Question 1

I am married to a Thai and currently live in Aust. but we want to build a house house on land we already have and move over to Thailand. Is savings transferred to Thailand taxable. I have no super involved here, the savings is what we live on. the other option is we spend Australia winter in Thailand {less than 180 days} the rest back in Aust. I understand no tax to be paid if under 180 days.

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

It depends on the source of the savings. Cash In the bank from pre-2024 can be remitted to Thailand and isnt assessable income.

Question 2

Do I need a Thai Tax Identification Number (TIN) if I remit pre-2024 savings?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

No, as long as remitted funds can be proven to be pre-2024 savings and not foreign-sourced income like pensions or salaries, you do not need a TIN or to file a tax return.

Question 3

Can I claim allowances for stepchildren on my Thai tax return?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

If you are legally married and the biological parent is not claiming the children as dependents, you can claim allowances for up to three stepchildren.

Question 4

Do I need to pay tax on money I earned in Thailand, sent overseas, and then brought back?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

No, as long as you can prove the money originated from income earned in Thailand and was not treated as taxable income after being sent overseas. Only the gains or interest earned on the money while overseas would be taxable.

Question 5

If I move to Thailand in late 2024 and remit savings I had in the bank from before I became a Thai tax resident (in 2025), is it taxable?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

If the savings were accumulated before becoming a Thai tax resident, they are not taxable when remitted. Maintain clear records to prove the source of the funds.

Question 6

Is income from a UK state pension taxable in Thailand?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

UK state pensions are taxable in Thailand if remitted. However, the exact tax treatment depends on the amount remitted due to Thailand’s allowances and deductions, which could mean you have to file but not have tax to pay. If you have less than THB220,000 remitted in a calendar year and are married, or less than THB120,000 if you are single, you do not need to file a Thai tax return for your UK state pension. If it is above these limits then you do, regardless if you have tax to pay or not.

Question 7

Do I need to file a Thai tax return if I transfer less than 220,000 THB into Thailand annually?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

It depends on your situation. If you're a Thai tax resident (staying in Thailand for 180 days or more per year), you only need to file a Thai tax return if:

You have domestic income (e.g., rental property or salary).
You remit foreign-sourced income (e.g., pensions, capital gains, or dividends) above certain thresholds. For married individuals, pensions under 220,000 THB are exempt. For singles, the threshold drops to 120,000 THB for pensions. Other income types have lower thresholds. Tags: Filing Requirements, Tax Residency, Pension, Taxable Income, Foreign-Sourced Income

Question 8

As a tax resident, I believe you must file if you have Assessable Income over 120,000 thb.  I understand certain countries (Canada for one) pensions brought into Thailand are ‘not taxable’ in Thailand…So does this suggest these pensions are Not Assessable Income?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Yes this is correct, Canadian pensions are not taxable in Thailand and do not need to be filed on a tax return. You still keep your 120k limit

Question 9

I will not stay in Thailand for more than 180 days this year, may I have my foreign sourced income paid directly into my Thai Bank account and remain Tax Exempt.

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

If the work was not conducted In Thailand then as a non-Thai tax resident you can transfer to Thailand without any tax liability

Question 10

Is the 800000 Non O retirement Visa money subject to taxation?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

If you are a Thai tax resident (180 days or more) And transfer in or spend on an ATM any funds from overseas that are classed as foreign sourced income, then this is potentially taxable. It doesn't matter what the money is used for. I recommend you watch our videos on this subject or podcasts which explain what is classed as taxable transfers

Question 11

Can pre-2024 savings be remitted tax-free in later years?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Yes, pre-2024 cash savings can be remitted tax-free in subsequent years if proper documentation is maintained.

Question 12

If I transfer monies now and can show my Australian bank statement it was from actual savings that were in my account in December 2023 so before 1st Jan 2024 will the money still be subject to tax?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

If the money is in the bank from previous tax years, this can be remitted (transferred) to Thailand anytime In the future without a tax liability.

Question 13

Does Thai tax revenue recognise a spouse under a de facto relationship. Not married but living together for many years?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Thailand only recognises married couples for tax allowances and deductions.

Question 14

Paying for International school fees can be costly.... if i remit the funds directly to the school bank account is  that amount part of my taxable income?? As the receiving bank similar to question 1 is not myself (not reflected on statement in Bangkok Bank) but the schools. These are significant amounts with schooling costing 300,000 THB + per child then quickly reaching higher tax brackets, the tax relief per child is tiny as it doesn't factor in those sending funds covering Intl schools!

