Taxability

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. 

Thai tax residents are liable for tax on foreign sourced income if remitted to Thailand. From January 1, 2024, new tax rules apply to income from outside Thailand. If you’re a Thai tax resident and you bring in more than 120,000 THB (or 220,000 THB for married couples) from foreign retirement income to Thailand, you will need to file a Thai tax return. You do get Thai allowances and deductions, and can potentially use tax paid on that retirement income as a tax credit against tax owed in Thailand, but this depends on the specific DTA between the jurisdication where your retirement pension is based and Thailand.

Learn more about tax filing requirements for expats in Thailand by listening to this short podcast. 

Yes, UK pensions are subject to taxation in Thailand if you are a Thai Tax resident, which is defined as someone living in Thailand for 180 days or more in a calendar year. Thailand taxes residents on foreign sourced income remitted to Thailand. This includes UK pensions. If you transfer the UK pension to Thailand it is taxable. However, there is a double taxation agreement (DTA) between the UK and Thailand, which aims to prevent the same income from being taxed in both countries. This agreement may allow for some relief or exemptions, depending on the nature of the pension and other individual circumstances. It is advisable to consult with a tax professional to understand how the DTA applies to your specific situation and to ensure compliance with both UK and Thai tax laws. If it is a State pension or private pension, these are both taxable in Thailand. You can use any tax paid already as a credit against any tax owed in Thailand.

Learn more about Double Tax Agreements for expats in Thailand by watching our video here. 

It does not matter what year the funds are remitted, but rather if you were a Thai tax resident when the income was earned. If you are a Thai tax resident in 2024 with UK income that is not remitted to Thailand, and you remit it in 2026, then it is potentially taxable in Thailand.

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

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

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

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.