Recent developments from the Thai Revenue Department signal significant changes ahead for expatriates residing in Thailand. The department is drafting legislation to tax the overseas income of individuals residing in Thailand for 180 days or more, aligning with the international principle of worldwide income under the residence rule. Additionally, there is speculation about linking these tax requirements to the application and issuance of long-term visas for expats, which has raised questions about its impact on the expatriate community.

 

1. Is it reasonable to assume the government will link tax compliance to the issuance of long-term visas? Or is this a step too far?

2. How might these changes influence the decision of expatriates to move to or stay in Thailand?

 

The proposed tax legislation and its potential linkage to long-term visa requirements represent a significant shift in the policy landscape for expatriates in Thailand.

 

What are your thoughts on this ?

4 minutes ago, CharlieH said:

which has raised questions about its impact on the expatriate community.

 

Well the answer is in your post.

 

5 minutes ago, CharlieH said:

1. Is it reasonable to assume the government will link tax compliance to the issuance of long-term visas? Or is this a step too far?

 

Yes it is a step too far, and the effects will be clearly visible

It's all just speculation.

Now It's beer o'clock, a large Leo,  thank you. 

 

It would make sense.  If the law requires you to pay tax, why wouldn't you need to show that you're complying in order to remain in the country legally?

9 minutes ago, CharlieH said:

1. Is it reasonable to assume the government will link tax compliance to the issuance of long-term visas?

Yes it is. The best to my knowledge, some countries already have systems in place that require individuals to demonstrate tax compliance as part of the visa or visa extension application process and is likely to become more common as governments streamline tax and immigration policies.

My main concern is the discriminatory approach Thailand has taken regarding tax issues for the relatively new Long-Term Residency (LTR) Visa, compared to existing retirees (over 65) on the one-year visa extension. I personally believe that all retirees over 65 on the visa extension, as well as married couples, should also be included in the current LTR tax scheme.

 

 

I suggested this was an obvious thing to do when these changes were first mooted......and was shot down in no uncertain terms.

 

 

 

 

1 hour ago, CharlieH said:

 

 Additionally, there is speculation about linking these tax requirements to the application and issuance of long-term visas for expats, which has raised questions about its impact on the expatriate community.

 

 

  "There is speculation....." from whom, exactly?  Anyone with Thai government credentials?

 

  

Doesn't this new proposal affect everyone resident in Thailand, Thais included?

e.g. bar girls etc receiving money from their "friends" overseas, won't they also be liable?

3 hours ago, Thailand said:

Doesn't this new proposal affect everyone resident in Thailand, Thais included?

e.g. bar girls etc receiving money from their "friends" overseas, won't they also be liable?

Thais don't need to complete a tax return and don't need a visa/extension to live here; so, no.

5 hours ago, Will B Good said:

 

 

I suggested this was an obvious thing to do when these changes were first mooted......and was shot down in no uncertain terms.

 

 

 

 

It has been discussed ad nauseam in more than 1 of the tax threads which makes me question why the topic was posted in the first instance......

Just how many threads do you need on basically the same subject.......

7 minutes ago, topt said:

It has been discussed ad nauseam in more than 1 of the tax threads which makes me question why the topic was posted in the first instance......

Just how many threads do you need on basically the same subject.......

Exactly..and still nobody knows the answers. Patience.

11 minutes ago, topt said:

It has been discussed ad nauseam in more than 1 of the tax threads which makes me question why the topic was posted in the first instance......

Just how many threads do you need on basically the same subject.......

 

It creates , clicks and that = traffic on the forum.

11 minutes ago, rocketboy2 said:

 

It creates , clicks and that = traffic on the forum.

My comment was somewhat rhetorical...........

3 minutes ago, topt said:

My comment was somewhat rhetorical...........

 

Sorry what did you say. 

6 hours ago, Will B Good said:

 

 

I suggested this was an obvious thing to do when these changes were first mooted......and was shot down in no uncertain terms.