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

You get the child allowances already in your tax return. If you remit foreign sourced income to the school for school fees or any other purpose to anyone in Thailand, it is assessable income and potentially taxable, even if you send to a third party.

Question 15

I have funds in GBP held in a GBP Bangkok Bank account that were transferred in GBP before 1 January 2024. As and when those funds are exchanged from GBP to THB and transferred to my Bangkok Bank THB account during 2024, will those THB remain free of Thai Tax?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

The date of remittance (transfer to Thailand) is when the funds were sent to Bangkok Bank. As this was before January 2024 then this is the date you use, if you convert the currency afterwards then that does not affect or impact this.

Question 16

My wife and I are over 65 what is our tax allowance, I read I get a THB190k exemption is that on top of my allowance?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

The 190k is on top of the 60k personal allowance.

The spouse allowance is if they are not working and you want to file jointly.

So if you and your wife are over 65

190k
60k
60k

THB310k of assessable income can be remitted before the tax brackets.

Plus any other deductions or allowances (like Thai medical insurance)

Then the first 150k is tax exempt. So you can in effect bring in 460k THB of foreign sourced income or assessable income and not pay tax.

You do have to file if the income is greater than 220k jointly.

Question 17

Could I reduce my tax liability by sending my pension money from my bank in Austria to Thailand in separate transfers, such as 900,000 THB to my account and 300,000 THB to my wife's account, and filing separate tax returns?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

If the source of the funds is your personal pension, then by remitting the funds to your wifes Thai account, it doesn’t cause a tax implication for your wife, but still for you who remitted the funds.

Your tax return would need to include both the transfers to your Thai account and to your wife's Thai account. You cannot simply pass the 300k on to your wife's personal income tax.

Question 18

If the new regulation only applies to income earned in 2024, it has been suggested that providing a bank statement from December 31, 2023, showing a cash balance, should suffice to remit this balance into Thailand. Now, assuming I have a cash balance covering at least two years of expenses in Thailand, do I simply submit this English-language bank statement from a US bank as part of my tax filing next year, or are there additional steps required?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

I recommend you keep the bank statement as you mentioned on your file and don’t transfer any other potentially taxable assets into this account (keep it clean with non-taxable assets) this was it makes reporting and transferring to Thailand simpel and easy to trace.

Question 19

As a 56-year-old US citizen with a retirement visa, if I have cash in a US account (with taxes paid), can prove it was there before Thai law changed, and plan to move it to Thailand later, what steps can I take to avoid taxation in Thailand?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Please obtain a bank statement showing the account balances at 31st December 2023. This cash can then be potentially remitted to Thailand without any tax implications if it was pre-2024. Always put on the remittances ‘pre2024 savings. Keep good records as you can be audited for up to 10 years.

Question 20

I have an international medical insurance policy, can I use this a deductible?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

No. Only Thai registered medical insurance plans, can be used as a tax deductible.

Question 21

What are the tax implications if I stay more than 180 days on a DTV visa?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

If you stay over 180 days in a calendar year on a DTV visa, you become a tax resident. You must pay personal income tax on income earned in Thailand and foreign income brought into Thailand. This includes remote work salaries or freelance earnings. If you have to file, as a tax resident you will be entitled to fully claim Thai tax allowances Book a call with our team if you have further questions

Question 22

Is there really a two-year tax exemption for DTV visa holders?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

No. Although there has been speculation online about a potential two-year exemption, nothing has been confirmed by the Revenue Department or published in the Royal Gazette. As of now, no such exemption exists.

Question 23

What happens if I did not file taxes in prior years while staying in Thailand on a DTV visa?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

If you qualified as a tax resident but did not file, you may need to file back tax returns. The Thai Revenue Department can audit filings going back 5 years, and in cases of suspected fraud, up to 10 years. Penalties include a surcharge of 1.5% per month on unpaid tax and fines of up to 200% of the tax owed. Our back tax filing service can help you get up to date and compliant.

