Thailand Yet to Finalise Policy on Taxing Expats’ Overseas Income

[webfact]

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As the deadline for 2024 personal income tax registration approaches, confusion remains about Thailand’s stance on taxing overseas remittances for expats. Some say international credit card use and transfers could be taxed, yet others find the situation less clear-cut.

 

There's debate around whether anyone in Thailand for over 180 days last year must file a return, but this depends on if they transferred "assessable" income.

 

Benjamin Hart, a notable figure in Thai legal circles, has criticised alarmist advice for expats, particularly concerning those relying on pre-taxed foreign pensions. He suggests consulting Thai tax experts due to no changes in the law, only a fresh interpretation by the Thai Revenue Department (TRD).

 

Some experts believe potential legal actions might arise against these interpretations, though none have surfaced yet.

 

New TRD director general Pinsai Suraswadi emphasised that tax payments hinge on individual income specifics and international treaties. His comments suggest the policy primarily stems from economic pressures, including rising public debt and an ageing populace.

 

Feedback from various provinces highlights inconsistency in TRD office approaches, with assessments differing vastly and discretion seemingly prevailing over standardised rules.

 

Some offices even suggest expats declare income based on the 800,000 baht needed annually for retirement extensions, adjusting tax dues accordingly.

 

Despite ongoing debates, a significant number of expats remain reluctant to engage with the system, banking on double taxation treaties for protection.

 

It's evident the Thai government must urgently revisit and clarify its policies to avert further confusion and ensure fair treatment for all tax residents, reported Pattaya Mail.

 

-- 2025-03-17

 

 

[Gsxrnz]

If I had a choice of volunteering information to the tax man, or slamming my personal appendage in a car door, I'm choosing the latter. 

[quake]

Well that was very informative.

Must be time for that second cup of coffee. 

[JoePai]

Calm down everyone, after many years in Thailand I understand any new legislation takes many years of to and fro 

 

 

[daveAustin]

Pathetic bunch of third world bs. Shove it. Come after me. WE’VE ALREADY BEEN TAXED TO THE HILT!! Want to earn some coin? Tax your beloved Chinese visitors!

[ikke1959]

Let the netizens all fill in the tax forms first.... Most don't pay any tax but can allow expensive cars, holidays, shopping for luxury goods.. Even the youth drive in BMW's and Mercedes... But nobody knows where the money come from. Some people as we could read in the past year had millions in the bank, several houses, and the Revenue department did not know that.. I think there is much more to gain from the netizens, than from the few foreigners.. There will be less and less year after year..Many already are planning to leave or left already. 

[Emdog]

"Some offices even suggest expats declare income based on the 800,000 baht needed annually for retirement extensions, adjusting tax dues accordingly."

My SCB account already takes taxes out... shows as a line 'tx" in my passbook

[hotsun]

Im not giving them a cent. I suggest everyone else does the same

[lordgrinz]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

the Thai government must urgently revisit and clarify its policies to avert further confusion and ensure fair treatment for all tax residents

 

They aren't going to clarify anything, and they don't care about fair treatment, especially as it applies to Expats.

[EVENKEEL]

So, nothing worth reporting gets written.  I find it mildly amusing.

 

 

[redwood1]

17 minutes ago, lordgrinz said:

 

They aren't going to clarify anything, and they don't care about fair treatment, especially as it applies to Expats.

 

I agree I think we have had all the clarifying we will ever get........A big half baked half azz mess suites me just fine....Perfect for me....

 

The writer of this article is very wrong .....Nothing needs to change.....Not now not ever....

[StayinThailand2much]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Some say international credit card use and transfers could be taxed, yet others find the situation less clear-cut.

 

It has been my opinion from the beginning that it will work out like this... - Sorry, Thailand, under these circumstances, no transfers, and no retirement in Thailand by yours truly. Also, using international credit cards only when absolutely necessary. The Thai taxman's gains will be wayyy lower than the financial loss for the Thai economy. 😉 

[Tropicalevo]

Dumb, dumber and dumbest.

 

Dumb - the Thai politicians who came up with this idea.

Dumber - those trying to invent the rules.

Dumbest - the Thai developers who will try and write the software to implement it all.