Before January 1, 2024, a person staying in Thailand for 180 days or more was considered a tax resident but did not need to prove that their income was from the previous year. Why should someone now obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) and file a tax report? Why not continue as before and assume that no foreign income has been transferred to Thailand? How will the automatic exchange of information for tax purposes function?

Thailand joined the Common Reporting Standards (CRS) and Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) agreements. As of September 2023, the Thai Revenue Department can receive information from other CRS-affiliated revenue departments. If audited, you must prove that any money you transferred into Thailand is not taxable income.

If you are required to file a tax return, you must obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN). Non-compliance can result in severe penalties, including a fixed fine, a penalty of up to 200% of the unpaid tax, and an additional 1.5% charge per month on the amount owed.