Question 24

How does self-employment affect taxes on DTV visa?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

If you’re self-employed on a DTV visa and a tax resident (staying 180+ days in a calendar year), you pay personal income tax on Thai-sourced income and foreign income brought into Thailand, such as freelance earnings. Tax rates range from 0-35%. Self-employed income, such as client payments, is taxed after deductions, including a ฿60,000 personal allowance and business expenses (up to 50% of the income, depending on the type of work). You may also be able to claim tax credits under a Double Tax Treaty. If you stay in Thailand for less than 180 days in a year, you are not a tax resident and do not have to file unless you have income sourced in Thailand. We have more detailed information on the tax for DTV visa holders here

Question 25

Can I claim deductions or allowances on Thai taxes while on DTV?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Yes, DTV visa holders can claim deductions and allowances on Thai taxes if they are tax residents (staying 180+ days in a calendar year). You get a standard personal allowance of ฿60,000. There are many other common allowances and deductions; full details are available here. If you would like to calculate your potential tax bill, our team will be happy to help, book a call to discuss here.

Question 26

What is the tax rate for income under DTV visa?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

DTV visa holders are subject to the same tax rules as other tax residents if they remain in Thailand for more than 180 days in any year. You are taxed on any Thai-sourced income and any overseas income that you bring into Thailand. After applicable allowances and deductions, you are progressively taxed at rates ranging from 0% to 35%. The table below shows the Thailand's progrssove tax bands. Table displaying Income Tax Rates for Expats in Thailand

Table displaying Income Tax Rates for Expats in Thailand

You can find all the relevant information on rates, allowances and deductions here.

Question 27

How do I file taxes in Thailand as a DTV visa holder?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

As a DTV visa holder, you only file taxes if you’re a tax resident (staying 180+ days in a calendar year). First, you will need to get a Tax ID Number and then file an annual tax return in April of the following year. If you rent out a property overseas for income, you may also need to file a half-year return in September.

We have more detailed information on the tax for DTV visa holders here

Question 28

What happens tax-wise if I exceed 180 days on DTV?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

If you stay over 180 days in a calendar year on a DTV visa, you become a tax resident. You must apply for a Tax ID Number and file an annual tax return. You pay personal income tax on income earned in Thailand and foreign income brought into Thailand. Double Taxation Agreements may offer credits to avoid paying tax twice. We recommend you speak to our team to fully understand your personal tax situation. Book a call, they will be happy to help.

Question 29

Are there tax exemptions for DTV visa holders, similar to those for LTR visa holders?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

No, DTV visa holders do not receive tax exemptions, unlike those on the Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa. They are a different type of visa. You only pay tax with a DTV visa if you spend more than 180 days in Thailand in a year. You can read more information on tax and the DTV visa here.

Question 30

Do digital nomads need to pay tax in Thailand?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Digital nomads in Thailand, such as those holding a DTV visa, are required to pay tax if they are deemed tax residents. You become a tax resident by staying 180 days or more in a calendar year. Residents pay personal income tax on Thai-sourced income and foreign income brought into Thailand, like remote work earnings. For more information, we have a more detailed article on tax and the DTV visa here.

Question 31

If a retiree is a Thai tax resident but has no income for a year, is that person still required to lodge a tax return for the year? Similarly, if a retiree is not a tax resident - as he spends more than 180 days overseas +- and has no income is that person required to lodge a tax return?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

If you have no income, then you do not need to file a tax return, even if you are in Thailand more than 180 days. If you spend less than 180 days in Thailand, then even if you do have foreign sourced income paid into Thailand, you do not need to file a tax return.

Question 32

What documents are required to obtain a Thai Tax Identification Number (TIN)?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

A passport, proof of address, visa details, and income documentation are required. The TIN can be applied for online or in person. Please see our TIN service for fast, simple, stress-free online process.

Question 33

Should spouses with separate incomes file jointly or separately?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

If both have income, they must file separately, as joint filing is allowed only when one spouse has no income.

Question 34

Can I claim allowances for stepchildren?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Yes, allowances are permitted for stepchildren if no other parent claims them and you are legally married to their parent.

Question 35

Are proceeds from a UK house sale remitted to Thailand taxable?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

if the sale occurred before becoming a Thai tax resident, the proceeds are not taxable. If the sale is conducted while a tax resident, they are taxable if brought into Thailand. We would recommend that you get professional advice before remitting proceeds from a property sale. More on property here

Question 36

Do I need to file a tax return if I remit pre-2024 savings of £2,750,000 to Thailand?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

If the funds are proven to be pre-2024 savings, there is no need to file a tax return. Proper documentation (e.g., first-in, first-out records) is essential.

Question 37

Does using a foreign credit card paid with non-taxable income trigger taxation?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

No, provided the card is cleared using pre-taxed or non-assessable income.

