA?)

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

We are happy to confirm that UK military disblement pension and all UK government service pensions are excluded from tax in Thailand. They are not assessable income and do not have to be declared on a tax return. We advise keeping relevany documents to hand in the event you are asked.

Question 35

Can money remitted specifically to buy condos be exempt from taxation?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

No, remittance exemptions for property purchases are not available. Taxation depends on the source of funds.

Question 36

Can you sell your home in one country, become a tax resident in Thailand, and then transfer the sale proceeds all within the same calendar year? For instance, could you sell your home in Australia in January 2025, move to Thailand in May 2025, and transfer the proceeds in June 2025?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

This would potentially cause the assets capital gains to be assessable income. You will need to check the DTA to see how properties are treated for tax purposes.

Question 37

What are the filing obligations for someone staying less than 180 days in Thailand?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Foreign income remitted during non-residency (less than 180 days) is not taxable.

Question 38

What are the tax implications for interest income remitted from South Africa?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Interest income is taxable if remitted, but the original capital from bank deposits is not taxable.

Question 39

If taxed Thai-earned income is sent abroad and later remitted, is it taxed again?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

In this case, only gains, such as interest earned abroad, are taxable.

Question 40

Is US Social Security income taxable in Thailand?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

No, under the US-Thailand DTA, Social Security income is not taxable in Thailand.

Question 41

How does Thailand's remittance tax apply to crypto trading?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

If the trading is conducted outside Thailand, tax applies on gains on assets sold and brought into Thailand.

Question 42

Are UK university teachers' pensions tax-exempt under the Double Taxation Agreement (DTA)?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Yes, under the UK-Thailand DTA, teachers' pensions are not assessable income in Thailand. This applies to other government services pensions as well.

Question 43

Is offshore income earned before becoming a Thai tax resident taxable when remitted?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Offshore income earned before becoming a Thai tax resident (e.g., pre-2024 savings) is not taxable in Thailand if the cash was held before the residency start date. Accurate records must be maintained to prove the source of funds.

Question 44

Are foreign government defence pensions taxed in Thailand?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Generally, defence/military pensions are taxed in the originating country if a Double Tax Agreement (DTA) with Thailand explicitly excludes them from Thai taxation. Countries like the US, Australia, the UK, Canada, and most EU countries typically include such exclusions.

Question 45

If my only income is a foreign government pension which is only taxable in the foreign country (double tax agreement) do I still need to file taxes?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

No you do not have to file a tax return for non-assessable income.

Question 46

I receive a monthly pension of about 38,000 THB from UNICEF and rent my house for 12,000 THB per month. This is my only income. I have a 1-year visa that I renew annually with a bank deposit of 800,000 THB.  What will my tax obligations be?"

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

This depends if your UNICEF pension is tax exempt in Thailand. This is not in the revenue code and you will have to get written confirmation that this is tax exempt. We can help you obtain this / ask for this is you wish.

Question 47

If I bring money into Thailand from accumulated capital, is that tax payable?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

If you have investments and have not made a profit, so there is only capital and no gain, you can potentially remit that into Thailand without any tax implication or obligation. It is best to check this with a tax advisor before remitting the funds if you are unsure. Learn more about assessable foreign-sources income here

Question 48

What is the tax on selling a house in Thailand?

Accepted Answer

In Thailand, the tax implications of selling a house can vary based on several factors, including the duration of ownership and the type of property. Generally, sellers are subject to several potential taxes: Transfer Fee (2% of the registered value), Stamp Duty (0.5% unless exempt, in which case a Specific Business Tax of 3.3% applies), Withholding Tax (calculated at a flat rate of 15% of the assessed or actual selling price for corporations, or under a progressive income tax rate for individuals), and Capital Gains Tax, which is often considered under the Withholding Tax for individuals. The exact tax liability can depend on whether the seller is a company or an individual, the length of property ownership, and any applicable exemptions or deductions. It's advisable for sellers to consult with a tax professional to understand their specific tax obligations and potential exemptions that may apply to their situation.

Question 49

Are capital gains taxed in Thailand?

Accepted Answer

In Thailand, capital gains are subject to taxation, but the specifics depend on the nature of the gain and the taxpayer. Generally, capital gains earned by individuals from the sale of shares and property are subject to personal income tax, with rates varying from 0% to 35% based on the individual's total annual income. However, for residents, capital gains from securities traded on the Stock Exchange of Thailand are exempt from tax. Capital gains from overseas investments are taxed if remitted into Thailand.

Question 50

Are dividends taxed in Thailand?

Accepted Answer

Yes, dividends are taxed in Thailand. The rate of taxation can vary depending on whether the recipient is a resident or non-resident individual or a corporation, as well as other factors such as the source of the dividend income. Generally, for individual shareholders, dividends received from Thai companies are subject to a withholding tax, which may be credited against their personal income tax liability. Dividends from overseas are taxable if remitted to Thailand.

Question 51

If I am a Thai tax resident, and I buy a plane ticket whilst overseas with my overseas credit card, should I declare this?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

This is dependent on which airline is used. If booked through a Thai airline and paid through a Thai office, then this is remittance of foreign-sourced income and is taxable.