 

 

 

 

 

You were shot down by people who are truly clueless as to how Thailand works. 

 

So this is what's going to happen and I was told this by a visa agent a month ago. Unlike Will B Good I couldn't be bothered posting this at the time. 

 

The visa agent said - it doesn't matter if the government mandates tax paperwork to be included in retirement extensions, immigration will ask anyway. 

 

And naturally, if you can't provide said paperwork, it's tea money time. 

 

As sure as night follows day. People of experience know there is a certain coterie who will feast upon this. 

 

 

On 9/10/2024 at 11:36 AM, Will B Good said:

 

 

I suggested this was an obvious thing to do when these changes were first mooted......and was shot down in no uncertain terms.

 

 

 

 

"Bang bang..." Cher

On 9/10/2024 at 10:30 AM, CharlieH said:

 

Recent developments from the Thai Revenue Department signal significant changes ahead for expatriates residing in Thailand. The department is drafting legislation to tax the overseas income of individuals residing in Thailand for 180 days or more, aligning with the international principle of worldwide income under the residence rule. Additionally, there is speculation about linking these tax requirements to the application and issuance of long-term visas for expats, which has raised questions about its impact on the expatriate community.

 

1. Is it reasonable to assume the government will link tax compliance to the issuance of long-term visas? Or is this a step too far?

2. How might these changes influence the decision of expatriates to move to or stay in Thailand?

 

The proposed tax legislation and its potential linkage to long-term visa requirements represent a significant shift in the policy landscape for expatriates in Thailand.

 

What are your thoughts on this ?

 

If you are on visa with work permit, it has been linked from the beginning.

One friend of mine(IT technician working in BKK )says tax documents needs to be  attached to his visa extension).

If you are on visa without work permit, just wait for what immigration says when you apply for your next extension.

No

You'll know by 2025.  Until then it is useless speculation and fear-mongering.  Kick back, grab a beer, and chill.  Worry about it IF if happens.

Like you said, a step too far, what they can do is leave the folks alone that have to park 400-800k here yearly.........

Yes 100%

21 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Thais don't need to complete a tax return

Why? and where is this exemption for Thais documented? 

13 minutes ago, CANSIAM said:

Like you said, a step too far, what they can do is leave the folks alone that have to park 400-800k here yearly.........

Or tax that too!! 

9 minutes ago, CANSIAM said:

Like you said, a step too far, what they can do is leave the folks alone that have to park 400-800k here yearly.........

 

9 minutes ago, CANSIAM said:

Like you said, a step too far, what they can do is leave the folks alone that have to park 400-800k here yearly.........

I've found in this life that if you're happy and contented, not rich but have enough to get by, law abiding and quiet and inoffensive, someone will attempt to upset your applecart.

3 minutes ago, jippytum said:

Yes 100%

What!? Is that the new tax rate for expats . . . I would believe this. 

19 hours ago, topt said:

rhetorical...........

In what sense “rhetorical”??  It seemed to be more like cynical humour— a very different genre, no? 

7 minutes ago, Unamerican said:

Why? and where is this exemption for Thai’s documented? 

 

Looks like in case of informal employment or the self-employed, tax declaration is voluntary.

At the same time, such people are not covered by govt pension scheme.

 

 

On 9/10/2024 at 10:30 AM, CharlieH said:

What are your thoughts on this ?

If you receive less than your home countries tax allowance then you will not have to pay tax, that is double taxing, and against the DTA Double Taxing Authority international agreements.  Or if you have paid tax already. In My Opinion this is just scare mongering.

Am I allowed my opinion ?

3 minutes ago, Unamerican said:

In what sense “rhetorical”??  It seemed to be more like cynical humour— a very different genre, no? 

In other words it did not need an answer. 

1 minute ago, brianthainess said:

Am I allowed my opinion ?

Only if you're right. At the moment we don't know zilch.