Question 38

Is it true that remittances to Thailand below 220,000 baht annually do not require a tax ID or tax return?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

If you are a Thai tax resident, you need to file a tax return only if:

You have domestic income, e.g., rental income or salary.
You remit foreign-sourced income exceeding ฿220,000 (married) or ฿120,000 (single).

Question 39

Is using a foreign credit/debit card in Thailand subject to tax scrutiny?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Yes, if used to evade taxes (e.g., paying off the card with untaxed offshore income). Following the spirit of Thai tax rules is essential to avoid penalties if audited.

Question 40

Do I need to file a tax return if no cash has been remitted from offshore?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Filing is unnecessary unless you have domestic income (e.g., rental income) or remitted foreign-sourced income while residing in Thailand.

Question 41

Like many expatriates, I have financial savings in bank accounts in my home country. It was recommended to make a list of your savings at the end of 2023. Are these saving regarded as revenue for tax in Thailand?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

It is prudent to make sure that you aqcuire bank statements as of the 31st December 2023. You can then show in the future that this account is from before the rule changes. It is also important that you do not add new money into this account which is taxable, as it is then difficult to distinguish between non-taxable and taxable assets.

Question 42

What is the personal tax allowance in Thailand?

Accepted Answer

In Thailand, the personal tax allowance system incorporates a range of deductions and allowances aimed at reducing taxable income for individuals, including both residents and foreign residents. Standard allowances include personal and spouse allowances of 60,000 Baht each, provided the spouse does not file their own return. Additionally, there is a 30,000 Baht allowance for each child, with an extra 30,000 Baht for the second child born in or after 2018. Deductions for the care of dependent parents or a disabled or incapacitated person offer 30,000 Baht and 60,000 Baht respectively. For employment income, a standard deduction of 50% up to 100,000 Baht is permitted. Other specific deductions cover life and health insurance premiums, contributions to retirement and savings funds, mortgage interest, and charitable contributions, among others. Notably, the system also allows for tax deductions related to health insurance premiums, including premiums for the taxpayer and their parents, with varying limits. The detailed structuring of these allowances and deductions is designed to offer tax relief based on personal circumstances and financial commitments.

Question 43

Do retired expats pay taxes in Thailand?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

If you remain in Thailand for 180 days or more in a calendar year, retired expats are classes as Thai tax residents. Depending on the source of income for anything remitted to Thailand, they could be liable for taxes in Thailand. You can find out more about tax residency rules in Thailand by listening to a short podcast here.

Question 44

What is the income rental tax in Thailand?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

In Thailand, if you earn money by renting out property, you have to pay income tax on that rental income. This tax is progressive, meaning it can range from 0% to 35%, based on your total yearly income, including what you make from renting out property. For renting out non-residential properties, you might also need to pay a business tax called the House and Land Tax, which is 12.5% of the property's annual rent or its assessed value, whichever is more. Property owners must report their rental earnings each year and pay the necessary taxes to the Thai Revenue Department. Keeping precise records of rental income and related costs is crucial to comply with Thai tax regulations.

Question 45

What is the tax exemption threshold in Thailand?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

In Thailand, the 2024 tax exemption threshold is ฿150,000 for both residents and non-residents. Tax rates range from 5% to 35% for income above this level. A standard personal allowance of THB60,000 also applies. Thai tax residency is generally determined by physical presence, with those staying in Thailand for 180 days or more in a tax year typically qualifying as residents. You can find out more about Thailand's tax rates, allowances and deductions here or if you prefer to listen to a short podcast here

Question 46

I am currently living and working in Thailand and spend over 180 days here per year. I have an extra source of income from online work but do not have a work permit. What should I do?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

If you have an overseas salary or fees for work conducted in Thailand, they must be declared, and tax paid on this overseas income.

Question 47

I am 70 with an ‘O’ visa and have been living in Thailand for 5 years. I receive my pensions every month to a Swiss bank account. These pensions are tax free as I am not a resident in Switzerland. Should I pay taxes if I transfer this money to my Thai bank account?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

This will depend on the double taxation agreement between Switzerland and Thailand. You must check for these specific pensions. If it likely if the money is remitted to Thailand then it must be declared and taxed in Thailand, as you are a Thai tax resident.