Question 52

Are stock options received into Thailand taxable?

Accepted Answer

Yes, these are taxable if remitted to Thailand. You are taxed on the capital gains.

Question 53

I am an Australian living in Thailand with a retirement visa. Funds are transferred as I require THB800,000 annually which I live off. I draw this from an account in Hong Kong. What do I need to do?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

This is dependent on the source of the income, whether it’s from assets like pension, income, investments, or capital gains. This is important so you can know if you have to file a tax return.

Question 54

I live in Bangkok and work remotely for a European company. My paycheck is sent to my bank in my home country. I plan to pay taxes on my income in Thailand as I’m exempt from paying tax in home country. If I bring the European income into Thailand, will it be taxed again?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

As you are exempted from the income tax in your home country, its likely all of the income is taxable as earned income in Thailand. If the work was conducted while residing in Thailand, it is likely that all of the income is taxable.

Question 55

As a tax resident of Thailand, how are my investments with interactive brokers (personal account) treated for tax purposes? Am I only required to pay tax on the funds that I transfer into Thailand, and are there other tax implications to be aware of?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

This is a general overseas investment account. You will be potentially taxed on funds that are remitted to Thailand. You are taxed on the capital gains. If you do not remit the funds to Thailand, they are not liable for tax in Thailand and do not need to be declared. If you do remit the funds to Thailand,and there have been capital gains, this needs to be declared on your tax return.

Question 56

Is all remittance that we bring into Thailand treated as income, or is it defined and proven that incoming funds are savings?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

How funds are treated depends on the source of the money remitted. Not all money remitted into Thailand is treated as income. This depends on whether the money was in the bank before becoming a tax resident and also if it was from non-income tax sources like inheritance for example.

Question 57

What can you advise online English teachers who transfer money in from overseas, is this taxable?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

If the money earned online by a Thai tax resident was conducted while living in Thailand, it is fully taxable as foreign-sourced income regardless if it was remitted or not. It needs to be declared on the tax return.

Question 58

I live off my investment income that has been previously taxed in my home country: regional capital dividends, interest, capital gains. Will they attribute the funds, between capital dividends and capital gains?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

It is up to you to go through these funds and calculate what are the capital gains, dividends and interests on those assets. You need to keep clear records for each asset type. Remember it is up to the tax payer to prove what the source of remittance is from and how they are to be taxed. Read our A Guide to Understanding Assessable Foreign-Sourced Income in Thailand to learn more.

Question 59

I've come across this article. As of 1 January B.E.2567 (2024) the Revenue Department has enforced its department instruction P. 161/2566 to tax any Thai citizen or Foreigner with Thai residency who receives an income within Thailand. Sources of income earned outside of Thailand are excluded from taxation.

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

This article just means that Thailand is a remittance tax basis.. which means you're only taxed on assets transferred to Thailand. If they are earned outside and not remitted (transferred in) then they are potentially not taxable, depending on the type of income.

Question 60

I have savings that had been invested or earned interest in a UK bank. When I bring this back into Thailand am I bringing in already taxed savings I earned in Thailand or am I deemed to be bringing in subsequent investment gain that might be taxable?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Fixed deposits are taxed on the capital gains that have been made and what percentage of the gains are remitted into Thailand. You will have to declare this on your tax return. There maybe tax credits available if tax has been paid in the other jurisdiction, depending on the DTA between that country and Thailand.

Question 61

I have an Australian superannuation account. The capital amount in it was earned years ago (I have been retired for 7 years) and only grows by investment income, not contributions. Because some of this was pre-2024, does this mean the income was accrued before I became a tax resident, and what is actually assessable?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

If you are a Thai tax resident, it is only remittance that becomes assessable. If funds are left overseas, they are not taxed in Thailand. However, if funds are remitted into Thailand, it is potentially taxable. There are no exemptions for pensions for pre-2024 values. You can find detailed guidance on what constitutes assessable income here.

Question 62

If the value of gold goes up, does that become taxable income? If the value goes down, will it be a deduction?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

This is dependent on where and how the gold is held. It is potentially taxable if it’s overseas in an investment account and you have a gold ETF. If it makes a profit and you sell that asset and remit into Thailand, you will be taxed on capital gains. You cannot use losses to offset future gains or for other assets or asset classes. There maybe tax credits available if tax has been paid in the other jurisdiction, depending on the DTA between that country and Thailand. Learn more about tax assessable foreign-sources income here

Question 63

Can you clarify the tax treatment in Thailand for capital gains from publicly traded foreign equities?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Foreign equities, like capital gains on overseas investments, are taxed on the capital gains on the structure since you have held it, not since you have become a Thai tax resident. Learn more about tax assessable foreign-sources income here

Question 64

Does the new legislation include capital gains on overseas investments that are realised and the funds brought into Thailand?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Any funds remitted into Thailand from investments are taxed on the capital gains within the structure, since the start of the structure. This needs to be filed on the tax return and evidence provided. There maybe tax credits available if tax has been paid in the other jurisdiction, depending on the DTA between that country and Thailand.

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