the following is quoted from thaivisa page on tax in Thailand:

". Taxable Person

Taxpayers are classified into "resident" and "non-resident". "Resident" means any person residing in Thailand for a period or periods aggregating more than 180 days in any tax (calendar) year. A resident of Thailand is liable to pay tax on income from sources in Thailand on a cash basis, regardless where the money is paid, as well as on the portion of income from foreign sources that is brought into Thailand. A non-resident is, however, subject to tax only on income from sources in Thailand. "

hmm...

so if I stay longer than 180 days(overall) in a year I become liable for tax on money brought into Thailand from abroad?

seems with all the talk of how to extend visas on the board, that many people fall into this category..does it apply to those on retirement visas also?

Perhaps, without prompting, the Thai authorities may seldom implement this rule...?

I note the 'devil may care' attitude that some advocate on the board..because bending the rules has become commonplace(overstays,working visas,etc)..I just question the wisdom of living with that opinion in times when the present Thai government is determined to tighten rules, and their implementation.

While there seems to be many grey areas in Thai law, and sometimes confused officials, in the end you will either be legal or illegal...balck or white..that judgement eventually,potentially,to be made be a Thai. Probably most people know where they stand in regard to the law....and if not, maybe they better find out.

While there seems to be many grey areas in Thai law, and sometimes confused officials, in the end you will either be legal or illegal.

Gray areas are gray. Time and policy are key.

Current policy as reported by leading accountant firms is that money earned in a previous tax year is not subject to income tax so believe most people live on last years savings and any current income goes into a savings account which they will bring into Thailand and use next year.

The law states that, if you stay over 180 days you are liable for tax on income remitted to Thailand.

However your country of origin may have a reciprocal tax agreement with Thailand, the UK does. Therefore income already taxed in that country will not be taxed again here.

Check Page 8-9 of this document:

http://www.boi.go.th/english/main/Bizzg.pdf

Example of Convention to avoid Double Taxation:

Singapore-Thailand: http://www.iras.gov.sg/tax%20treaties/doc/ThailandDTA.htm

Here is a good list also:

- http://www.mfa.go.th/web/988.php