Question 48

Is there a new tax on foreigners in Thailand?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

In response to evolving economic conditions, Thailand has introduced a significant tax regulation, effective from 1 January 2024. As announced by the Revenue Department of Thailand, Order No. 16/2023 mandates that Thai tax residents must report and pay income tax on foreign-earned income that is remitted to Thailand. This includes salaries from overseas employment, pensions, investment income such as dividends and capital gains, and rental income from abroad. It is important to note that this change marks a departure from previous tax practices, wherein expatriates were not required to pay Thai income tax on foreign-earned income brought into the country. This rule change affects foreigners and Thai nationals alike and is not a 'new tax on foreigners' Learn more about the Thailand Revenue Department's announcements on foreign sourced income here

Question 49

If I kept my pension in my home country and do not send it over to Thailand, but live off the wealth I earned before 2024, do I still have to tax the pension in Thailand?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Savings in the bank from pre2024 are not a taxable source of income in Thailand. Also you do not have to declare a pension if it is not remitted into Thailand. However, if you do remit that pension, then it becomes a potentially taxable source.

Question 50

What are the rules on other assets owned before 2024? How are stocks considered?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Stocks, investments and pensions are not mentioned in the notable amendment in Order No. P.162/2023. This means they do not follow the pre-2024 rule. For stocks in particular, it does not matter if they were held before 2024 or not. Rather, it depends on the capital gains on the stock since you have owned it. Listen to a short podcast here to learn more about pre-2024 savings in relation to Thailand’s foreign-source income tax.

Question 51

How is my personal income tax calculated in Thailand?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

In Thailand, your personal income tax is calculated based on a progressive tax rate system, where the amount of tax you owe increases as your income rises. This system is divided into several tax bands, each with its own rate ranging from 0% to 35%. Your annual income is assessed and placed into these bands, with each portion of your income within a specific band being taxed at that band's rate. Deductions and allowances, such as those for personal and dependent allowances, are subtracted from your gross income to determine your taxable income. This taxable income is then used to calculate the total amount of tax you owe by applying the corresponding tax rate for each portion of your income that falls within the different tax bands. You can find out more about Thailand's tax rates, allowances and deductions here or if you prefer to listen to a short podcast here

Question 52

All monies we have are savings from before 1 January 2024. When bringing this into Thailand eventually does it require declaring at all or not?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

If the money is remitted from pre-2024 savings, it doesn’t need to be declared or filed because it is not a taxable income source. The notable amendment in Order No. P.162/2023 is the clarification added to the first item of Order No. P.161/2023, which stipulates that the new taxation rule does not affect income earned before 2024. This specific exemption provides a transitional period for taxpayers, allowing them to adapt to the new system without the worry of retrospective taxation.

You can learn more about pre-2024 savings in relation to Thailand’s foreign-source income tax by listening to a short podcast here.

Question 53

I am hearing that any funds I transfer from Canada to my Thai bank accounts is now subject to Taxation in Thailand. I can understand that interest I earn in Canada is taxable, but what about when I move underlying cash that has been in my account in Canada for many years, which has been taxed by Canada in years past?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

If money has been in a bank account since before 1 January 2024 it can be remitted to Thailand at any time in the future without being liable to tax. The notable amendment in Order No. P.162/2023 is the clarification added to the first item of Order No. P.161/2023, which stipulates that the new taxation rule does not affect income earned before 2024. This specific exemption provides a transitional period for taxpayers, allowing them to adapt to the new system without the worry of retrospective taxation.

Question 54

If I bring money into Thailand from income earned before 1 January 2024, is taxable on that money?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

The notable amendment in Order No. P.162/2023 is the clarification added to the first item of Order No. P.161/2023, which stipulates that the new taxation rule does not affect income earned before 2024. This specific exemption provides a transitional period for taxpayers, allowing them to adapt to the new system without the worry of retrospective taxation. Money that is in the bank from 2023 or before can be transferred in the future without any tax liability. Listen to a short podcast here to learn more about pre-2024 savings in relation to Thailand’s foreign-source income tax.

Question 55

What is actually taxable that moves into Thailand: is it everything that is transferred, or is it only certain asset classes?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Not everything that is transferred into Thailand is taxed. Only assets that are classed as foreign-sourced income are liable to tax.

Question 56

I am a UK citizen and taxpayer, fully resident in Thailand, married to a Thai. I have UK pension income, which I put in a UK savings account, and then make occasional (irregular intervals) *gift* Thai baht payments from the UK directly into my wife's bank account. Are international gift transfers between married couples subject to the generous tax-free allowances (THB 20m?) as domestic transfers?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

If it is a legitimate gift that you do not benefit from and you can prove that, then this could be interpreted as a gift under the gift tax rules.nBest practice on gifting should include gifting the assets overseas (not directly into Thailand) and having a gift document drawn up and notarised overseas where the gift is made. This should be translated into Thai and filed in case of an audit in the future.nIf you are not filing a tax return, then the Thai revenue auditors can ask for information going back 10 years. It is recommended that if you are to gift assets, you seek advice as it is more complicated than simply sending money to a third party. Learn more about Gifts and Taxation in Thailand

Question 57

Doesn’t Thailand have a gift tax?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Yes. Gift tax rules are different to income tax rules. Gift tax rules states you may gift 20 million Thai Baht to family members (ascendants and descendants) and 10 million Thai Baht to anyone else wihtout gift tax. The gift tax rate starts at 5% over this. It is recommended that if you are to gift assets, you seek advice as it is more complicated than simply sending money to a third party. You need to ideally have evidence on file that this is a formal gift. Learn more about Gifts and Taxation in Thailand

Question 58

I received a transfer from a family member that was tax paid in the original country. What process should it go through to prove that the tax was paid in the original country?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

This may potentially be classed as a gift. If this was a gift and it will not be returned, you need written evidence of this. It is advisable that you get a gift document drawn up to prove that it is a gift that does not need to be returned. Learn more about Gifts and Taxation in Thailand

Question 59

What is gifting with reservation of benefit?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

If you do benefit from the gift, it is a gift with reservation of benefit. This means that while you’ve gifted the asset away, you’ve continued to benefit from it in some form. This can potentially be classed as remittance of the income, and the gift can be looked at and reassessed in the future. This means that it is very important that gifts are real gifts that are not going to be benefitted from. It is recommended that if you are to gift assets, you seek advice as it is more complicated than simply sending money to a third party. You need to ideally have evidence on file that this is a formal gift. Learn more about Gifts and Taxation in Thailand

Question 60

What are the gifting tax rules in Thailand?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Gifting means you’ll never benefit from the gift or receive the gift back at any time in the future. You can gift up to 20 million Thai Baht to ascendants or descendants in any tax year before gift tax. It is recommended that if you are to gift assets, you seek advice as it is more complicated than simply sending money to a third party. You need to ideally have evidence on file that this is a formal gift. Learn more about gift tax for expats in Thailand here.

Question 61

What is the tax rate for foreign retirees in Thailand?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Starting in 2024, Thailand requires foreign retirees who are tax residents (those staying more than 179 days in a year) to pay taxes on foreign-earned income remitted to Thailand, with rates ranging from 0% to 35% based on the progressive personal income tax scale. This change, which includes pensions, may see taxes levied on these incomes, although Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) between Thailand and many countries can mitigate this, potentially meaning any tax already paid can be credited against any income tax due. Notably, income accumulated in savings in the bank before moving to Thailand won't be taxed if it was before the individual became a tax resident. Given the complexity of these new regulations, it's advisable for foreign retirees to consult with tax professionals to navigate these changes efficiently and ensure compliance with Thai tax laws. You can find out more about Thailand's tax rates, allowances and deductions here or if you prefer to listen to a short podcast here

Question 62

Tax returns can be filed online. I feel like ours would be quite simple. However, to ensure it is error-proof, I may be interested in your organization preparing and filing on our behalf? Would you be in a position to provide me with a rough estimate of the cost (I found an estimate at 7,500THB on your site; is this correct)?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

This depends on what you remit into Thailand and the frequency. If it is one source of income then this will be essential tax filing. If it is multiple sources, then this is THB12,000. Please feel free to book a call using the link at the top of the page to book a call and discuss your requirements further.

Question 63

We will need to file a tax return for the year 2024 between January 1 and March 31, 2025. Should my wife and I file a combined tax return? Should I be the only one filing?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

If you are the only one with income, then file jointly, and use your wifes allowance. This will give you an extra 60,000 THB of allowances.

Question 64

I’m married to a Thai and I live thanks to the wife’s business, my pension remains in Switzerland. My wife pays taxes on the gain of her business. How am I supposed to behave?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

My interpretation is that you do not remit any pension funds from Switzerland. If you do not remit or transfer foreign-sourced income into Thailand, then you do not need to file a tax return.

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